Houston Hotel Arrangements
If you're planning to attend the Houston Livestock Show cutting competition or the 2002 John Deere/NCHA World Championship Finals you need to make your hotel arrangements now! Visit www.houston.com to find a location and rate that's right for you.

High Expectations for Second Year of AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge
Last year, the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Cutting Horse Association used their alliance to create the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge.

The program, which distributed $54,000 directly into NCHA affiliate clubs across the country, was a great success. In the program's first year of existence, entries at both the Eastern and Western National Championships rose nearly six percent. The NCHA expects those numbers to increase yet again for the 2003 shows.

And a new World . . .
The 2003 point year has begun and horses and riders in all divisions are taking the first steps on the road to the biggest, richest World Finals in history, to be held in Amarillo, Texas, January 12-22, 2004. The $335,000-added show will feature 11 classes, with the top 50 year-end contestants in each class being eligible for the finals.

In conjunction with the new World Finals format, NCHA has expanded the standings listed on the web to go 100 deep in each class. The extended listings will also be published in the Cutting Horse Chatter beginning with the March issue.

Chiquita Pistol fires at Augusta Futurity
Chiquita Pistol and Tag Rice claimed their third major aged event in a row at the Augusta Futurity which concluded February 1. Winner of the NCHA Futurity and the Abilene Spectacular, Chiquita Pistol marked 230.5 at Augusta for Rice and owner Tooter Dorman.

Mary Ann Rapp, who won the NCHA Non-Pro NCHA Futurity on Little Janey Lena, took the Augusta title with a 217 on Moody Blue Boon.

Western Horseman Cup update
Next year's Augusta Futurity will feature the inaugural edition of the $250,000 Western Horseman Cup for 4-year-olds of 2003 which qualify based on their performance at existing aged events across the United States and Canada this year.

With four of the qualifying events complete-the NCHA Futurity, Abilene Spectacular, San Diego Winter Show, and Augusta Futurity, Chiquita Pistol is leading the Western Horseman Cup open standings with 250 points. Mary Ann Rapp leads the non-pros with 320 points.

Memphis Futurity underway
Horse of the Year Little Pepto Gal and Matt Gaines set the pace with a score of 222 in the first round of the 5/6-year-old Open at the Memphis Futurity on Monday.

Greg Coalson and Dual Jazzabell led the first round of the 5/6-year-old Non-Pro with a 223.

The second round of both divisions for older horses is scheduled for today, and the show continues through Tuesday, February 11.

Affiliate Spotlight
The Northwest Cutting Horse Association was established in 1950 by three dedicated cutting horse enthusiasts with a vision to promote the cutting horse and maintain the highest standards in the sport while maintaining the integrity of our Western heritage.

NWCHA strives to assure its members that cutting horse competitions approved by NWCHA will have all the elements of a high quality show. Shows approved by NWCHA will have plentiful cattle, good footing, NCHA approval, and qualified NCHA judges.

The NWCHA earned $7,500 for their affiliate at the 2001 Chevy Trucks/NCHA Western National Championships last May through the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge. Of the 52 affiliate organizations represented, NWCHA earned the most points (1,575) for participation and excellence during the show. [Press Release]

The NWCHA holds approved events throughout the Northwest from February through September, in addition to the Ranch Festival & Aged Event held in August. The youth of the NWCHA can compete to qualify for an annual scholarship cutting in which scholarship awards total $6,000.

Anyone can join the Northwest Cutting Horse Association. Dues are just $30 per year for single memberships, $40 for family memberships, $5 for youth memberships and $50 for associate memberships (corporate memberships). The yearly fee includes a subscription to official NWCHA newsletter, The RoundUp, which is published 10 times each year.

OFFICERS: Richard Eagle, president; Bob Lundgren, vice president; Harland Radomske, immediate past president.

DIRECTORS: Lynne Anderson, Curt Blakeway, Sherry Chamberlin, Char Cromwell, Randy Fenimore, Phil Hanson Jr., Jack Holt, K.D. Johnston, De Leigh, Nina Lundgren, Gary Martin, Scott Martin, Natalie Martus, Dick Sieverson, Jennifer Sleeman, Josh Sleeman, and Mike Walker.

STAFF: Theresa Fitzpatrick, secretary; 722 SW Highland Ave., Redmond, OR 97756, Phone (541) 923-3586, Fax (541) 923-3593.

Barnmaster Inc. continues their sponsorship
NCHA corporate sponsor Barnmaster Inc. of Lakeside, California, recently renewed their support by signing a new three-year sponsor agreement with the NCHA.  Barnmaster is a dedicated, long time supporter NCHA.  Barnmaster has designed thousands of barns for horsemen and women around the country.

Eastern Nationals Entries
All entries for the Chevy Trucks/Eastern National Championships must be received in the NCHA office no later than Wednesday, February 19. There is no ten-day grace period.

Payments Due
The first payment of $250 for this summer's NCHA Derby and Classic/Challenge, presented by the Insurance Corporation of Hannover, is due February 15.

Attention Trainers
If you have moved or your telephone number has changed, please be sure to contact the NCHA membership department to get your information updated prior to the April 1 deadline for the Trainer's Directory.

On the Web
Cutters are just a mouse click away from seeing how they rank in the 2003 NCHA standings in their respective classes. The National Cutting Horse Association updates the standings on the website each week.

Judges Applicant Seminar scheduled March 27-28, 2003
If you meet the qualifications listed in Rule 21 of the NCHA Rule Book and are interested, please contact Ella Hood via email or by calling 817-244-6188.

Last chance to send in your bid for the 2003 NYCHA Stallion Service Program.
We have more than 140 great stallions to choose from. Your bid must be at least 50% of the advertised breeding fee and must be received by 12 noon, Central Time on Thursday, February 6, 2003. If you haven't mailed your bid in yet, it_s not too late; just complete the bid form, then fax it to (817) 560-2288 with your credit card number.

Already after February 6 when you read your email? You can still participate. All remaining breedings will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning February 7 for 60% of the advertised breeding fee. Take a look at the list of available stallions then contact the NCHA Youth Coordinator, Danette McGuire at (817) 244-6188 to purchase the breeding of your choice.

Youth events scheduled for Eastern National Championships
The ever popular, youth team cutting will be held at the Eastern National Championships in Jackson, Mississippi, on Friday, March 14. The contest requires a team of four youth cutters to dress up in their most creative costumes. All four team members' scores are combined, with prizes awarded to the highest team score and best-dressed team. There will be lots of fun and prizes for everyone, but the competition is limited to 12 teams so get your entry in early. Fax your entry form to (817) 560-2288 or email Danette McGuire.

The NYCHA business meeting will also be held on Friday, March 14, beginning at 4:00 PM followed by dinner for all youth members (catered by M&M Catering). The youth team cutting will begin immediately following the $10,000 Novice/Non Pro first go.

A team cutting will also be held at the Western National Championships. You can use the same entry form to enter, but be sure to specify which show you want to enter.

Travel Planner
NCHA's popular 2003 Travel Planner is available now for $5.00, plus $3.00 postage. Everyone who shows needs one of these handy calendars.

Call Darla Bellville at (817) 244-6188 to order your copy today.

Designated Area for Competition
Any member who wishes to designate a specific area they will be competing in other than the area they live for the 2003 point year needs to do so prior to March 1. The request to designate an area needs to be in writing to the attention of Linda Smith. Please include in the request your membership number, name, address, telephone, the area you wish to designate and the horses that will be shown. Once you have designated an area for the 2003 point year, you may not change areas until the next point year. Mail or fax to: Linda Smith, NCHA, 260 Bailey Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Fax 817-244-2015.

You've Got to Laugh
Cutter Toons, the acclaimed cartoon book by renowned artist Jerry McAdams is now available for just $12.50 postage paid. McAdams' cartoons with a cutting edge are a popular feature of the Daily Chatter newsletter at NCHA shows.

Call Darla Bellville at (817) 244-6188 to order your copy today.

Mug Plug
Need a cup of coffee before you head for the barn in the morning? Tioga Territory has just the thing for you. Their official NCHA 20-ounce insulated travel mugs will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours.

Renew On-line
More and more NCHA members are discovering how easy it is to renew their membership with on-line processing.

Right now there is an extra incentive to renew your membership. If you sign up for a three-year membership (2003-2005) by March 1, you will be entered in a drawing for a Sam's Club Gift Certificate, valued at $1,000. (Because of the already low rate for NYCHA members, youth memberships are not eligible for this special incentive).

Advertising Deadline
Deadline for the Flowmaster/NCHA Super Stakes Program and the April issue of Cutting Horse Chatter is February 28. Contact Shawn McCoy at (817) 244-6188 for more information.

Women of the Frontiers
NCHA Hall of Fame member Lindy Burch and Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, will be on a panel of women talking about their lives and experiences, and how they were pioneers in their endeavors at the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 11. The deadline for reservations is today, Wednesday, February 5. Call (817) 531-2998 for more information.

West Nile Virus Seminar
There will be a free seminar on West Nile Virus at Santa Anita Park's Front Runner Restaurant on March 9.

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