NCHA News

FORT WORTH - The National Cutting Horse Association proudly announces two Sandy Sokol Secretary of the Year award recipients. This June, recipients will be acknowledged at the 2025 NCHA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Based on NCHA membership nominations and a selection committee, this award is presented each year in recognition and remembrance of the late Sandy Sokol, long-time NCHA show secretary. 

Congratulations to Linda Clark of Enid, Mississippi, and Kim Cox of San Angelo, Texas, for your hard work and dedication to the sport of cutting and our members. 

“It is a great honor to be chosen for the Sandy Sokol secretary of the year award,” explains Linda Clark. “I never dreamed I would be chosen.” She went on to share that “my husband, Greg, started training cutting horses in 1992. I started off helping him with the horses at home and at the shows. We started an unapproved show in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and I was the secretary, doing everything manually.”

In 2006, Clark began the journey as a NCHA-certified secretary. “I have been the show secretary for Central MS CHA in Forest, Mississippi since 2010. I also work with Gwen Coie, a great mentor and friend, at the Augusta Futurity, Cotton Stakes, Southern Cutting Horse Futurity, and Mid-South Club Cutting Memorial Day show.”

For anyone thinking about being a NCHA show secretary, Clark says, “‘go for it!’ I love meeting new people and I have watched many babies grow up and are now very good in the show pen. The job can be very challenging at times, but it is also very fulfilling. I love my cutting family!”

After two decades as a show secretary, Kim Cox reflects on how she first stepped into the position. “I started working as a show secretary when I was working at a facility that started producing NCHA shows.” Presently, Cox secretaries at shows for Bosque Ranch, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the Mane Event, and the Waco Texas Futurity. 

When asked about her feelings on being nominated for the Sandy Sokol Secretary of the Year, Cox said, “I am pleased to be nominated and to know that our cutters appreciate all that we do for them.” Her advice to those looking at becoming a secretary is to “learn about your people and all aspects of this industry so that you can be helpful and provide them with a great experience when they attend your shows.”

Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the NCHA, states, "The importance of the secretary's position in our organization cannot be overstated. They are central to our events, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Their dedication, keen eye for detail, and passion for the sport are essential to the success of our competitions and the satisfaction of our members. We truly value their commitment and effort.”

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

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