(Fort Worth, TX) — The National Cutting Horse Association is ringing in the New Year with extra enthusiasm. That's because in a new report, NCHA-approved show payouts totaled more than $26,000,000 in 2001, an 8.2% increase over the previous year.

NCHA Weekend Show purses increased by 8.4% and Aged Event purses grew by 8.2% over the previous year’s figures. The NCHA sanctions over 1,400 "weekend shows" annually across the United States. The NCHA also produces or approves over 35 major "limited age events" each year for cutting horses ages three through six-years-old.

In 2001, NCHA "weekend cutters" received $10,550,551 in payouts while aged event cutters took home an additional $15,529,307, for a grand total of $26,079,858 in prize money. This level of earnings potential places the sport of cutting as the #1 Western Sport Horse participation event.

The premier NCHA-produced event is the annual World Championship Futurity, held each December in Fort Worth, Texas. The 2001 World Championship Futurity boasted a total purse of over $2.75 million, and hosted over 1,500 total entries.

"Cutting horses have their roots in the 19^th century, but these figures prove they have an exciting future in the 21^st century," said NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper. "Cutters are competing for more money than ever before, thanks to increased entries and corporate sponsorship support.

"Our grassroots cutters have shown the biggest gains ever, with growth approaching double digits last year. Together with the big gains in limited age event purses, and sponsors like Chevy Trucks, John Deere, Sam’s Club, Flowmaster, the Insurance Corporation of Hannover and the American Quarter Horse Association putting more money in the pot for 2002, we should be seeing even greater gains in the months and years ahead," continued Hooper.

From the original 13 members who created the National Cutting Horse Association in 1946 to the present membership of over 14,000 cutters, the roots of the NCHA are buried deep in Western ranching traditions where good horses were a necessity to everyday ranch work and cattle handling. The sport of cutting has evolved into a thriving industry with members of many backgrounds. From CEOs to cattle raisers to former rodeo stars and professional athletes, National Cutting Horse Association members find a common thread in one of the most challenging, exhilarating, and exciting sports in the world -- riding good cutting horses.

For more information about the NCHA's history, shows, or how to become a member, please call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.