Raw. Rugged. Refined. ™ MEMBERSHIP GUIDE On the cover: Lloyd Cox, NCHA $9 Million Rider Copperish, 2019 Open World Champion Mare

Table of Contents

4 History of Cutting 7 8 7 Memberships 8 National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA)

9 Shows 12 Classes 9 13 Judges 13 Scoring and Winning 14 Achievement Buckle 14 How Do I Get Started 15 FAQs Mission Statement The National Cutting Horse Association promotes and celebrates the cutting horse, whose origin on Western ranches allows us to support ranching and its Western heritage.

By establishing rules for the conduct of cutting horse shows, NCHA strives to give cutters 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 back- ground of its members and encourages their participation in helping it achieve these goals.

2 NCHAcutting.com NCHAcutting.com Your #1 source for all things NCHA! • How to Get Started • NCHA Event Calendar • Trainer Directory • Industry News • Horse and Rider Eligibility

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HUB is the operational system of record for the Association

A listing and calendar view of all NCHA produced and approved events are stored and published via HUB, including special events and Association milestones.

As a relational database, HUB stores NCHA approved events show results, calculates rider and horse earnings, class eligibility and a multitude of awards for members.

Current and historical membership information is stored in the database to help track roles, membership tenures, sanctions, positions held and certifcations (Show Secretaries, Show Producers, Monitors, Judges, etc.)

Through the nchacutting.com webpage interface, NCHA produced events entries, draws and results are processed and stored in HUB.

HUB stores the Association’s Stallion Foal Program data, providing annual reporting for total program subscriptions and nominations.

Over 70 reports of Show, Horse, Membership, Stallion Foal and Financial Transaction data are available in HUB for daily NCHA operations.

New Members Guide 3 In the beginning, there was the horse... Nowadays, cutters compete indoors for millions of dollars in prizes. It wasn't always that way.

4 NCHAcutting.com nineteenth century The cutting horse was an fast becoming obsolete. cowboy transplanted elite member of the remuda. Today, the National Cutting A to the present A typical cutting horse Horse Association has given day would probably be might have started out in the cutting horse new life perplexed by the modern a cowboy’s string, but his in one of the world’s most world’s high tech marvels. sensitivity to cattle brought exciting equine events. But he’d still feel right at him to the attention of the The first advertised cutting home at a cutting horse roundup boss. He was the contest was held at the 1898 show. horse that pricked his ears Cowboy Reunion in Haskell, When American cowboys toward a cow and followed Texas. Fifteen thousand of the 1800s began using her with his eyes. He people, lured by ads in the their best horses to separate instinctively knew not to Dallas News and the Kansas individual cows from a herd, crowd her, yet was wary of City Star, attended. Since it was part of the daily job. her every move. He made the nearest railroad was fifty They would never have the difficult job of separating miles away, they came on imagined cutting as one of the world’s most popular equine sports. But each year, thousands of cutting events—from Austin to Australia—attract riders aged eight to eighty. Cutting’s heritage runs strong and deep, like the centuries-old mesquites that flourish on the Texas plains. From Chisholm Trail to present day, cutting horses have been indispensable tools in the cattle trade. During the era of the open cattle easier and quicker. He horseback, or by wagon and range, cattle from one outfit even made it fun. hack. often drifted and mingled “It was worth the trip to The cutting contest offered with those of other outfits. brush country just to sit a prize of $150, a substantial Twice a year, in the spring above Ol’ Gotch and feel sum in those days, and 11 and the fall, neigh- boring his shoulders roll, watch riders entered. Old Hub— ranchers would join in a his ears work and his head whose fans swore that he roundup to sort out their drop low when he looked could work blindfolded brands. an old steer in the eye,” and without a bridle—was Every outfit traveled with said cowboy humorist Will brought out of retirement a remuda of horses. Within Rogers after a visit to a by Sam Graves for this one the remuda each cowboy South Texas ranch during event. had a string of horses, some the 1920s. Graves primed the of them more suitable for As big cattle outfits gave 22-year-old horse with oat one job than another. way to small farms and mash and prairie hay, then For instance, a cowhand ranches in the twentieth he tied Old Hub to the back needed a steady mount to century, pickup trucks and of a hack and led him all patrol the herd during the squeeze chutes took the the way to Haskell—a two- night, but in the morning he place of cow horses. A few day journey. It was a trip could ride last year’s bronc large ranches still rounded into the history books, and to the far reaches of the up cattle the old-fashioned Graves set aside half of his roundup circle. way, but cutting horses were winnings to ensure Old Hub

5 Photos by Frank Reeves, courtesy of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Among the horses in this picture from a cutting horse event in 1948 are such greats as Snooks, Poco Bueno, Skeeter, Old Paint and Benny Binion’s gelding that was NCHA’s first World Champion. Riders include early NCHA Presidents Ray Smyth, Gay Copeland and H. Calhoun; and legendary riders Milt Bennett, Guy Harrell, Pine Johnson, Phil Williams and George Glascock. Photos by Frank Reeves, courtesy of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas.

had the best of care for $35.4 million awarded in prize money at 2019 NCHA approved shows the rest of his days. The first record of cut- ting as an arena spectator All-time Money Earners 15 Metallic Cat...... $574,494 event came at the South- Rank Horse...... Earnings 16 Faith In My Cat...... $559,706 western Exposition and 1 Poco Quixote Rio...... $1,091,734 17 Rey Lynx...... $559,422 Fat Stock Show in Fort 2 Red White And Boon...... $882,498 18 Chiquita Pistol...... $545,001 Worth, Texas, when a 3 Sister CD...... $833,214 19 Third Cutting...... $528,268 cutting horse exhibition 4 Dont Look Twice...... $824,546 20 Junie Wood...... $525,744 was added to the annual 5 Dual Rey Me...... $812,942 21 Cash Quixote Rio...... $520,583 rodeo in 1919. It became 6 Woody Be Lucky...... $699,276 22 San Tule Uno...... $519,496 a competitive event the 7 Meradas Little Sue...... $670,098 23 Redneck Yachtclub...... $518,799 following year. 8 Gun Smokes Wimpy...... $661,431 24 Im Countin Checks...... $509,642 By 1946, there were so 9 Little Badger Dulce...... $657,276 25 Jazzote...... $504,286 10 Little Pepto Cat...... $624,820 many cutting horse con- 26 Spots Hot...... $502,682 11 Smooth Asa Zee...... $616,978 27 High Brow CD...... $502,202 tests being held, under 12 Docs Okie Quixote...... $599,109 28 Miss Silver Pistol...... $500,876 so many different sets 13 Quintan Blue...... $594,637 29 Boon San Kitty...... $498,188 of conditions and rules, 14 Smart Little Lena...... $577,652 30 Little Pepto Gal...... $490,951 that a group of 13 cutting As of 2/10/2020 horse owners met at the Southwestern Exposi- cause it looked as though ranches had been breed- day, and the contestants at tion and Fat Stock Show it had the potential to ing their own horses for the NCHA Futurity will be and decided to form an grow into something big. years. The world famous divvying up more than $3.5 association to establish The first show was held King Ranch had a remu- million—over a hundred times standard rules and pro- in Dublin, Texas, in the da of copper-colored the offering of that first year. cedures for holding such fall of 1946. horses descended from Total purses at NCHA-ap- competition. Smyth recalled that the Old Sorrel. Yellow proved shows now exceed $36 One of the founders, secretary-treasurer Jacket horses, with gold- million Ray Smyth, said, “When Volney Hildreth guarded en coats and black manes annually. the meeting broke up, the association’s and tails, filled the Yet for many, cutting’s we had formed what we resources “with a big Burnett's Triangle Ranch greatest rewards are intangi- thought would be more stick. If we wanted any- pastures; while the Pitch- ble. The bond between people or less a local cutting thing that cost money, fork Outfit was known and horses that makes the horse association. Some- Volney would tell us to for cast-iron cow ponies sport so special, also links it to one remarked that with get enough new mem- sired by Grey Badger. the sweat and dust of the Old luck, we might even get bers to pay for it.” By 1963, the associa- West, and sets it apart from as many as 50 members When NCHA was tion recorded the results all other events. by another year.” formed, most cutting of 727 events, of which “The people who brought Later, at a meeting in horses were ranch 504 were recognized as cutting from the open range Mineral Wells, Texas, the geldings like Old Paint, a NCHA championship to the arena, and turned the association was brown and white horse of events. In those days, skills of the horse and cowboy incorporated, and Pat unknown parentage that cutters vied for a piece into the contest, were real Dalton suggested the Smyth bought for $40 at of $404,183 in prize sports,” said Buster Welch, a name ‘National Cutting Weatherford trade days. money. That included legendary cutting champion. Horse Association,’ be- Old Paint became one of $23,225 paid out at that "That fine sportsmanship is cutting's first champions. year’s NCHA Futurity. still alive and well in But some of the big Fast forward to to- cutting today.”

6 NCHAcutting.com NCHA Membership

NCHA offers multiple membership options so members are able to compete against peers of the same skill level. All riders and horse owners must be current NCHA members to show in NCHA events. See Rulebook for complete details. For the most up to date version of the rulebook, visit NCHAcutting.com.

Amateur Amateurs must have lifetime earnings of $100,000 or less. In addition, an Amateur must not: a. have been paid to train or assist in training a horse or rider in any equine discipline b. have been married to, lived with, resided on the premises of or been employed astride by a professional horse trainer in any equine discipline.

Non-Pro A Non-Pro may not receive direct or indirect remuneration for training horses astride in any cattle/cow related equine disciplines or remuneration to show, train or assist in training a cutting horse or cutting horse rider.

Professional Any rider who has been paid remuneration to show, train or assist in training a horse or rider in any equine discipline

Plan on Showing? Before you show in an Amateur or Non-Pro class, you need to hold an Amateur/Non-Pro status. Applications for Amateur/Non-Pro status can be found on NCHAcutting.com.

New Members Guide 7 Youth National Youth Cutting Horse Membership Association NYCHA membership is open to all youth who are 18 years of age or The National Cutting Horse younger. Association was formed with its main goals being to There are two age divisions, Senior Youth (14-18) and Junior Youth promote cutting competitions, (ages 13 and under). standardize contest rules and preserve the cutting Youth Cutting and Special Events horses’ Western heritage. The National Youth Cutting Horse NYCHA World Finals, Summer Scholarship Association (NYCHA), was Cutting and Convention formed in 1993 to offer youth Each summer, the NYCHA holds its World Finals, Annual Youth members the opportunity to Convention and Scholarship Cutting in Fort Worth, Texas. During the develop their horsemanship event, youth members compete for scholarships, conduct business skills, practice sportsmanship meetings, elect officers, participate in family fun night and attend and discipline, develop educational workshops. The annual youth awards banquet is held in leadership skills and learn conjunction with the convention and cutting competition to recognize responsibility in caring for members’ achievements throughout the year. their horses and themselves. The NYCHA strives to offer Programs and Scholarships programs and opportunities LEAP Program to ft the needs and abilities of The Levels of Excellence Award Program (LEAP) was created to all horses and riders. recognize youth for their participation in NYCHA activities. Points are earned through participation in NYCHA activities such as attending workshops, community service, writing a newspaper article, helping with fundraisers or participating in cutting events. LEAP points become crucial when it comes to scholarship applications and other awards. Scholarship Programs More than $150,000 in college scholarships are awarded each year through a variety of scholarship programs and youth scholarship cuttings. The scholarships are awarded based on involvement in NYCHA activities, academic achievements, financial need and community involvement. Judging Programs Additional opportunities for involvement outside of the cutting pen are available for members. Judging contests and other programs that aim to develop professional skills are offered throughout the year. Leadership and Education Leadership Opportunities The NYCHA National Officers and Board of Directors conduct the business of the NYCHA. They are responsible for implementing NYCHA programs at the local level, promoting the sport of cutting and informing youth members about activities and fundraisers. 8 NCHAcutting.com Shows

In addition to the 1,500- plus NCHA-approved shows held annually around the world, NCHA produces six shows each year. Three are major limited-age events held in Fort Worth, two are National Championships for weekend cutters and one is the World Finals for weekend cutters.

9 1. Weekend Shows: have thousands of dollars in for thousands of dollars in Weekend shows are a great place added money. scholarships each year. Their for beginners all the way up to Also, at the end of the point success at weekend shows professional trainers. Shows year, the Top 15 in 10 of NCHA’s will contribute to their future feature a progressive class approved classes may compete education. Each summer during structure offering some or all of in the World Finals held in the Summer Spectacular Cutting NCHA's 12 approved classes so conjunction with the NCHA in Fort Worth, TX, the NYCHA everyone has the opportunity World Championship Futurity in holds its Youth World Finals and to compete against others at a Fort Worth, TX. Convention. similar level of achievement. National Youth Cutting Horse At the end of the point year, Association (NYCHA) members 2. Limited-Age Shows: anyone can enter the Eastern can compete in Junior (age Fort Worth is home to three National or the Western National 13 and under) or Senior (age annual NCHA limited-age Championships, based on their 14-18) classes at weekend events, also known as the eligibility on final day of that shows. NYCHA members have Triple Crown of Cutting. Each point year. Both of these events the opportunity to compete show has limited-age classes

10 NCHAcutting.com offering millions of dollars to Crown is the NCHA Super the classic portion is offered for the payout. The first jewel is the Stakes held in April for horses 5 and 6-year-olds. A horse that NCHA World Championship ages 4 to 6. The third and final wins the World Championship Futurity held in December. The jewel for the Triple Crown is Futurity, the Super Stakes and Futurity is for 3- year-old cutting the NCHA Summer Cutting the Summer Spectacular in the horses that have never been Spectacular held in July. The same point year is crowned as shown before in competition. derby portion of the event is the Triple Crown winner. The second jewel in the Triple offered for 4-year-olds and the

New Members Guide 11 are NYCHA Youth Members age 13 or younger (Youth point year June 1 – May 31).

7. Senior Youth – Riders who are NYCHA Youth Members age 14-18 (Youth point year June 1 – May 31).

HORSE CLASSES: Classes in which restrictions are based solely on the horse. Any rider can compete in these classes. The term “Novice” refers to the horse. 8. $5,000 Novice – Open to all horses of any age that have $5,000 or less of eligibility earnings at the beginning of the point year (excluding limited age events). 9. $25,000 Novice – Open to all horses of any age that have $25,000 or less of eligibility earnings at the beginning of the point year (excluding limited age events). Different Types of Show Classes HORSE/RIDER CLASSES: Twelve standard classes are at the beginning of the point year. Classes in which there are offered at NCHA events. Classes The horse must be owned by the restrictions on both the horse and can be based on the qualifications rider or rider’s immediate family. the rider. The term “Novice” refers of the rider, the qualifications of 3. $2,000 Limit Rider/Any to the horse and the term “Non- the horse or the qualifications of Horse – The class of choice for Pro” refers to the rider. both horse and rider. Regardless members who are new to cutting. 10. $5,000 Novice/Non-Pro of the class, Amateur/Non-Pro This class is open to all riders – Open to horses with eligibility riders must own the horse they with lifetime earnings in cutting earnings of $5,000 or less at compete on. competitions of $2,000 or less at the beginning of the point year the beginning of the point year. (excluding limited-age events) and RIDER CLASSES: Classes are 4. Non-Pro – Riders holding a the rider has a Non-Pro card. The based on the rider and his/her Non-Pro card and Amateur status horse must be owned by the rider accomplishments. are also allowed to enter this class. or rider’s family member. 1. $50,000 Amateur – Riders There is no limit on the amount 11. $25,000 Novice/Non-Pro holding an Amateur card with less of money which the horse or rider - Open to horses with eligibility than $100,000 of lifetime earnings have won. earnings of $25,000 or less at ($50,000 Weekend/$50,000 5. $35,000 Non-Pro - Riders the beginning of the point year Limited Age) at the beginning of (excluding limited-age events) and the point year. The horse must holding a Non-Pro card with less than $35,000 of eligibility the rider has a Non-Pro card. The be owned by the rider or rider’s horse must be owned by the rider immediate family. earnings at the beginning of the point year. or rider’s family member. 2. $15,000 Amateur – Riders 12. Open – Any horse can be holding an Amateur card with less 6. Junior Youth – Riders who ridden by any rider. There are no than $15,000 of eligibility earnings

12 NCHAcutting.com Judges

Cutting judges are similar to other scores are totaled. sports’ referees in that they evaluate Like most referees today, NCHA the run at live speed, enforce the judges can use video to watch re- competition rules and determine plays at NCHA-approved shows. A the contestant’s score. A judge’s competition can be video reviewed score can range from 60 to 80 immediately following each “set” of points and a show can use one judge cattle to determine if a mistake was up to and as many as five judges. made in the application of a major When a panel of five judges is used, penalty. After the judges review the the lowest and highest scores are run, the score may then be adjusted discarded and the three middle to reflect a final score. Scores and Winning Since cutting is a judged event, there are certain characteristics in a run that determine a horse’s score. Reflecting a mirror image of the cow and its movement is the ultimate goal of the horse. Reining or visibly cueing your horse or allowing the cow to get back to the herd before “quitting” the cow also results in the deduction of points. Matching the cow’s movement and body position and keeping it in the center of the arena all help to add points to the score. Every rider starts out with a score of 70 from each judge and as the run progresses, each judge adds or deducts points as necessary. Once the run is over, each judge tallies up points to get the competitor’s score with the highest score being declared the winner.

New Members Guide 13 NCHA $1,000 Achievement Buckle

Once a rider wins $1,000 in lifetime NCHA weekend earnings from approved classes, he/she is awarded a trophy Gist buckle, compliments of NCHA. Whether a person is a weekend warrior or World Champion, NCHA wants to congratulate them on their achievement. Every professional trainer started out as a beginner and worked their way up. Whether a person’s goal is to become a World Champion or cutting is just their hobby, the first jewel in their crown is the NCHA $1,000 Achievement Buckle.

How Do I Get Started? There are many ways to get further involved in the exciting sport of cutting.

Finding a Trainer The best way to get more familiar with the sport is to spend some time with a local trainer who is an invaluable source of information. The NCHA provides a free digital trainers directory at NCHAcutting.com that displays all of the local trainers in your area. These professionals can show and teach you every facet of the sport. They can be like your own personal coach.

Visit NCHAcutting.com NCHAcutting.com is the official website of the National Cutting Horse Association. Whether you want to view the most up-to-date rule book, watch video tips and runs from past champions or look at the schedule of upcoming shows, NCHAcutting.com is your resource for the most current information. National Cutting Horse Association

14 NCHAcutting.com FAQs

How long does my NCHA How do I find out where According to the system, the high membership last? the weekend shows are and low scores are tossed out in being held? a five-judge show, leaving three NCHA memberships can be scores to be tallied. A monitor purchased for one year. One There are two easy ways. The is assigned to make rulings on year of membership begins on first place to find out about major penalty discrepancies and to January 1 and is valid through weekend events is on the NCHA evaluate the judges’ performance December 31 of the same year, website. You can search the during each go-round. whether it is purchased on comprehensive listings by state, January 1 or halfway through the city or month. How do I obtain an Amateur year. or Non-Pro card? In the Cutting Horse Chatter, Do I have to ride my own which members can elect to Before entering any Amateur or horse to show in NCHA receive every month, turn to the Non-Pro class at an NCHA show, competition? “Coming Events” section. The you must complete an Amateur/ first page of that section lists Non-Pro application, in addition There are several NCHA classes show locations and their dates to your membership, for approval in which the horse’s rider does in each state. Details for each to the NCHA office. Your approval not have to be the owner of the event are listed in chronological status will be indicated on your horse (Open, $5,000 Novice, order in the remainder of the membership card. $25,000 Novice, $2,000 Limit section. Directions, class fees, Rider, Junior Youth and Senior stall information, judges and The normal approval turnaround Youth) excluding Amateur/Non secretaries are all listed for each time for receiving your card once Pro riders. Holders of Non-Pro/ cutting. received at NCHA is two weeks. Amateur cards may compete in However, if you need immediate the $2,000 Limit Rider on any Why does NCHA use approval because you are planning horse, regardless of ownership, five judges for the major to show right away, call the without jeopardizing their limited-age events? Membership Department and they Non-Professional status. In all will make every effort to get your Amateur and Non-Pro classes, Nearly 20 years ago, NCHA application approved sooner. the horse must be owned by the instituted the Adjusted Monitor rider or rider’s immediate family. System in order to make judging If you are planning to show in fair for each contestant. The either an Amateur or Non-Pro The $2,000 Limit Rider class system is used at all major class, your NCHA membership is a great way for any member limited-age events with five card should have “Amateur/ who is new to cutting to gain judges and may be used at three- Non-Pro” printed on the card. If experience before stepping up judge shows. your membership card does not against more experienced riders. have this printed, contact the Membership Department.

New Members Guide 15      

     

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