FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2002
From the NATIONAL CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION
CONTACT: Amy Vorhes 817-244-6188 ext. 113
NCHA Membership breaks 14,000 in 2002
(Fort Worth, TX) —
The word is out and the numbers are in. As of the end of August, over 14,000 people have decided to "Experience the Thrill of Cutting" with the National Cutting Horse Association in 2002. Of those, 2,000 are brand new members; including 327 new youth members, 16 new life members and 6 new affiliate members.NCHA members come from across the United States with a wide range of backgrounds. The sport of cutting has roots in Western ranching traditions, where good horses were a necessity for everyday ranch work and cattle handling. From cowgirls to CEOs, from firefighters to professional football players, the common ground is often in the cutting arena.
The NCHA offers classes to fit every skill level of horse and rider in over 1,400 approved events annually. And as if the pure thrill and adrenaline of riding one of the most intelligent and athletic horses in the world weren't enough to keep cutters hooked, payouts from NCHA events in 2001 topped $26 million. So far in 2002, payouts are up an additional 18% from those figures.
Reaching the 14,000 mark did not happen by accident, though. The NCHA and specifically the Membership Department has dedicated itself to member satisfaction, and continues to make improvements daily.
"NCHA has worked hard to increase membership by recruiting new members and concentrating on retaining our current members," said Julie Davis, Membership Coordinator. "We have had a steady increase over the last 10 years and are excited to see the numbers continue to grow."
All of this growth is exactly according to plan, and a result of the combined efforts of the entire association. Increasing awareness of the sport and the association, recruiting new members, answering the needs of members, producing quality cuttings, and strong leadership all play key roles in the association's continued success.
"Surpassing this membership milestone is an indication that our leadership's dedication to our strategic plan is paying off. The continued success of any association is based in membership growth," said Clay Murray, Director of Marketing & Media. "As such, our effort to focus our membership message on horse enthusiasts who are looking for a new level of competition will continue."
"For people interested in Western horse competition, NCHA membership is a tremendous value," noted NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper. "We are proud of the services we offer to each of our over 14,000 members. We see a very bright future for the sport of cutting."
To learn more about the National Cutting Horse Association and the sport of cutting, call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.