The Future of Cutting is in Great Hands

(Fort Worth, TX) – The National Youth Cutting Horse Association hosted their Junior and Senior finals Monday July 16 during the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum.

“The future of Cutting is in great hands,” said Jeff Hooper, NCHA Executive Director. “It’s great to see our youth embrace a sport they are so passionate about.” Youth cutters from across the country convened in Fort Worth this weekend for the annual John Roberts and Cole McGee Memorial Scholarship Cutting and NYCHA awards banquet.

The culmination of this year’s youth events came this afternoon when both Junior and Senior divisions held their cutting finals.

Lauren Middleton of Summit, Mississippi received top honors in the Junior competition with a score of 223.5. Lauren aboard Windows Freckles, owned by her parents Dr. Robert and Debbie Middleton, scored two and a half points ahead of Dustin Mills of Fulshear, Texas. Blaze Cogdell of Tulia, Texas and his mount Shania Cee finished third in the Junior competition. Shania Cee added a lot of experience to the duo: She won the 2000 NCHA World Champion Futurity Open division under Shannon Hall’s direction.

Winner of the Senior division was Havey Riddle of Ringling, Oklahoma. Havey aboard Stylish and Foxie, owned by Glenn and Debbie Drake, earned the finals high score of 229 points. Shayla Smith and Dual Nurse took the Reserve Champion place in the Senior competition. Shayla is the daughter of Wes and Cindi Smith of Nogal, New Mexico. With a score of 219.5, Lindy Merryman and her horse Peps Quicksand finished third in the contest.

The NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular competition will continue through July 29. Other special events during this year’s spectacular competition include the Sean Ryon /East-West Shoot-out on July 17, the Annual NCHA Sponsor Cutting July 27 and the NCHA Derby beginning on July 20.

For up-to-date scores, information and streaming competition video of the Summer Cutting Spectacular, please go to www.nchacutting.com .

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