National Cutting Horse Association
260 Bailey Ave. · Fort Worth, Texas 76107
03/31/2004
E-newsletter sponsored by Chevy Trucks

Welcome to the National Cutting Horse Association's E-Chatter newsletter. We'll be bringing the latest NCHA news direct to your inbox every other week.

NCHA Super Stakes Begins Today
The first round of the Open division of the NCHA Super Stakes Classic got underway this morning at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. The $2.3 million show continues through April 18. Keep up with working orders and scores every day, and read the Daily Chatter to find out the stories behind the numbers.

Watch the NCHA Super Stakes Live!
DISH Network will offer a live, pay-per-view telecast of the NCHA Super Stakes on April 18. The $19.95 show will feature live coverage of the Open finals, plus highlights of Non-Pro competition. Click here for more information.

Super Stakes Sale on the Calendar
Western Bloodstock's NCHA Super Stakes Sale will be held at Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 17. You can click on the lot number of each horse for detailed information about it.

Everybody is welcome to the Stallion Owners Appreciation Breakfast, sponsored by NCHA, on Saturday morning, April 17 at 7:30 a.m. in Watt Arena.

Easter Egg Hunt
There will be an Easter egg hunt at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, on the lawn on the north side of Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum.

Super Stakes Shopping Spree
Local radio station 95.9 The Ranch will sponsor a $500 Shopping Spree at the Coors Light Western Mercantile trade show during the Super Stakes. There will be a drawing on Saturday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Amon G Carter Exhibit Hall, and you must be present to win.

Vote for the Best
Do you have an opinion on what horse was the greatest cutter of all time? Sure you do. Cast your vote online before June 1. The Chatter will tabulate the results and publish a series of feature articles about the five horses that receive the most votes. Your vote should be based on cutting performance without regard to sire or produce records.

EQ Solutions Supports NCHA
EQ Solutions has been named an Official Sponsor of the National Cutting Horse Association. EQ Solutions are specially formulated, all-natural cleaning solutions that are completely non-toxic and readily biodegrade.

"We are really excited about EQ's involvement," said Clay Murray, NCHA Director of Marketing and Media. "This is an opportunity for EQ to bring a new awareness to their relationship with cutting horse competitors. EQ has been supplying NCHA members with their state-of-the-art products for several years… their participation stems from the overwhelming support from the cutting industry and their desire to develop relationships with all levels of competition."

Chevy Truck Giveaway
Everyone over the age of 18 who purchases National Cutting Horse Association membership in 2004 will have a chance to win a new Chevy Duramax diesel crew-cab truck. In addition, each time you win a check in an NCHA-approved event during the 2004 point year, you will be automatically entered again in the drawing.

"Because sponsorships are designed to benefit the entire organization, we wanted to make sure that every member had at least one chance to win a new truck," said Clay Murray, NCHA Director of Marketing and Media. "When we implemented a similar give-away in 2002, we had more than 76,000 names in the drawing. It gave us an opportunity to entice new members to the sport while recognizing existing members for their ongoing participation. It's not everyday that you get to hand someone the keys to a $47,000 truck."

Join Now for a Chance at the Truck
You can join the National Cutting Horse Association online right now.

Bill Riddle, Don Strain Run for NCHA Vice President
NCHA Executive Committee members Bill Riddle and Don Strain are running for the office of Vice President of NCHA. Each NCHA member will receive a ballot for the election in the mail. The Vice President's one-year term is followed by a one-year term as President Elect, and then a one-year term as President of NCHA.

Champions Crowned at Millennium NCHA Eastern Nationals
Uno Dos Seventyseven, owned by Jim Johnson and ridden by Austin Shepard, won the Open championship on the final day of the Millennium Industries/NCHA Eastern National Championships in Jackson, Mississippi on March 20. Take a look at all the winners, or review the show as it unfolded in the popular Daily Chatter newsletter.

North Mississippi wins AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge
The North Mississippi CHA racked up 1,020 points to lead the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge at the Millennium Trailers NCHA Eastern National Championships. The AQHA will pay $54,000 to NCHA Affiliates again this spring under the exciting program at the Millennium Trailers Eastern and Western National Championships at Jackson, Mississippi, and Ogden, Utah, respectively.

Western National Championships Approaching
The deadline for entries to the Millennium Industries / NCHA Western National Championships is April 2. The show runs from May 1-9 in Ogden, Utah.

2004 Western Horseman Cup Standings
EE Ranches' Cat Ichi, ridden by Guy Woods, remains in first place in the Open standings of this year's Western Horseman Cup race with 235 points. Miss Woody Two Shoes, ridden by Lloyd Cox for Lannie Louise Mecom, has moved into second with 175 points.

In Non-Pro competition, Wesley Galyean of Ardmore, Oklahoma, holds the lead with 265 points earned on Merada Quick Peppier and Hi Kitty Kitty. Dustin Adams, riding Clays Instant Choice and JD Pearl Snaps, is second.

Membership Renewals Overdue
The grace period for 2004 membership renewals ended March 1. Earnings will be pulled on all owners and/or riders whose membership is not current when they show. If you did not renew your membership, you will not receive the April Cutting Horse Chatter. Renew now so that you can receive the May issue.

Gist Provides Gift Certificates at Aged Events
All NCHA-approved limited-age events with added money in excess of $10,000 will receive a Gist Silversmiths gift certificate to be used to purchase trophy awards for their event.

For more information on this promotion, contact Megan Darnell or Clay Murray at the NCHA office.

Summer Spectacular Payment Due
The second payment for the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular is due April 1. Entries for Western National Championships must be in the office by April 2nd.

The Race Is on in 2004
Georgia and David Husby's Flickacat, ridden by Chubby Turner, is pulling ahead with $15,707 in the 2004 Open standings. But 2003 World Champion Hollywood Nus Bar, ridden by Robert Rust for David Plummer, is solid in second with $12,079.

In the Non-Pro standings, six-time World Champion Mary Jo Milner ($14,501) holds the lead over McKenzie Mullins ($12,597) and Wade Rust ($12,010).

Affiliate Spotlight
The NCHA of Australia embraces 45 affiliates Down Under which conduct shows, practice days and clinics throughout Australia. Their Futurity is the richest performance horse event for 3-year-olds in the country. Their president is Dr. Paul Olden of NarNarGoon, Victoria.

Get a Break on Breeding Fees with NYCHA Stallion Service Program
Why spend more for breeding fees if you don’t have to? We’ve moved into the second phase of the NYCHA Stallion Service Program, and all remaining breedings can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis for 60% of the advertised breeding fees. We have many great breedings still available including stallions by Doc's Hickory, Peppy San Badger and Gray's Starlight. Here’s a look at some of the breedings we have available for purchase and the breeding fee if purchased through our program –

To purchase any of the remaining breedings, contact Danette McGuire, NCHA Youth Coordinator, at (817) 244-6188, ext. 125. All proceeds benefit the National Youth Cutting Horse Association.

Youth Events Scheduled for Western National Championships
The ever-popular, youth team cutting will once again be held at the Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah, on Saturday, May 1, 2004 (following the youth go-rounds and the finals). The contest requires a team of four youth cutters to dress up in their most creative costumes. All four team members’ scores are combined for a team score; prizes are awarded to the highest team score and best-dressed team. Lots of fun and prizes for everyone, but we’ll only accept 8 teams, so get your entry in early. We also need youth members to serve as announcer, secretary, herd settlers and turnback help. Call or email Danette McGuire to sign up.

Need Money for College? Scholarship Applications Must be Postmarked by June 1
With the addition of a new scholarship donor, NYCHA and CIA (Cutter's In Action) will award approximately $150,000 in college scholarships for the 2004-2005 school year. The National Youth Cutting Horse Association will award $100,000 to current or former NYCHA members who will be enrolled in a college, university or trade school in the fall of 2004. Twenty scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded through a grant from the Walton Family Foundation. These scholarships will recognize NYCHA members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities; excellence in academics; involvement in school, community, or church and involvement in the National Youth Cutting Horse Association.

Additionally, the CIA will award approximately $50,000 through various scholarship funds and a new anonymous donor. These scholarships will be awarded to NCHA members or their immediate family based primarily on financial need. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 per school year for undergraduate students enrolled in a college, university or trade school.

Scholarship applications were recently mailed to all youth members who are high school seniors. To receive a copy of the scholarship guidelines and application, or to contribute to a scholarship fund, call or email Danette McGuire. Applications must be postmarked by June 1.

Trainer Directory Deadline
The deadline for inclusion in the Trainer Directory is tomorrow, April 1. Trainers should ensure that their address and telephone number is current and that the $10 trainer fee is paid for the trainer's directory.

Mindy Young Named Art Director
Award-winning graphic artist Mindy Young has been promoted to Art Director of the Cutting Horse Chatter, the official publication of the National Cutting Horse Association.

Need a Guide?
If you're an NCHA member who needs another copy of the popular Guide to Cutting that mailed with the January issue of Cutting Horse Chatter, or if you're not a member and you want to find out more about cutting, help is just a click away. The 64-page magazine is packed with information for cutters of all levels of ability.

Advertising Deadlines
The deadline for advertising in the May issue of Cutting Horse Chatter is April 1. Contact Shawn McCoy (817) 244-6188, ext. 160 to reserve your space.

Now you can get special full-color business card-size ads in NCHA's Show Programs at a special, affordable rate. Contact Aleasha Dugan (817) 244-6188, ext. 107, for details.

"T" Time
With summer just around the corner, it's time to update your t-shirt wardrobe at Tioga Territory. This ladies scoop neck shirt features a center front nailhead and rhinestone NCHA cutter with calf. Available sizes: Small through X-Large.

Earnings and Eligibility
Beginning with the 2005 point year, horse and rider earnings gained in non-NCHA competition will be considered in determining eligibility for restricted classes.

"In the past, it has been possible for a horse to show extensively outside of NCHA and still be eligible for our novice classes," said NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper. "We are working with Equi-Stat and other organizations, such as the American Cutting Horse Association and the Australian Cutting Horse Association, to recognize non-NCHA earnings for eligibility purposes beginning with the 2005 point year."

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