NCHA News

FORT WORTH - The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is pleased to announce the candidates for the position of Vice President. The 2025-2026 term candidates are David Costello out of Anna, TX and Jim Gandy out of Frisco, TX.

The Vice President of the NCHA is a vital part of our organization, working hand in hand with the President and fellow board members to influence the bright future of both the NCHA and the thrilling sport of cutting. 

Both candidates bring a wealth of experience in the cutting horse industry and a keen insight into the challenges our members encounter. Their unwavering dedication to the sport shines through, and they are eager to roll up their sleeves! Voting opens on April 21, 2025, and ballots can be cast online or by mail. The voting period ends May 26, 2025, so please be sure to have your votes cast in time. 

The new Vice President will begin their term as Vice President at the conclusion of the 2025 NCHA Convention, held in San Antonio. Members are welcome and encouraged to attend! 

Costello has been a member of the NCHA since 1978 where he has since been recognized in the Members Hall of Fame, participated as a 4A judge, and had deep ties to the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association (PCCHA) where he served as President, dedicated 25 years to being on the Board of Directors, and won multiple championship titles competing at the PCCHA shows. Costello is also a recipient of the Dave McGregor Award, Ed and Modine Smith Award, AZCHA Don Dodge Award, and more. Known for his love and passion towards the cutting industry, Costello and his wife have produced the Outback Cuttings since 2011. Within the NCHA, Costelllo has served as a Director multiple times. 

Gandy has been a part of the NCHA since 1977 where he and his family actively compete. Gandy has been a part of the Long-Ranch Planning Committee (the title of which was changed to Governance, Promotion and Growth Committee, and then to Governance Committee). During that time, Gandy worked on issues with the Governance Committee which included adopting Robert Rules of Order and providing training, adopting job descriptions, developing committee protocols regarding rule changes, eliminating the at-large positions, improving nominating committee procedures, changing legislative powers regarding electronic voting; and a variety of rule changes. Gandy is also a member of the American Cutting Horse Association Members Hall of Fame, where he also served as President, Vice President, and Affiliate President over the years since 1993. 

The NCHA encourages its members to familiarize themselves with each candidate and their qualifications before casting their votes. Members can learn more about the candidates through an upcoming video interview, which will be accessible in the coming weeks through social media. 

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

###

[Reprinting all or part of this press release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the National Cutting Horse Association and a link is provided back to nchacutting.com.]