NCHA News

Fort Worth, TX -- The National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) is proud to announce the 2026 NYCHA Youth Members Hall of Fame inductees. Established to recognize youth members who have made outstanding and unusual contributions to the NYCHA's mission of promoting and exhibiting the cutting horse, the Hall of Fame honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication, sportsmanship, and service to the association.

The NYCHA Youth Members Hall of Fame recognizes members who have demonstrated high moral character, fairness, and an exceptional commitment of time, effort, and interest in the advancement of the youth cutting horse industry.

The 2026 NYCHA Youth Members Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Will Bushaw, Weatherford, Texas
• Owen Cogdell, Tulia, Texas
• Breanna Collier, Cypress, Texas
• Lily Erwin, Lady Lake, Florida
• Riley Hope Farris of Madisonville, Texas
• Charles Cody Gann, Leighton, Alabama
• Emma Grace Rapp, Weatherford, Texas

Selection into the NYCHA Hall of Fame is based upon excellence in three key areas: education, leadership, and competition. Candidates must meet a rigorous set of eligibility requirements established by the Youth Board of Directors and Youth Committee, including achievements in competition, service as a youth officer or director, and participation in the Leadership Education and Achievement Program (LEAP).

To be considered for the Youth Hall of Fame, applicants must be out of high school for at least one full year, have accumulated a minimum of 150 lifetime youth points, earned Top Ten Youth World Standings recognition or been a finalist at the Eastern, Western, or Summer Spectacular, served at least three terms as an NYCHA Officer or Director, and achieved Gold Level status in LEAP.

"We are proud to recognize these outstanding young leaders whose accomplishments both inside and outside of the show pen embody the values of the NYCHA," said NCHA Youth Director, Rianna Storey. "Their dedication to leadership, education, service, and competition has left a lasting impact on our organization and the cutting horse industry."

The 2026 NYCHA Youth Members Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted during the NYCHA Banquet on Sunday, August 2, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Nominations for future Hall of Fame classes are accepted through an online application process. Applications are due annually by April 1 and are reviewed by the NCHA Director of Youth to ensure all eligibility criteria have been met before consideration.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 NYCHA Youth Members Hall of Fame inductees on this well-deserved honor.