Mercuria Global Energy renews its major support
of the National Cutting Horse Association

The Mercuria NCHA World Series of Cutting will take on an international flair in 2011 as Mercuria has renewed and increased its commitment to the National Cutting Horse Association for next year. In 2010, the World Series of Cutting encompassed eight $50,000-added shows across North America. Next year, a stop in Lyon, France will be added to the itinerary.

"With the tremendous success of the World Series of Cutting over the past two years, we are delighted that Mercuria has increased its support of this popular program, and the sport of cutting," said NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper. "Mercuria has a global presence with their business operations, and the addition of a show in France in 2011 underscores the worldwide appeal of the sport of cutting. The NCHA is also making a commitment to further developing and promoting the sport of cutting on a global basis, Hooper added. "To bring a Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting event to Europe will play a key role in this effort, bringing together top horses and riders from the U.S. who will travel to the show to compete against their European counterparts. Our plans are also to include a cutting clinic with the World Series show in France, and possibly even a horse sale to offer some of the horses that competitors will bring to Europe from the U.S. for purchase after the event by European cutters."

At all nine shows in the Mercuria NCHA World Series in 2011, horses of all ages are able to compete for $25,000 in added money in both the Open and Non-Pro divisions. The finals feature rousing music, live commentary and spectacular competition that has packed the stands from coast to coast. In the past, the finalists have ranged from World Champions to up-and-coming Limited Non-Pro riders, and every finalist earns a check.

In 2011 Mercuria Global energy will also serve as the Title Sponsor of the Mercuria/NCHA World Finals, an exciting four-round competition for the cutters in the Top 15 year-end standings in both the Open and Non Pro divisions. The event is held in conjunction with the NCHA Futurity in Fort Worth, Texas.

"We are delighted to work with the National Cutting Horse Association and to expand the World Series of Cutting," said Jeff Miller, Director for Upstream and Investments of Mercuria Energy. "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. 'Energy, performance and dependability' are three words that can be applied equally well to cutting horses and to our business."

The National Cutting Horse Association has more than 20,000 members from a wide range of backgrounds. Each year more than 2,200 NCHA-approved events are held throughout North America, with more than $43 million in prize money awarded.

2011 MERCURIA/NCHA WORLD SERIES OF CUTTING TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

  • Two additional shows to be announced.
  • February 3-5 San Antonio, TX (San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo)
  • February 25-26 Houston, TX (Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo)
  • May 16-28 (Mercuria dates TBD) Tulsa, OK (Breeder's Invitational)
  • July 4-9 (Mercuria dates TBD) Oklahoma City, OK (AQHA Battle in the Saddle)
  • July 10-14 Calgary, Alberta Canada (Calgary Stampede)
  • October 13-15 Columbus, OH (All American Quarter Horse Congress)
  • October 31-November 1 Lyon, France