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The Lure of Lucchese NCHA Weekend
The world's biggest cutting, Lucchese NCHA Weekend, drew thousands of cutters to shows held in each of NCHA's 25 Areas across North America on the first weekend in June. With boots and cash support from Lucchese, great awards support from Resistol Hats, Teskey's Saddle Shop, Purina Mills, Gist Silversmiths, and NYCHA's scholarship program, attracted more than 3,000 contestants.

Watch the web for a link to an NCHA Weekend Photo Gallery.

Bronc Willoughby Wins VP Election
Bronc Willoughby of Nocona, Texas, won the election for Vice President of the National Cutting Horse Association when votes were tallied June 14 under the oversight of the accounting firm Hinkely, Spitzer & Co. Willoughby will take office at the NCHA's general membership meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 25, during the association's annual convention. Jo Ellard of Whitesboro, Texas, was the runner-up in the election.

Willoughby, a life member of NCHA and an inductee into the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame, will serve as NCHA's President Elect in 2007-2008, and as President in 2008-2009. He has served on the association's Open Show, Limited Age Events, Judges Rules, Grievance and Cattle Committees, in addition to the Executive Committee.

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.

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.

$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.

Non-Pro Begins Today
The popular Non-Pro plus The Open Cutting got underway this morning in Oklahoma City with go-rounds in the $10,000 Amateur Any Age division. The show runs through Tuesday, June 20.

Breeder's Invitational Concludes
The rich Breeder's Invitational Derby went down to the wire June 2 with a work-off between Sister CD, ridden by Paul Hansma for Skip and Elizabeth Queen, and Im Countin Checks, ridden by Matt Gaines for Tommy Manion. Sister CD, who had shared the Western Bloodstock Open Gelding Stakes title with CDs Nitty Gritty at the Super Stakes, prevailed in the BI work-off to collect more than $77,000.

Kelle Earnheart took the Non-Pro Derby at the BI, riding High Steppin Cat.

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 NCHA Cutting Academy Clinics have received rave reviews from cutters. The next NCHA Cutting Academy, 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.

Summer Sales Expand to Three Days
The Western Bloodstock NCHA Summer Spectacular Sales will be held over three days at Will Rogers Equestrian Center. The dates will be Friday, July 28, Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30.

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 more than $6,000 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 maintains a slim lead over Kathy Boone and Mary Jo Milner in the Non-Pro standings.

Meanwhile, former Senior Youth World Champion Denver Jo Williamson has more than twice the earnings of her nearest rival in the $50,000 Amateur. But it's a long year, so keep up with the standings in all NCHA-approved classes online every week.

We Want You Back!  If you have not renewed your membership for 2006 we want you to know that your membership is important to us.  Even if you are not actively participating at this time, renewing your membership keeps you informed of who is doing what in the world of cutting and keeps you involved with the association and this fantastic equine sport.  The award-winning Cutting Horse Chatter magazine is packed with entertaining features and articles about the world of cutting and NCHA events.  The publication is dedicated to preserving the history of cutting as well as keeping readers abreast of all the latest news. You can renew quickly and easily right now, just click on this link and return to the world of cutting!

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. 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.