N
ational Youth Cutting Horse Association
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Levels of Excellence Award Program (LEAP)
print a copy of the 2005 form by clicking here - 2005 LEAP Form
(deadline extended to March 31)What is LEAP?
LEAP stands for Levels of Excellence Award Program. It is an NYCHA member's ticket to reaching the Youth Hall of Fame. LEAP is a "levels" program created in 1994 that allows youth members to accumulate LEAP points throughout their Youth career, earning awards and recognition as they climb the ladder of success. LEAP points are earned through participation in NYCHA in many categories such as attending workshops; promoting the sport of cutting by writing a newspaper article or giving a demonstration; or helping with fundraisers in addition to points earned in the cutting arena. The program was designed to give youth in the cutting horse family a way to participate in youth activities even if they were not showing cutting horses.
LEAP Awards
LEAP awards are given for:
Initial
(1,000 pts.), Bronze (2,500 pts.), Silver (5,000 pts.), Gold
(7,500 pts.) Platinum (10,000 pts.) and Diamond (15,000
pts.). These awards are presented individually
to the youth during their NYCHA Awards Banquet held at the Summer Cutting Spectacular in
Fort Worth, Texas, usually in July.
A
six-year old member could potentially reach the first level of accomplishment (1,000 pts.)
and accept a LEAP award without ever competing in the cutting arena.
It is now mandatory for a youth to participate in LEAP in order to reach the Youth Hall of Fame. But more than that, LEAP gives all youth in the United States and Canada a way to participate in the NCHA’s Youth organization. It gives youth from all levels of experience and ability a chance to reach the Youth Hall of Fame by participating in other ways. LEAP points will also play an important role in selecting the recipients of the NYCHA/Walton Family Foundation Scholarships. Applicants for these $5,000 scholarships must turn in a current year's LEAP form as well as list their total LEAP points earned.
How can I participate in LEAP and what are the age requirements?
To participate in LEAP, a youth must first become a member of NYCHA. Dues are currently $15 a year per member. Youth may join NYCHA at any time during the year by filling out the membership form found periodically in the Chatter and is also available on the NCHA website NYCHA Membership Form - Join Today! To participate in LEAP, the youth member simply needs to fill out and submit a LEAP form each year. Youth may begin participating in LEAP when they reach three years of age. This is the age where youngsters begin participating in educational clinics and fun events like horse anatomy clinics, belt-making clinics, art contests, and the Easter Egg Hunt at the Super Stakes.
How do I get my L.E.A.P. form?
L.E.A.P. forms are mailed to all current NYCHA members during the first quarter of each year so it is important to pay your dues early! Look for this form in your mail addressed to each NYCHA member. LEAP forms should be completed and returned to the NYCHA Youth Coordinator at the NCHA office, 260 Bailey Avenue, Ft Worth, TX 76107.
You can also print a copy by clicking here - 2005 LEAP Form (deadline extended to March 31)