Over 700 entries taken for 2002 Chevy Trucks / NCHA Western Nationals in Ogden

Representatives from 56 affiliates will cut for more than $250,000

(Fort Worth, TX) — The 2002 Chevy Trucks / National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championships has over 700 entries for the first time in the show’s history.

From April 26 through May 4, 2003, an amazing 707 NCHA members from across the Western United States will be competing for $230,228 while enjoying each others’ company in Odgen, Utah, during the 2002 Chevy Trucks / NCHA Western National Championships. The cutters had to qualify for the year-end show by finishing in the top 10 of their class within their local cutting club. The Chevy Trucks Western Nationals is celebrating its 8^th year in Ogden.

Competing for an added purse of $90,000, cutters of all ages in 11 classes representing states from across the country will compete for a national title. An exciting feature of the show is the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge. This program, sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association, allows NCHA affiliate organizations to earn points for their participation and success in the Chevy Trucks / NCHA Western National Championships. The AQHA provides $27,000 in prize money to the 10 affiliates that accumulate the most points during the show. Participants in the 2002 Chevy Trucks Western Nationals represent 56 NCHA affiliate clubs.

The 2002 Chevy Trucks / NCHA Western National Championships began on April 26 and will continue through May 4, 2003. Cutting begins daily at 8 a.m. at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, Utah.

The sport of cutting has roots in Western ranching traditions, where good horses were a necessity for everyday ranch work and cattle handling. The National Cutting Horse Association was formed in 1946 by a group of cowboys and ranchers who wanted to promote cutting competition, standardize rules and preserve the cutting horses' Western heritage. Today, the Fort Worth-based NCHA represents over 14,000 people 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 2002 Chevy Trucks / NCHA Western National Championships, or the sport of cutting, please call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.