NCHA News

FORT WORTH, Texas — April 29^th, 2026 — The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) proudly announces that the 2026 NCHA Celebrity Cutting presented by Icon Global has raised $1 million in support of cancer research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, marking a milestone moment for the premier charity event that blends Western sport with star power.

Held in Fort Worth, this year’s Celebrity Cutting brought together an impressive lineup of actors, athletes, musicians, and industry leaders, all united by a shared purpose: making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.

From the arena to the stands, the energy was electric as fans witnessed celebrity competitors partner with top NCHA riders in the thrilling sport of cutting. The event not only delivered high-level competition and entertainment but also underscored the generosity and commitment of the cutting horse community and its supporters.

“This milestone speaks volumes about what can be accomplished when our community comes together for a cause that touches so many lives,” said Jay Winborn, NCHA Executive Director “Reaching $1 million is a testament to the passion of our participants, sponsors, and fans, and the growing impact of this event each year.”

With widespread media attention and participation from notable names like Colt McCoy, Nick Carter, C. Thomas Howell, Matthew Rhys and stars from the Taylor Sheridan Universe, Michael Kelly, Dave Annable and NCHA Celebrity Cutting Champion, Thad Luckinbill as well as the new hit The Madison’s, Beau Garrett, Elle Chapman, Kevin Zegers and more, NCHA Celebrity Cutting continues to elevate the visibility of the cutting horse industry while expanding its charitable reach. The event has become a powerful platform for connecting new audiences to the Western lifestyle and its mission.

Final fundraising totals are now confirmed, with this year’s event surpassing the $1 million mark—an achievement that reflects both the scale and significance of the effort and represents an increase of more than 500% to UT Southwestern compared to the 2024 event.

The success of this year’s event was made possible through the collective efforts of many, including the NCHA Celebrity Cutting Committee – Nicole Sheridan, Sherri Patton and Kit Moncrief – the NCHA professional trainers and their teams who generously shared their time and expertise, and the horse owners who provided exceptional equine partners for the competitors. The NCHA also extends its appreciation to the celebrities who stepped into the arena, as well as the attendees and sponsors whose enthusiasm and support continue to drive the impact of this event.

Proceeds from NCHA Celebrity Cutting support UT Southwestern Medical Center’s cancer programs serving Fort Worth and surrounding communities.

For more information about NCHA Celebrity Cutting and the National Cutting Horse Association, visit www.nchacutting.com.

About the National Cutting Horse Association The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport of cutting, supporting its members, and celebrating the Western heritage that defines the industry.

About UT Southwestern Medical Center UT Southwestern, one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution’s faculty members have received six Nobel Prizes and include 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 13 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 3,300 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians in more than 80 specialties care for more than 143,000 hospitalized patients, attend to more than 470,000 emergency room cases, and oversee nearly 5.3 million outpatient visits a year. 

About Icon Global Icon Global designs and implements strategic, tactical, national and global marketing campaigns for Iconic real estate, and additionally provides specialty advisory and portfolio services for owners of unique assets across the USA and parts of Europe.  Icon represents banking and governmental institutions, and high net worth individuals’, as well as corporate and family offices in the acquisition, management and disposition of property in all asset classes. Icon Global was founded by complex deal maker and International real estate advisor, Bernard Uechtritz.

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[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.]

Media Contact:

Shannon Stewart

Director of Marketing & Sponsorship

National Cutting Horse Association

Phone: (559) 285-7426

Email: sstewart@nchacutting.com