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Added Money at Triple Crown Shows More Than Doubles to $2.4 Million
Beginning with the upcoming 2006 NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular Presented by Great American Insurance, combined added money at NCHA's Triple Crown Shows will more than double during the next year. Thanks to the combination of new legislation in Texas, increased sponsorship and ticket sales, the Summer Spectacular, Futurity and Super Stakes will offer $2.4 million in added money.

The NCI Building Systems NCHA Futurity alone will boast more than $1 million in added money in 2006. Total payouts at the three shows could easily top $8.5 million. Read the whole story online.

Final payments for the NCHA Summer Spectacular events are due June 1.

As an example of the effect of the new added money, if the final number of entries at the 2006 show are the same as last year, then the

• Open Derby will pay out an additional $181,355
• Non-Pro Derby will pay out an additional $78,917
• Limited Non-Pro Derby will pay out an additional $53,245
• Open Classic/Challenge will pay out an additional $185,313
• Limited Non-Pro Classic/Challenge will pay out an additional $45,984.

Breeder's Invitational Underway
The rich Breeder's Invitaitonal runs through Friday at the SouthCoast in Las Vegas. Roger Wagner won the Open Classic/Challenge on Jim Vangilder's Sugar Dox Com, a daughter of Playdox, while Neil Roger won the $10,000 Novice Derby on Dave and Clare Capps' Big Time Pepto, a full brother to 2005 Super Stakes champion One Time Pepto.

The BI follows on the heels of the PCCHA Derby in Reno, Nevada which finished May 20. Phil Benadum won the Open Derby on Fancy Cats Meow, a High Brow Cat daughter owned by Diamond RB Ranch. Tom DeRegt won the Non-Pro Derby on Mesoke, a mare by Smart Little Lena.
In the older divisions, Scott Weis won the Open Classic/Challenge with Mike and Becky Coronado's CD Super Dually, by CD Olena. Harry Rogers teamed up with Whittle Lano Lana to win the Non-Pro competition.

The PCCHA Derby kicked off the Summer Season of the 2006 Western Horseman Cup NCHA Championship Series presented by UBS. The Summer Season runs through the Dakota Classic Breeders Futurity in September.

Coming Up: Lucchese NCHA Weekend
Next big event on the NCHA calendar is the biggest of them all, Lucchese NCHA Weekend, where each of the association's 25 areas hosts a weekend show. Thousands of cutters will turn out for the competition and camaraderie on June 3-5. Check out the location nearest you.

$200,000 Limit Non-Pro Proves Popular
The new $200,000 Limit Non-Pro was a popular change in the Super Stakes slate of events. Entries jumped by more than 40%, and with increased sponsorship from Western Bloodstock, , the total purse more than tripled, compared to 2005.

The $200,000 Limit Non-Pro will also be slated for both the NCHA Derby and the Classic/Challenge in July.

Important Change Made to Entry Schedules
Beginning with entries for the 2007 NCHA Futurity, payments must be postmarked or received in the NCHA office by the date listed in the payment schedule. There will no longer be a 10-day grace period for payments. The grace period will also be dropped for the 2007 NCHA Super Stakes and 2007 NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular.

For example, the initial payment for the 2007 NCHA Futurity is due October 1, 2006, so it must be postmarked or hand delivered to the NCHA office by October 1. Late entries will be assessed late fees according to published schedules.

Great American Insurance Sponsors Summer Spectacular
With the first two jewels of cutting's Triple Crown completed, all eyes turn to the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular, presented by Great American Insurance. Their Equine Farm Center is a leader in the specialty field of equine property and casualty insurance, and their Equine Mortality Division is one of the world's leading providers of mortality insurance and related coverage. They offer their services through professional equine independent agents, including businesses well known to cutters, such as Justin Insurance (940) 648-3567, Kay Cassell Equine Insurance (423) 477-8384 and Roger Peters Livestock Insurance (402) 494-4300.

NCHA Cutting Academy
The first NCHA Cutting Academy was a big hit in DuQuoin, Illinois.on April 22. The next NCHA Cutting Academy, will be held June 10 at Rivers Bend Ranch, Stanley, Virginia, featuring NCHA Director of Judges Russell McCord on "Understanding Rules and Judging," plus live works with insight from Tracy Barton and Ernie Buetenmiller Jr.

The third clinic will be held August 24 right before the Crawfish Classic in West Monroe, Louisiana. Four clinics will be scheduled annually in different locations, with the emphasis on the education and presentation of showing horses.

Watch our website for information on the upcoming clinic in California. Contact Julie Davis at the NCHA office for more information or if you are interested in attending one of these clinics.

Western National Championships Wrap Up
The 2005 Wayne Hodges Trailers * Outlaw Conversions NCHA Western National Championships concluded May 7 in Ogden, Utah, with Wee Little Badger and Scott Amos taking the Open championship for the second year in a row. The Utah CHA narrowly took first place in the $27,000 AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge. John L. Dublin marked the high score of the show, winning one year's use of a deluxe 3-horse slant load trailer for the owners of Zacks Little Lena, courtesy of Wayne Hodges.

The champions were:

• $3,000 Novice: Dennis Bacon's Olenas Dually CD, ridden by Tom Campbell
• $10,000 Novice: John & Alexandra Spizziri's Zacks Little Lena, ridden by John L. Dublin
• Junior Youth: Lane Ternan riding Badgers Danny Dry
• Senior Youth: Heather Raftery riding Lil Commando
• Senior Youth: Lindsey Lee riding Tico Montana
• $2,000 Limited Rider: Mandy Peterson riding Uno Smart Alex
• $10,000 Amateur: Philip Layne riding Duals Moonstruck
• $50,000 Amateur: Debra Gerber riding Creeks Bar Peppy
• $20,000 Non-Pro: Cindy Watkins riding Mr Gin Corcha
• $10,000 Novice Non-Pro: Dee Acre Doc, ridden by Paige Kincaid
• Non-Pro: Diehl Hiner riding Hickorys Rawhide
• Open: Ranch Development's Wee Little Badger, ridden by Scott Amos

Keep up with the news as it unfolded in the Daily Chatter newsletter.

Vice President Candidates Announced
Jo Ellard and Bronc Willoughby have announced they will run for the NCHA Vice Presidential Election. Ballots for the NCHA Vice President election will be mailed to all members on or before April 25, 2006 and the results counted in the NCHA offices on June 14, 2006. The new Vice President will take office during the 2006 NCHA Convention June 23-25 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

NCHA & NYCHA Scholarship applications due June 1
Applications are due soon for the NYCHA/Walton Family Foundation Scholarships and the NCHA – CIA Charities Foundation Scholarships. More than $165,000 will be awarded for the 2006 – 2007 school year.  If you are a high school senior or currently enrolled as a full time undergraduate college student and plan to attend college in the fall of 2006 you might be eligible to receive a scholarship award.   The application and all application guidelines are available in the Youth section of the NCHA web site or by contacting the NCHA Youth Department.  Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2006.

2006 NCHA Convention at Worthington in Fort Worth, Texas
The 2006 NCHA Convention will be held at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas on June 23-25. Located in historic downtown Fort Worth, the Worthington has hosted the NCHA Convention four times in the past.

The Race Is On In 2006
CD Lights, owned by Danny Motes and Winston Hansma, is nearly $7,000 in front of his nearest rival, Falcon Seaboard Ranches' Playboy Boonsmal in the Open standings for the 2006 point year. Riding Could I Would I, Squeaks My Alias and Kit Dualena, two-time Non-Pro World Champion Joe Howard Williamson has more than a slim lead over perennial contender Mary Jo Milner and Kathy Boone in the Non-Pro standings. Less than $250 separates the top three riders.

And who is going to be the first NCHA $3,000 Novice Non-Pro World Champion. It's too early to say, but Terry Larrabee has more than twice the earnings of his nearest rival, Kathy Foote, at latest count. Stay tuned, and remember, you can keep up with the standings in all NCHA-approved classes online every week.

Keep Your Membership Active
March 1 was the deadline for renewing your NCHA membership for 2006. If you had an active membership in 2005, but did not renew by March 1, you are no longer eligible to show horses in NCHA competition, and beginning with the April issue, you will no longer receive the award-winning Cutting Horse Chatter magazine until your membership is renewed.

Futurity Tickets
Select Tickets for the 2006 Futurity, and 2007 Super Stakes and Summer Spectacular, may now be purchased. Send orders to Ella Hood in the NCHA Marketing Department by fax (817-560-2288), or mail. Reserved tickets for the Futurity will go on sale in July.

NCI Building Systems Sponsors NCHA Futurity
With a brand new website for cutters, NCI Building Systems, Inc. will be the title sponsor of the NCHA World Championship Futurity. NCI's support of cutting's showcase event, along with purse enhancements already approved by the NCHA Executive Committee, will help raise the added money for the NCHA Futurity to more than $1,000,000, compared to $300,000 in 2005.

NCI Building Systems is one of the largest integrated manufacturers and marketers of metal building components, custom engineered metal building systems and metal coil coaters in North America.

Based in Houston, Texas, NCI Building Systems has 34 facilities located in the United States and Mexico.

Green Oaks Hotel
Being the only full service property on the west side of Fort Worth, the Green Oaks Hotel has proudly served NCHA members for over 35 years. Stop by Horse Feathers for your favorite beverage. They offer a 10% discount to NCHA members who make their reservations 60 days out, and 5% for those who make reservations 30 days out. That deal works for all three NCHA shows in Fort Worth. Call (800) 433-2174 for more information.

Apple Properties
While you’re staying in Fort Worth, don’t forget about Courtyard Fort Worth West/Land’s End, Spring Hill, and Residence Inn on 7th Street.  All of these locations feature a full service restaurant on site and they are proud to be associated with the National Cutting Horse Association.  You can visit them online.

Hotel Discounts Offered to NCHA Members
It's daylight savings time! That means more hours in the day and great travel savings at Choice Hotels International® National Cutting Horse Association members! The National Cutting Horse Association has partnered with Choice Hotels International® to offer you a great travel saving benefit. Take advantage of a 10% discount at over 5,000 participating Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn® and Suburban Extended Stay® brand hotels worldwide. Make reservations conveniently by booking online at www.choicehotels.com or by calling 800-258-2847. When making reservations remember to book in advance and reference the National Cutting Horse Association's Special Rate Identification Number 00217850. Look out for your personal National Cutting Horse Association S.O.S. Card, which should be in your mail shortly!

Additionally, take advantage of the benefits of our Choice Privileges® rewards program along with your National Cutting Horse Association's discount! Earn points towards airline miles or room nights at any Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, or MainStay Suites® properties in the U.S., Canada, Mexico or Caribbean! How? It is simple. Sign up to be a Choice Privileges® member by going to www.choiceprivileges.com or calling 800-770-6800. Membership is FREE! When making your reservations be sure to reference both your National Cutting Horse Association Special Rate Identification number 00217850 and your personal Choice Privileges® identification number. Join now and start earning points!

Where is your next travel destination...Choice Hotels Is There!

A Fort Worth Stockyards Tradition
Sean Ryon Western Store and Saddle Shop is a family tradition that continues to flourish in the Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas.  Sean carries on a tradition that would make his grandfather, Windy Ryon, proud.  Sean Ryon Western Store & Saddle Shop is the trophy saddle sponsor for the NCHA Super Stakes and Summer Cutting Spectacular.  Call 1-800-669 RYON .

NYCHA Stallion Service Program
Why spend more for breeding fees if you don’t have to? Breedings donated to the NYCHA Stallion Service Program can be purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis for 60% of the advertised breeding fees. Here’s a sample of the breedings we have available for purchase: Buckaroo Bueno Chex, Hickory Bar Bully, Lectric Playboy, Little Bit Of Smarts, Playin In Style, Whittle Wed Boon. To purchase any of the breedings, contact Danette McGuire, NCHA Youth Coordinator at (817) 244-6188. All proceeds benefit the National Youth Cutting Horse Association.

$100,000 Riders May Apply for Judges Card
Riders who have earned $100,000 are invited to apply for an NCHA Judges card. The Applicant Clinic will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2006 during the Summer Cutting Spectacular in Fort Worth, Texas. This clinic is specifically targeted to only those members who have won over $100,000 in lifetime earnings. If you meet this requirement and are interesting in attending, contact Holly Davis at 817-244-6188 extension 158 to register. The deadline to apply is July 10, 2006. The regular Judges Applicant Clinic for those winning $25,000+ in lifetime earnings will be held in the Spring of 2007.

Judge Recertification Seminars
Two more Judge Recertification Seminars will be held this year held in conjunction with major shows. It is mandatory that all NCHA carded judges attend a recertification seminar in 2006.

• Fort Worth, Texas – July, 28, 2006, 8:00 a.m. (in conjunction with the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular) for AA and AAA who have not judged a monitored LAE
• Fort Worth, Texas – July, 29, 2006, 8:00 a.m. (in conjunction with the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular) for AAA and AAAA who have judged a monitored LAE

Listen Up!
NCHA Director of Judges Russell McCord and announcer Tom Holt have recorded a new audio CD that examines NCHA's contest rules. The insightful commentary can help you show your horse better and improve your scores. The price for the Rules and Regulations Audio CD is just $10.00, or $10.83 for Texas residents (to cover sales tax). There are no shipping and handling charges except for foreign orders. Visa or MasterCard are accepted. Fax your order to Holly Davis at (817) 244-2015, or email Holly for more information.

The Chatter's 2006 Media Kit and Rate Card and Advertising Contract are now online.

Join Us!
Get your NCHA membership today and receive a subscription to the NCHA's award-winning monthly magazine, Cutting Horse Chatter. You can join quickly and easily right now, just click on this link to join online. If you have questions or need additional information about membership please contact the membership department at 817-244-6188 or email Julie Davis or Peggy Cox.

Finish Line
Finish Line is owned by horsemen.  They have manufactured their own products for almost 30 years and they guarantee that they will work to your satisfaction or your money back.  Visit www.finishlinehorse.com or call 1-800-762-4242.

You can also relive some of the great moments of cutting horse history with VHS tapes of many of the past Triple Crown events, available from the NCHA Video Library. Tapes are $29.95, plus $5.95 for shipping and handling. Call the NCHA Marketing Department at (817) 244-6188 for more information about ordering. And right now, there's a special, limited-time offer on the 2003 NCHA World Championship Futurity and 2004 Super Stakes videos together for $49.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.