In the news . . .
Mercuria Energy sponsors NCHA World Championship Finals and World Series of Cutting
Mercuria Energy Group, one of the world's five largest independent energy traders, will be the title sponsor of the National Cutting Horse Association's 2009 and 2010 World Finals, as the initial phase of an ongoing sponsorship role. The 2009 NCHA World Finals will be held November 24-28 in Fort Worth, Texas, as one of the spotlight events at the Borden Milk NCHA Futurity which runs from
November 21 through December 13.
"We are delighted to become involved," said Jeff Miller, Director for Upstream and Investments of Mercuria Energy, himself a Fort Worth resident. "There are a lot of cutting horse fans in the oil, gas and coal communities, including some in our own company, so NCHA sponsorship is a terrific fit for Mercuria."
"Mercuria Energy has established itself as a global leader in the energy sector, so it's fitting that they should support a competition that brings the world's leading cutting horses together for a year-end showdown," said Jeff Hooper, Executive Director of the National Cutting Horse Association. Mercuria will also be the title sponsor of the 2010 NCHA World Series of Cutting, a series of eight events across the United States and Canada that draws the world's best Open cutting horses and Non-Pro riders. Each of the World Series shows offers $25,000 in added money to both the Open and Non-Pro events. Read more . . .
Judge rules in favor of NCHA in lawsuit brought by Gaughan and Sanders
On November 17, 2009, the Judge in the case filed by Paula Gaughan and Dean Sanders against the NCHA concerning review of NCHA records, entered Judgment in favor of the NCHA. The Court found that the NCHA fully complied with Plaintiffs’ requests and legal requirements relating to review of the Association’s records. The Court further found that the records designated as confidential by the NCHA are entitled to be treated as confidential. Finally, the Court awarded attorneys’ fees to the NCHA.
Just in time for Christmas!
NCHA's brand new video, How to Score Higher, is now available. This 2-DVD set features Matt Gaines and Roger Wagner, telling you how to get the score you're looking for. And don't miss the new DVD featuring Tom Holt's Top Ten, a selection of great rides from the Voice of Cutting himself and the venerable How to Choose the Right Cow. Order now!
Sam Shepard to receive Zane Schulte Award
Sam Shepard of Verbana, Alabama will receive the Zane Schulte Memorial Award for 2009. The award will be presented at the Borden Milk NCHA Futurity on December 12, during the Open Semi-Finals. Read more . . .
NCHA membership hits all-time high
In a "down" economy, some things are still on the way up. Membership in the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) reached an all-time record high of 20,255, on November 4, 2009, according to NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper.
"We are especially pleased to have reached this milestone in 2009, during a stressful year for the national and world economy," Hooper said. "And with recent reports of economic growth and recovery, we expect to surpass this new record in 2010." Read more . . .
XTO Energy adds its brand to NCHA Triple Crown series
XTO Energy, Inc., a leading independent U.S. oil and gas producer, has signed on as a title sponsor for the National Cutting Horse Association, according to NCHA executive director Jeff Hooper.
"We are extremely proud to christen one of our major events in Fort Worth the XTO Energy/NCHA Super Stakes," said Hooper. "With its high standards of business, XTO exemplifies the famous 'Cowboy Code' of ethics that is the bedrock of the National Cutting Horse Association."
Louis Baldwin, XTO Energy executive vice president and chief financial officer, views the sponsorship as a benefit for the Fort Worth-based energy giant.
"The sport of cutting is such a great American sport with roots back to the Old West," Baldwin said. "This sponsorship is a great way for us to be involved with the legacy of the ranching and cattle business. It also allows us to support Fort Worth because with the impact of its three Fort Worth shows, NCHA has done so much for the Fort Worth economy." Read more . . .
November Chatter is online: Can't wait for the mail? You can read the entire November issue of Cutting Horse Chatter, with the stories on NCHA Executive Committee actions, a working retirement for cutting horses, international news, and much more.
Visit NCHA on Facebook
The National Cutting Horse Association is now on Facebook the world's fastest growing social networking website. You can sign up for free to keep up with the very latest news in the world of cutting. Follow this link.
Borden Milk sponsors NCHA Futurity
Borden Milk, the title sponsor of the 2009 NCHA Super Stakes, has increased its commitment to the NCHA and will now be the title sponsor of the NCHA World Championship Futurity, beginning with the 2009 (Nov. 21 - Dec. 13) event. The $4 million Borden Milk/NCHA World Championship Futurity is the cutting industry's most prestigious event, and the first jewel in the NCHA Triple Crown.
"We're delighted to have Borden Milk step up to sponsor the NCHA Futurity, beginning with this year's event" said NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper. "With its family values and support for a healthy, active lifestyle, Borden is a perfect fit for the NCHA membership."
How to Choose the Right Cow: A new two-DVD set is now available from the National Cutting Horse Association. See how leading trainers Phil Rapp, Boyd Rice and Matt Gaines pick the cattle that help make wining runs. Read more . . .
Introducing the Sire's Get, All Foals Report
Order this report for an in-depth look at a breeding stallion. This report includes the following information:
- 3-generation pedigree of the subject
- The stallion's detailed NCHA show record, including all major limited age event placings
- Summary of the stallion's foals, performers, and their all-time and current-year earnings
- AQHA Alliance earnings for the subject horse
- List of all of the stallion's AQHA-registered foals, with their dam's and dam's sires, plus their NCHA earnings.
You can order all these reports right now from the official (NCHA/AQHA) web site by selecting the Purchase Reports option at the top of the page
Get a thrill: More than 170,000 cutting fans have watched the Thrill of Cutting video online. It's just one of dozens of NCHA videos now available on youtube.
