The NCHA and Gist Silversmiths have agreed to extend their close relationship by signing three-year sponsorship agreement that will provide even greater benefits to the membership of the NCHA.

For more than 30 years, Gist has handcrafted buckles for a wide range of customers … world champion cutters, entertainment celebrities, political dignitaries, major sporting events and individuals seeking a unique personal gift. Their product line includes buckles, jewelry, and other western accessories including custom saddle plaques, bits and spurs. Under the new terms of the Gist/NCHA agreement, three large groups of NCHA members will receive new benefits.

1 -- AQHA Affiliate Challenge. Gist will provide gift certificates to the top two scoring affiliates at the Chevy Trucks/NCHA Eastern National Championships and to the top two scoring affiliates at the Chevy Trucks/NCHA Western National Championships to promote the growth and development of the affiliate membership program. The first place affiliate at each show will receive a certificate good for $2,000 of Gist merchandise to be used for awards. The second place affiliate will receive a certificate for $1,000 of Gist product.

2 -- Limited Age Events. NCHA-sanctioned Limited Age Events that award added money between $10,000 and $24,999 will receive a gift certificate of $200 to be used for awards. NCHA-sanctioned Limited Age Events that award added money of $25,000 and above will receive a gift certificate for awards valued at $500. As an additional incentive, Gist will provide a bonus of double the value of these certificates when Gist Silversmiths is designated as the exclusive silversmith for the event.

3 -- Rookie of the Year. Gist will be the presenting sponsor for the NCHA Rookie Weekend Cutter of the Year, and will present a $2,000 check to the winner.

"While renewing our relationship with Gist Silversmiths was tremendously positive for the association as a whole, being able to pass on benefits to specific groups within the association makes this agreement that much better," said NCHA Director of Marketing and Media Clay Murray.

The complete line of Gist Silversmiths buckles, jewelry and accessories can be found at www.gistsilversmiths.com. Look for Gist products in fine Western stores across the country, and look for them at your next cutting.

The sport of cutting has roots in Western ranching tradition, where good horses were a necessity for everyday ranch work and cattle handling. Cutting horses specialized in ability to separate or "cut" one cow from a herd of others, for breeding, doctoring, sorting or shipping. The National Cutting Horse Association was formed in 1946 by a group of cowboys and ranchers who wanted to promote cutting competitions, standardize rules and preserve the cutting horses' Western heritage. Today, the Fort Worth-based NCHA represents more than 14,000 members in 19 countries and oversees more than 1,400 NCHA-approved shows with more than $26 million in total prize money awarded annually. For more information about the NCHA, the sport of cutting, and events in your area, call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.