February 16, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Clay Murray 817/ 244-6188 Ext: 120
(Fort Worth, TX)—The American Quarter Horse Association will continue its commitment to National Cutting Horse Association members for two more years in an agreement announced today. The AQHA will continue sponsoring the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge held each year at the Millennium/NCHA Eastern and Western National Championships.
The agreement includes $54,000 to be distributed among the top ten placing affiliate organizations at each of the National Championships. The top place affiliate will receive a check for $7,500 to enhance their organization.
The AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge was initiated in 2002 and has helped bolster entries at both shows. At the 2002 Eastern National Championships entries increased by 8% while the Western National Championships entries jumped by 18%.
The affiliate challenge brings a team concept to the Championships. In addition to individual competition, all entrants in the shows also compete on behalf of their local NCHA affiliate organization. Points are awarded for both participation and excellence of performance.
In the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge, each of NCHA’s 129 affiliate organizations can send their top 10 competitors from 11 different classes to compete in both the Millennium Eastern and Western National Championships.
The North Mississippi Cutting Horse Association has claimed the championship for two years at the Eastern National Championships while the Arizona Cutting Horse Association was the champion at the 2003 Western National Championships.
The National Cutting Horse Association is made up of over 15,000 members 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. Each year more than 1,400 NCHA-approved events are held throughout the country with more than $28 million in prize money awarded.
To learn more about the National Cutting Horse Association and the sport of cutting, call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.
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