National Cutting Horse Association

06/19/2026

Day ONE of the 2026 NCHA Convention brought our cutting horse family together as we kicked off a weekend of meaningful conversations and important moments for our Association.

The festivities began with the Welcome Reception, where members connected and celebrated the community that makes NCHA special.

We're just getting started—stay tuned for more highlights from Las Vegas!

06/18/2026

The 2026 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular will once again offer competitors additional opportunities to earn significant added money through the Valley Equine Super Stallion Incentive, with more than $568,000 set to be paid across eligible divisions during the event.

The incentive payouts will be awarded to the Top 10 horses within the Open, Non-Pro and Amateur divisions and continue a growing partnership between Valley Equine Reproduction and NCHA competition. For owners and riders competing on eligible horses, the additional earnings create another layer of opportunity at one of the association's Triple Crown events.

The Valley Equine Super Stallion Incentive continues to see significant growth, with the 2025 incentive year increasing 79% over the previous year. That growth is reflected in the 2026 NCHA Summer Spectacular payouts, which have expanded to pay through the 10th-highest eligible horse from the Open, Non-Pro and Amateur Derby and Classic divisions.

To read the full press release, please visit www.nchacutting.com/news

06/17/2026

This Saturday, June 20, one extraordinary piece of cutting horse history will be sold to the highest bidder at the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame Gala in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The actual horseshoes worn by 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝘀𝗵 during his 2025 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Open Futurity winning run have been custom framed alongside an iconic photograph from that unforgettable night.

This is a true one-of-one collectible. There will never be another opportunity to own the horseshoes from this historic championship performance.

Even better, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the National Youth Cutting Horse Association, helping invest in the future of our sport and the next generation of cutters.

If you've ever wanted to own a genuine piece of NCHA history while making a lasting impact, now is the time. Once the hammer falls on Saturday evening, this opportunity is gone forever.

Special thanks to Beau & Ashley Galyean, Jackpot Farm, and Ellen Carter for making this incredible auction item possible.

06/16/2026

The countdown is ON — 3 days until the 2026 NCHA Convention. See you in Las Vegas.

06/12/2026

NCHA is proud to announce the Utah Cutting Horse Association as the recipient of the 2025 Affiliate of the Year Award and PK Cutters as the 2025 Reserve Affiliate of the Year.

Established by the NCHA Executive Committee, the Affiliate of the Year Award recognizes affiliates that demonstrate exceptional dedication to promoting the sport of cutting, supporting NCHA members, and creating opportunities for competitors at the grassroots level.

"Strong affiliates are essential to the future of our association and our sport," said Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the NCHA. "The Utah Cutting Horse Association and PK Cutters have both demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving their members, supporting youth involvement, and creating opportunities for cutters of all experience levels. Their efforts not only strengthen their local communities but also help ensure the continued growth and success of cutting across the country. We are proud to recognize both organizations for their outstanding contributions."

These awards will be presented during the NCHA Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the 2026 NCHA Convention at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To read the full press release, please visit www.nchacutting.com/news

06/10/2026

NCHA is proud to announce Kathy Cardon of Caliente, California, as the recipient of the 2026 Sandy Sokol Secretary of the Year Award. Cardon will be recognized during the 2026 NCHA Convention, held June 19–21 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Based on NCHA membership nominations and a selection committee, this award is presented each year in recognition and remembrance of the late Sandy Sokol, long-time NCHA show secretary. The award recognizes an NCHA-approved secretary who demonstrates exceptional professionalism, dedication, and service to the association and its members.

"I don't know how to put into words what this award means to me," said Cardon. "I get teary just asking myself, what would Sandy think of the job I do? I hope she would be pleased. Sandy Sokol was a kind and wonderful person that our world did not get to keep long enough. She was a great lady."
For more than 23 years, Cardon has been a trusted leader within the cutting horse industry, serving as secretary for more than 1,000 NCHA-approved events. Known for her professionalism, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to exhibitors and producers, she has become a valued resource for secretaries across the country.

To read the full press release, please visit www.nchacutting.com/news

06/06/2026

NCHA and NYCHA are proud to announce Brooklynn Triche of St. Francisville, Louisiana, as the recipient of the 2026 Rafter P Youth Award, presented by Rafter P Construction.

The NCHA is honored to partner with Rafter P Construction to offer this distinguished award, which provides one deserving NCHA youth member with financial assistance to attend the 2026 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular and the NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses Youth World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. As part of the award, the recipient will also have the opportunity to compete in the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting, participate in various NYCHA events, and engage with fellow youth members from across the nation.

Brooklynn Triche was selected by Rafter P Construction for her dedication and passion for the sport of cutting.

“When my first show horse developed navicular, I was given the opportunity to ride a 22-year-old cutter. Little did I know that one horse would spark a passion that would lead me here. Receiving this award means so much because it’s giving me the chance to continue growing, learning, and chasing a dream I love,” said Triche.

To read the full press release, please visit www.nchacutting.com/news

06/04/2026

The opportunity just got even bigger!

Together, the NCHA and the NCHA Foundation are proud to announce a $50,000 increase to the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting, bringing the total scholarships to be awarded to an incredible $95,000! 🎓✨

That's $95,000 in scholarships that will be awarded to NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting finalists, creating even more opportunities for our youth to pursue higher education, achieve their goals, and build bright futures!

If you've been thinking about entering, this is your sign! 🌟

⏰ Scholarship Cutting entries must be submitted by June 8!

Don't miss your chance to compete for a share of $95,000 in scholarship funds while showcasing your skills and investing in your future. This is one of the largest opportunities we've ever offered, and we can't wait to see our youth take advantage of it!

We're so proud to continue investing in the next generation of leaders!

📅 We'll see you in Fort Worth!

06/04/2026

NCHA and the NCHA Foundation are proud to announce matching $500,000 commitments to the annual NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting in support of youth members and their pursuit of higher education.

Beginning in 2026, the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting—held annually during Youth Week of the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular—will now award $95,000 in scholarship funds to finalists across Junior and Senior divisions. This represents an endowed increase of $50,000 to one of the association’s most beloved youth events.

“This is truly a game changer for our youth members,” said Julia Buswold, Executive Director of the NCHA Foundation. “The NCHA and the NCHA Foundation are both committed to ensuring that our NYCHA members have the funds needed to chase their dreams in and out of the arena. The NCHA joining us in this effort, at this level of commitment, is going to impact the futures of our youth members, and ultimately our association, for generations to come.”

To read the full press release, please visit www.nchacutting.com/news

06/02/2026