FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 11, 2005

NCHA CONTACT:

Kristina Gardner

817.244.6188 x 121

NCHA World Championship Futurity returns to Fort Worth

Numerous events accompany cutting horse excitement at Will Rogers

(Fort Worth, TX) –It’s Futurity time! The National Cutting Horse Association will once again host their most exciting cutting competition of the year, the NCHA World Championship Futurity, from November 23 through December 11, 2005 at the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum. This year, more than 1,500 entries will be competing for over $3.1 million in total prize money, an NCHA record.

For many, the NCHA Futurity represents the beginning of a successful career in the show ring. The 3 year-old equine competitors have been training rigorously for this show, and will join thousands of other hopefuls to make their professional debut over the course of this 19-day event. Trainers enter their young horses in hopes of having the highest scores over the course of several two-and-a half minute-run rounds, and a piece of a record-breaking $1.5 million in prize money going to the top 25 Open riders. The Open Champion takes home $200,000 and the title of NCHA Open Futurity Champion.

In addition to cash prizes, the Futurity champions will receive awards from sponsors including M.L. Leddy’s, Murray Leather, Read’s Jewelers, Teskey’s, Pro Walk, Trefethen Vineyards and trophy buckles from Gist Silversmiths.

Along with the Futurity cutting competition, there will be several events held in conjunction with the show, including: the Celebrity Cutting, The Charles Goodnight Gala, Western Bloodstock horse sales and the Western Mercantile Exhibit Hall.

The 15^th Annual Charles Goodnight Gala honoring the Beggs Family will be held at the Worthington Hotel at 6:30 p.m. on December 1. Entertainment will be provided by country music greats Brooks & Dunn. For more information, visit www.charlesgoodnightgala.com.

In addition, the 11^th Annual Celebrity Cutting Event will be held Friday, December 2, at the Will Rogers Coliseum. This event is presented by the Careity Foundation and will feature over a dozen of the nation’s most talented celebrity cutters. A dinner, auction and live entertainment from celebrity cutters Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker and Tracy Byrd will follow the competition. For more information, visit www.celebritycutting.com.

Western Bloodstock will host daily cutting horse sales beginning on Saturday, December 3 and continuing through the finals on Sunday, December 11. Horses for all levels of riders and cutting events will be available at this sale. Whether you are looking for two-year-olds, broodmares, or finished horses, your search for a great horse ends here. For more information, visit www.westernbloodstock.com.

The Western Mercantile presented by Coors Light opens November 25 in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall. This exhibit features over 150 merchants from all over the country selling the finest quality clothing, art, tack, jewelry, furniture and much more. Cowboy Santa will drop by in the afternoon to hear your wish list and to take holiday photos on December 2,3, & 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 9,10 & 11 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit hall will be open daily from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. during go-rounds, and will remain open with extended hours through the semi-finals and finals performances.

Show and exhibit hall parking is free. Admission to the Western Mercantile, Amateur and Non-Pro go-rounds is also free, and admission starts at $6 for the Open competition November 23 through 29 and December 8 - 11.

For more information about the National Cutting Horse Association, the NCHA World Championship Futurity, or the long list of events and activities associated with this 19-day show, please call the NCHA at 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.

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