NCHA News

FORT WORTH - The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is pleased to announce the candidates for the position of Vice President. The 2026-2027 term candidates are Chase Lackey out of Burlington, North Carolina, and Rock Hedlund out of Wilton, California.

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 20, 2026, and ballots can be cast online or by mail. The voting period ends May 27, 2026, 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 2026 NCHA Convention, held in Las Vegas. Members are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Meet Chase Lackey

Chase Lackey has proudly been a member of NCHA since 2013 and currently serves as a North Carolina Director, a member of the LAE Committee, and Vice President of the Area 18 Cutting Horse Association. A dedicated supporter of the association’s future, he is a long-time sponsor of the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award and hosted the Peach State Futurity Saddle Shootout for the past five years; consistently investing in programs that strengthen participation and elevate visibility of the NCHA. 

Professionally, Chase is a proven entrepreneur and business leader with operations across the Southeast. He has built and managed multiple successful companies, cultivated long-term partnerships, and led teams through disciplined, strategic growth. Known for scaling responsibly while maintaining financial stability, he understands how to balance opportunity with stewardship.

As a ranch owner, equine breeder, and competitor who has shown at every level of NCHA competition; from weekend classes to limited-aged events, and who currently competes in the Non-Pro and Amateur while also having horses being shown in the Open, Chase brings both hands-on industry knowledge and executive-level business experience. This unique combination equips him to make thoughtful, forward-focused decisions that protect the association’s legacy while positioning it for sustained growth.

Meet Rock Hedlund

Rock Hedlund of Wilton, California, has been a member of the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association (PCCHA) and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) since 1978 and is a lifetime member of both organizations. He has served as a PCCHA Board Member for more than 30 years, including serving as President in 2008, and has been active on all standing committees. His contributions have been recognized with the Ed and Modine Smith Sportsmanship Award, the Dave McGregor Award, and induction into the PCCHA Members Hall of Fame.

At the national level, Rock has served as an NCHA Director for over 30 years and represented Region 2 on the NCHA Executive Committee for six years. He has contributed extensively through service on the Grievance Committee, Judges Rules Committee, Stallion/Foal and Owners Committee, Trainers Committee, Weekend Show Committee, and Cattle Committee. A 5A NCHA judge, he earned his judges card 35 years ago and has also worked as a show producer for 12 years.

In the arena, Rock has earned more than $2 million in career earnings, including two NCHA World Championships, two NCHA Reserve World Championships, and one AQHA World Championship. He is a member of both the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame and the NCHA Members Hall of Fame. With 43 years as a cutting horse trainer, Rock takes pride in developing Non-Pro and Amateur competitors and helping them achieve success at the highest levels of the sport.

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.

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Media Contact: 

Logan Lynch

Communications Manager

817-244-6188 

marketing@nchacutting.com