Fort Worth, Texas (February 28, 2000)- The National Cutting Horse Association will hold the fifth annual Chevy Trucks Western National Championships April 28^th - May 6^th at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, Utah, pouring more than $3 million into the local economy.

Members of the NCHA competing in the event are expected to spend upon average a per diem of $140 a day. Including contestants, hired help and family, more than 1,200 people will fall into that category.

These figures verify the cutting horse industry is not to be taken lightly. One of the fastest growing equine sports in the world, cutting offers tremendous excitement for rider and spectator alike, in addition to its economic capabilities. Total economic values to host cities are estimated in excess of $70 million for NCHA-produced events.

The NCHA produces six shows annually: NCHA World Championship Futurity (Fort Worth, Texas), John Deere World Championship Finals (Houston, Texas), NCHA Super Stakes and Super Stakes Classic (Fort Worth), Chevy Trucks Eastern National Championships (Jackson, Mississippi), Chevy Trucks Western National Championships (Ogden), and the Summer Cutting Spectacular (Fort Worth).

The Chevy Trucks Western National Championships and its sister event, the Chevy Trucks Eastern National Championships, are qualification-based events. In order to participate, competitors must rank within the top 10 in any NCHA-approved division in their local Area or Affiliate, and must compete in that division in the championships. Qualifying competitors are eligible to compete in either or both Ogden and Jackson. Furthermore, winners from each of the 11 divisions from each show will go head-to-head at the Chevy Trucks/ M.L. Leddy's East/ West Shoot-Out held during the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular July 14^th - 30^th.

With more than 100 affiliates in the United States and 22 foreign countries, the NCHA also approves more than 1,400 shows annually, with total purses exceeding $21 million.

For more information on the NCHA and the Chevy Trucks Western National Championships call (817)244-6188 or visit the NCHA website at www.nchacutting.com.

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