Aug. 26, 2013 — The National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) World Championship Futurity has long served as a “must see” in horse sports and 2013 will be no exception. More than 2,000 three-year-old future stars will vie for a chance at the $4-million purse during the event’s 21-day run, beginning Nov. 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. The Futurity is the highlight of the year for the cutting horse industry, drawing an international audience of more than 12,000 to Fort Worth and thousands more by web and television.
“When people say ‘The Futurity’ in horse sports, they are often referring to the NCHA World Championship Futurity,” said NCHA Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell. “The Futurity not only showcases these premier equine athletes and incredible horsemen, but NCHA also crafts an event that is family friendly and focused on the western heritage of this great nation. Plus, it all happens in Fort Worth, and we’re proud to be a part of the fabric that makes up the city of Cowboys and Culture.”
The Futurity will be a featured special event on RFD TV in December, where the show will be made available to more than 16 million households across the United States. The show will tentatively air on Dec. 21, one week following the Dec. 15 Open Finals.
Ramping up the value of the Non Pro and Amateur divisions is the addition of sponsor products designed to make the competitor’s cutting horse experience even better. For the Futurity Champion Non Pro is a year’s use of a Four Star Horse Trailer provided by Wayne Hodges Trailer Sales and sponsored by Metallic Cat. In the Unlimited Amateur division, the Futurity Champion will receive a round pen courtesy of Choice Barns.
The Futurity will also celebrate one of the sport’s most celebrated stallions, High Brow Cat. High Brow Cat is not only the leading stallion of cutting horses, with his progeny having earned more than $55 million; he also tops the list of all-time leading American Quarter Horse sires in history, eclipsing that of any sire in performance sports, including reining, reined cow horse and others. High Brow Cat also gained nationwide attention when he was sold for the chart-topping price of $10 million to owner Colt Ventures of Dallas, Texas.
Added to the splendor of the Futurity is the $200,000-added Mercuria Energy NCHA World Finals, which brings the point year in weekend cutting competition to a close. The World Finals is a high-energy event that is a favorite for cutting horse fans and showcases the sport’s veteran equine athletes. It kicks off Nov. 29 with final rounds taking place Dec. 7.
In addition to stellar competition, Futurity fans can expect to see the best in western lifestyle products at the Best of the West Premiere Shopping Experience held throughout the show, which will include items ranging from classic vintage buckles, bits and guns, to practical tack, equipment and horse trailers, to boutique style clothing and luxury items, including Mercedes Benz, Armon jewelry and Bohlin watches. The Best of the West event, which is always free to the public, will also feature everyone’s favorite guest of honor, Cowboy Santa, who will make a list of the wishes by children of all ages.
Tickets for the Non Pro and Open Semi-Finals and Finals, taking place Dec. 12-14, will be available beginning Oct. 8 at nchashows.com or call 888-695-0888.
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.
