NCHA News

FORT WORTH – The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) hosted the sold-out 2024 Celebrity Cutting on November 29, presented by Icon Global. This unforgettable evening of high-stakes celebrity competition and excitement was held at Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. Famous actors from Yellowstone, 1923, 1883, and Lioness paired up with NCHA Amateur and Non-Professional riders to raise funds for UT Southwestern Medical Center, Fort Worth, showcasing the spirit of community and excellence the NCHA represents.

The team comprised of actor Ian Bohen, riding Bobs Smart Badger owned by George and Charlene Lane and Non-Pro World Champion Elizabeth Quirk, riding Mighty KD Cat, owned by Brumbaugh Ranches, claimed victory, marking a combined score of 450.5. Close behind, Aminah Nieves, riding Metallic Jack, owned by Lachlan Perks and Gwen Gaughan, aboard Reyckoning, owned by John and Barbara Gaughan, delivered a stellar performance, taking the reserve champion spot with a score of 448.

In addition to the thrilling competition, the event highlighted the deep bonds between the cutting horse community and its supporters. Yellowstone producer and NCHA member Taylor Sheridan shared that his wife and chair of the event, Nicole Sheridan, had been treated through UT Southwestern, making the event near to their heart. 

“The NCHA is proud to collaborate with sponsor Icon Global to produce this extraordinary event. UT Southwestern Fort Worth has been a tremendous support to our cutting community, and it is an honor to give back to them,” said Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the NCHA. “We had cutting horse trainers, UT Southwestern medical staff and patients, celebrities, and fans all cheering for each rider as they entered the herd. It was a privilege to witness such a diverse group of communities coming together.”

“I think this year it was a huge success by all accounts. We had a great number of celebrities attend and were sold out; we were able to raise a lot of money for UT Southwestern,” said NCHA Hall of Famer Lindy Burch. “Everyone had a great time with the VIP Meet and Greet beforehand and enjoyed the competition. It was an extremely competitive event, and the cattle were good. We were very fortunate to have a great list of celebrities, which drew new audiences to the sport of cutting. It was a successful event, and I can’t wait to do it again. Co-chairs for the event, Nicole Sheridan and Kit Moncrief, put together an amazing event along with the NCHA and Icon Global. I hope we can match that enthusiasm each year.”

One of the celebrity competitors, Jessica Paola Pimienta, also commented, “As National ambassador/rodeo queen of Mexico’s national sport, Charreria, bridging our two communities has been crucial. We all stem from the same branch; although we may look different and ride differently, we’re all cowgirls/cowboys. Getting a taste of cutting horses showed me that our greatest strength as horseback riders is the discipline that drives us every day.”

“My whole life I have done drill and reining on side saddle, riding on teams of 8, 16, and 24 girls creating elaborate routines at a gallop. I’ve competed in competitions such as Charras de Acero, the equivalent of Escaramuza Ironman that have put me to the test physically but most importantly mentally,” explained Pimienta. “All of these experiences set a foundation for me to switch over to cutting horses in a short period of time. It is a huge challenge that I am extremely grateful for; being able to learn a new discipline and represent my sport in a whole new environment is an honor. I hope I make Charreria proud and show how capable we are as cowgirls.”

Thank you to all participants, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2024 Celebrity Cutting a resounding success. Together, we celebrated the cutting horse tradition while contributing to a vital cause. A full list of teams can be found HERE.

A special thank you to Icon Global for their prestigious help and support in sponsoring this event. To learn more, please go to https://www.icon.global. 

For more information on the NCHA or upcoming events and schedules, please check out our website at nchacutting.com.

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