Cutting horse enthusiasts from across the country can kick off their spring cutting horse season vying for a $200,000 added money purse in the first of two national shows focusing on the Eastern region of the United States.
Cutting horse in action
Cutting Horse Competitions will feature a full slate of events, including open and non-professional, as well as several offerings for amateur, youth and novice riders.
© 2012 by Dale A. Stork
The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Eastern National Championships presented by 6666 Ranch will kick off March 4 in Jackson, Miss., at the Fordice Equine Center of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Competition will feature a full slate of events, including open and non-professional, as well as several offerings for amateur, youth and novice riders. Deadline for entry is January 23, with a 10-day grace period offered for latecomers.
The Western National Championships presented by 6666 Ranch will be held April 28-May 5 in Reno, Nev., at the Reno Livestock Center.
“The National Championship events are a way to showcase those folks who compete on the weekend, for the most part, and are actually the culmination of competition that took place in 2012. Exhibitors must have ridden to the herd in the class in which they qualified by November 11, 2012,” said NCHA President Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr. “These events are incredible family events and one of the favorites of the year. We encourage everyone to get their memberships up to date so they can take part.”
In addition to the competition, riders and their families can look forward to a complimentary classic Mississippi catfish dinner to be served on both Wednesday, March 6 and Monday, March 11. Youth will also enjoy being part of a team cutting taking place Friday, March 8, as well as a festive youth grand entry on Saturday March 9.
For more information or check out the latest issue of the official publication of the NCHA, the Cutting Horse Chatter online at chatteronline.com.
The National Cutting Horse Association, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is the world governing body for the sport of cutting. With more than 17,000 members worldwide, its mission is to promote and celebrate the cutting horse, whose origin on Western supports ranching and Western heritage.
By establishing rules for the conduct of cutting horse shows, NCHA provides a level playing field and a progressive class structure, which accommodates everyone from the beginner to the advanced competitor. NCHA draws on the diverse talents and backgrounds of its members and encourages their participation in helping it achieve these goals.