The National Cutting Horse Association convention concluded June 23 with the installation of officers and the beginning of the tenure of newly selected NCHA Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell.
A cutting horse at work
With more than 16,000 members worldwide, the National Cutting Horse Assn mission is to promote and celebrate the cutting horse.
In his remarks to convention attendees, whose numbers swelled to more than 350, Campbell emphasized that the NCHA staff was going to be committed to not only ensuring that members and directors received more and better communication, but that they would constantly be reminded of the qualities of the cutting horse sport that make it one of the most enviable equine sports in the world.
“The sport of cutting translates into any language, whether that be French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese or Japanese,” he said during the General Membership meeting. “Millions around the world want to have what you have and to be what you are.
You have the horse, you have the sport and you have the hat and it will be our job to help you share that with others. In return, you have to be willing to share that thing that got you excited about this sport in the beginning because no marketing plan can take the place of you being willing to share what you have with others.”
Installed as President was Barbara Brooks of Nashville, Tenn., who marveled how a girl from outside of Boston could own her first horse at the age of 40 and later become the president of an association like the NCHA.
Brooks takes the reins from outgoing president Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr., who was applauded for his role as not only president for the past year, but as interim Executive Director for the past 10 months.
Stepping into the President Elect position is Bruce Richerson of Alexandria, La., with Jo Ellard of Whitesboro, Texas as Vice President.
New to the NCHA Executive Committee for Region 7 is Kathy Daughn of Gonzales, Texas and for Region 5 is Charlie Israel of Birmingham, Alabama. Re-elected to serve was Chuck Smith of Canal Winchester, Ohio for Region 4, Matt Gaines of Weatherford, Texas for Region 8 and Bill Riddle of Ringling, Okla., to the at large position.
The National Cutting Horse Association, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is the world governing body for the sport of cutting. With more than 16,000 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.