In a "down" economy, National Cutting Horse Association shows strength in membership numbers

Fort Worth-based organization boasts over 20,000 participants & enthusiasts

Fort Worth, Texas - Despite a "down" economy, the National Cutting Horse Association continues to break records for membership.  NCHA reached an all-time high of 20,357 members November 12, 2010, according to NCHA Membership Services Manager Julie Davis. 

"During tough times our members, here in the U.S. and internationally, have continued to support and help to grow the association and the sport they love," Davis said.

While cutting is a sport with deep roots in Western heritage and tradition, the NCHA has increased its visibility and marketing efforts using a host of the latest technologies.  The NCHA uses mediums such as Facebook, a weekly online news show, electronic newsletters, and a new interactive membership web site to spread the news about cutting and cutting horses across the world. 

NCHA's Facebook page recently reached 14,000 fans and is continually growing. A weekly newsmagazine video entitled "2:30" was launched in August this year and is produced totally in-house by the NCHA staff, bringing the latest in news and features to cutting fans around the globe each Wednesday.  It is hosted by NCHA Marketing Manager Kalyn Sanders and gives members all the information they need to know about cutting "in the same amount of time it takes to show your horse."

www.JoinNCHA.com debuted during the World Equestrian Games in September 2010 and is a great tool for new or potential members to learn more about the benefits of being involved with the NCHA. It contains information on how to get started in cutting...from choosing a horse and trainer to finding a competition in your area.  The weekly NCHA e-newsletter goes out to over 14,000 NCHA members and cutting fans each week and includes important and timely information about current events and industry news and activities.

Cutting horse competition is the world’s richest equine arena sport. In 2010, NCHA purses exceeded $43 million, earned by members across 50 states and from 21 foreign countries. The NCHA oversees over 2,200 cutting horse events each year around the globe.

In addition to overseeing and regulating cutting horse contests, the NCHA counts among its many activities the publication of a monthly magazine (the Cutting Horse), partners with a wide range of corporate sponsors, accredits and oversees more than 300 certified cutting horse judges, conducts educational clinics for cutting horse competitors, and develops the "next generation of cutters" through a robust Youth program.

For additional information, or to join the NCHA and experience the excitement for your self, contact the National Cutting Horse Association at 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.