Fort Worth, Texas – May 23, 2013 – It’s going to be a great American summer in Fort Worth, Texas, as cutting horse enthusiasts of all ages make their way to the Will Rogers Center for the Great American Insurance NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular July 12 through Aug. 3 and featuring the 2013 NYCHA Convention, Summer Scholarship Cutting and NCHA-Grace Ranch Youth World Finals July 21 through July 26.
Slated to offer more than $2 million in cash and prizes, the Great American Insurance NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular brings not only top flight cutting horse competition to the arena floor but a host of family-friendly activities for members of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and fans of the cutting horse.
Featured in the competition will be four-year-old cutting horses in the Derby, while five- and six-year-old horses will compete in the Classic. Among those expected to compete will be 2013 Super Stakes Champion Hes A Spot Hot, owned by Don Gilbert of Coushatta, La., and ridden by Hall of Fame Rider Wesley Galyean, 2013 Futurity Champion CR Tuff Hearted Cat, ridden by $4 million rider Ronnie Rice and owned by Center Ranch of Centerville, Texas, as well as 2013 Super Stakes Classic Champion and earner of more than $300,000, Stylish Martini, owned by Dottie St. Clair Hill of Glen Rose, Texas, and shown by Roger Wagner.
The Great American Insurance NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular will offer an estimated purse of more than $2 million in cash and prizes in 14 divisions of competition. An estimated $500,000 will be offered in the Summer Spectacular Derby Open Division for four-year-olds making their final major debut after the 2012 NCHA Futurity and 2013 Super Stakes. Prizes provided to sweeten the pot include saddles from Sean Ryon, trophy belt buckles from Gist Silversmiths, boots from Rios of Mercedes, hats from Sombrero Hat Brands and much more.
The Grace Ranch NYCHA World Finals
Families will enjoy watching the young stars of the sport take to the arena during the Summer Scholarship Cutting and NCHA-Grace Ranch Youth World Finals July 21 through July 26.
Members of the National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) have qualified to attend the event throughout the year at NCHA competitions across the country in their quest to be named a World Champion. Divisions include Junior, for 13 and under, and Senior, for 14 and older, with youngsters competing for more than $50,000 in scholarships and World Champion honors as well as thousands more in special awards and scholarships. Youth will also celebrate during a year-end awards banquet and enjoy other activities such as the Family Fun event and a karaoke contest.
In addition to exciting cutting horse action, cutting horse fans will find unique gifts, clothing and high-quality tack and equipment at the “Christmas On the Beach” themed Best of the West Shopping Spectacular, which opens at 9 a.m. on July 12. On display will be the $1-million Ultimate Cutters Christmas Gift and special events taking place during the Summer Spectacular include a tailgate party sponsored by Ram Truck on July 20, a pet adoption with the Humane Society of North Texas July 22 and Hermit Crab Races July 27, as well as the first annual Cowboy Palooza in cooperation with West 7th Merchants on July 27.
Admission to the Best of the West Shopping Spectacular is always free, while admission to the Summer Spectacular cutting events is free with the exception of the Derbyopen finals August 3.
The National Cutting Horse Association approves approximately 1,600 events each year with purses totally more than $35 million throughout the sport. Cutting events take place throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, South American and Europe and are supported by such companies as Mercuria Energy, Ram Truck, Great American Insurance Group, the American Quarter Horse Association, John Deere Tractors and XTO Energy among many others.
For more information about the Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular and to purchase tickets online, visit www.nchashows.com.
The National Cutting Horse Association, based in Fort Worth,Texas, is the world governing body for the sport of cutting. With more than 16,000 members worldwide, its mission is to promote and celebrate the cutting horse, whose origin on Western supports ranching and Western heritage. By establishing rules for the conduct of cutting horse shows, NCHA provides a level playing field and a progressive class structure, which accommodates everyone from the beginner to the advanced competitor. NCHA draws on the diverse talents and backgrounds of its members and encourages their participation in helping it achieve these goals.
