Waco Bend Ranch, well known for having one of the strongest breeding programs in the industry, has renewed its relationship as the presenting sponsor of the NCHA’s Cutting Horse Academy program.

“Education for people new to the sport or interested in the sport is a priority we want to support,” said owner Louis Baldwin. “We are pleased to know that attendance at Academy events increased in 2013, and that Waco Bend’s support helped to make the events more affordable.”

Slated to hold five events in 2014 with live works and classroom sessions and an additional two with classroom sessions only. The Academy is held in a single day with the first session of the Cutting Academy including understanding judging and improving showmanship, equine health care and more. The second half of the day features live work critiques with an NCHA professional trainer who will evaluate each student’s ability to approach the herd, select and work an individual cow. Russell McCord, NCHA Director of Judges, will also provide the students with a judge’s perspective. Students will also receive an official NCHA Cutting Academy bag, along with a supply of materials.

Waco Bend Ranch is the home of Dont Look Twice, the highest money-earning mare in NCHA history, with total earnings of more than $780,000 and titles that include 2012 NCHA Open World Champion, 2011 NCHA Horse of the Year and 2011 AQHA Senior Cutting World Champion.

A schedule of events will be available in early 2014. Registration fees will be modified to include non-member and member fees.

For more information about the Academy, contact Ty Hillman at thillman@nchacutting.com or call 817.244.6188. Interested persons may also go to nchacutting.com, click on membership then clinics for more information.

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 ranches 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.