NCHA sets pace for the future with largest Futurity ever in 2002

Wrap up of Chevy Trucks / NCHA Futurity

(Fort Worth, TX) – High marks, growing purses, innovative programs and celebrated cutters combined to make the 41^st National Cutting Horse Association World Championship Futurity one of the most memorable in NCHA history.

The 19-day event, running from November 27 through December 15 in Will Rogers Memorial Center, boasted a total purse of more than $2.8 million.

The 2002 Futurity, sponsored by Chevy Trucks, attracted 1,468 entries from 41 states and four foreign countries. A record number of Non-Pro competitors (378) and Amateurs (289) competed, and the 589 Open entries is the most since 1983.

In conjunction with the show, Western Bloodstock performed auctions December 7 through 15, with more than 1,400 horses offered for sale.

Prior to the Futurity Select 2-Year-Old Sale on December 11, the legendary Smart Little Lena was honored for the dramatic impact he has made on the cutting horse industry during the past 20 years.

Another strong influence on NCHA was Zack T Wood Jr. During the 12^th annual Charles Goodnight Gala, the longtime Executive Director was recognized for his contributions to the association.

Also, Tim May, Albert Paxton, Walter Hellyer, Sam Shepard, Jo Ellard, S.J. Agnew and Punk Carter were inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame during the Futurity.

The show also served as an opportunity to look toward the future. Plans were unveiled for the Western Horseman Cup, a year-long championship series for 4-year-old horses that will award $250,000 at the Augusta Futurity beginning in 2004. Members were also given the opportunity to tour the association’s new offices during the NCHA’s Open House, held December 13.

Plenty of other social activities made for an eventful schedule during the show. A party for lifetime members was held December 12. At the Professional Trainers Party Bill Riddle was awarded the Zane Schulte Memorial Award.

Mike and Gail Priest of Roff, Oklahoma, won a loaded 2003 Chevy Duramax Diesel Truck in the Chevy Truck Giveaway. The Celebrity Cutting raised $130,000 for Cancer Care and NCHA Charities.

As for the main attraction, Tag Rice followed the example of his father, the 2001 Champion Ronnie Rice, and won the Open Futurity aboard Chiquita Pistol. Mary Ann Rapp and Little Janey Lena scored a record 228 points to win the Non-Pro division. And Bill Brown, who was named NCHA Rookie of the year, claimed the Amateur Championship.

For more information about the 2002 Chevy Trucks / NCHA World Championship Futurity, please visit www.nchacutting.com.