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East Meets West in Sean Ryon Shootout
Top competitors from the NCHA Chevy Trucks Eastern National Championships met their counterparts from the Western National Championships in Fort Worth, Texas on July 17 for the Sean Ryon  East-West Shootout. Winners in each of the 11 divisions received a custom-made Sean Ryon Saddle plus $700 in cash. For the full story, click here.

Desire Some Freckles Goes Out Winning
In the last major limited age event of her career, Rockin 5 Ranch's Desire Some Freckles marked a 227 under Sam Shepard to win the NCHA Classic/Challenge on July 17. It was the first time the Freckles Playboy mare had won at Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. "I was lucky," Shepard said. "All three of my cattle were tough and had a little move and try. And this mare was smart and out-figured them."  See The Daily Chatter for the full story.

The show runs through July 29 and features the NCHA Sponsors Cutting on July 27, and the Sooner Trailer Workoff on July 28. On Saturday, July 29, the thrill of Derby Non-Pro and Open Finals competition begins at 3 p.m.

If you can't make it to Fort Worth, you can enjoy a live webcast of the Summer Cutting Spectacular by visiting NCHA Web site.  In addition, complete results are available and scores are updated throughout the day. See the schedule for more information.

Busy Week for Youth
Great cutting, a convention, awards, games and fun all helped make the annual John Roberts and Cole McGee Summer Spectacular Memorial Scholarship Cutting and Convention a big success. Courtney Sokol heads the list of new officers for the National Youth Cutting Horse Association.  Full story.

Positive Changes Planned for NCHA Select Futurity Sale
The NCHA Select Futurity Sale, widely recognized as the premier public auction in the cutting horse industry, will be even better this year, thanks to improvements recommended this week. For additional information.

New World Leader
Christys Acre, current Open division leader, is making his mark on the weekend trail to the 2001 John Deere/NCHA World Championship Finals with earnings that already exceed those for his 2000 World Championship campaign. Pat Earnheart of Hernando, Mississippi is aboard the Bob Acre Doc stallion owned by Robert and Andrea Finger of Houston, Texas. Christys Acre has made $35,752 from 59 performances this year. During last year's regular season competition, he earned $32,967 from 60 shows.

Previous leader Rosies Lena, owned by Ken Sitton of Freeport, Texas, with Robert Rust in the saddle, is a close second with earnings of $32,399. Rosies Lena was one of the winners in the Sean Ryon East/West Shootout during a 10-day span that saw Rust drive from Weatherford, Texas to Calgary, Alberta, back to Fort Worth, and then on to Ennis, Montana.

Keep your eye on these two as they burn up the trail racing head-to-head for a John Deere/NCHA World Championship Finals challenge.

In the Non-Pro race, Mary Jo Milner riding Red White And Boon stays on top with a $23,000 lead. Her husband, Jim, remains in second place, while Tim May continues to carry third. May and his mount, Hey Little Jude, participated in the Sean Ryon East/West Shootout Non-Pro division during the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular resulting in a Reserve win. The two will take a break from the road temporarily, with May on judging duty and Hey Little Jude resting a minor hock injury. Says May, "I may get passed up while I'm away from the road, but we'll be coming back real soon to get our place back!"

Check out all the latest NCHA World standings.

Pacific Coast CHA Hall of Fame
The Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association  is seeking nominations for their Members Hall of Fame. You can nominate anyone, living or deceased, who has made outstanding contributions to the PCCHA. The deadline for nominations is September 15. Call 916-354-9740 for more information.

Weekend Update
While there is plenty of limited age event action at the Will Rogers Coliseum in NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular competition, weekend shows around the country, as well as internationally, offer plenty of opportunity for excellent cutting conditions, including cattle, grounds, friendships and awards!

Area 7 offers the Cow Camp Ranch Cutting at Bruner Ranch Arena in Ramona, Kansas July 20-21 with $200 added to the Open and Non-Pro events. Along with the other NCHA-approved classes, the Kansas CHA will hold a $1,000 Novice Horse class and a Rookie class. Secretary, Lisa Arnoldy (785) 483-3402.

On July 21-22, Area 1 is the place to be for Washington CHA's Series Cutting at the Flying M Arena in Olympia, Washington. $200 will be added to the NCHA-approved Open and Non-Pro. Additional events include several limited-earnings classes. Secretary, Becky Sleeman (253) 843-1760.

Make your way to Martin, Tennessee and you will be treated to the West Tennessee CHA hospitality at the University of TN Agricultural Pavilion. All classes featured July 21-22 are NCHA-approved. Secretary, Gary Frazier (901) 861-4242 or (901) 767-5951.

Tucumcari, New Mexico for an Area 5 show is a one-day stop for your cutting agenda. The New Mexico CHA hosts all NCHA-approved classes on July 22 with $200 added to Open and Non-Pro. Secretary, Helen Tompkins (505) 633-2858.

Batesville, Mississippi hosts the cutting excitement of the North Mississippi Summer Shows July 25-29. All classes are NCHA-approved and offer $1000 added to Open and Non-Pro; $500 added to $50,000 Amateur, $10,000 Novice, $3,000 Novice and $10,000 Novice/Non-Pro. Secretary, Gwen Coie (318) 644-5788.