National Cutting Horse Association

The National Cutting Horse Association (or NCHA) is a non-profit equestrian organization headquartered in the US. Their primary purpose is to promote and sponsor cutting events. The association was founded in 1946 at the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show. The first NCHA sponsored cutting horse competition was held that same year in Dublin, Texas.

The association is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and has several affiliate members around the world.

Six major events
The NCHA produces six major annual events as follows:


 * 1) NCHA Championship Futurity for 3-year-old horses which have never been shown in competition cutting.
 * 2) NCHA Super Stakes for 4-year-old and 5-/6-year-old horses - their sires must be subscribed to the event.
 * 3) NCHA Summer Spectacular (Derby) for 4-year-old and 5-/6-year-old horses (Classic/Challenge).
 * 4) NCHA World Championship Finals with both Open and Non-Pro Championship classes. Fifteen Entries are taken in both based on the annual standings in each class.
 * 5) Eastern National Championships - only contestants in NCHA's affiliate or area standings are eligible to compete in the 12 approved Championship classes.
 * 6) Western National Championships - only contestants in NCHA's affiliate or area standings are eligible to compete in the 12 approved Championship classes.

Hall of Fame
The NCHA offers four Halls of Fame to recognizes exceptional contributions and/or accomplishments as follows:
 * 1) Horse Hall of Fame - to give greater recognition to famous cutting horses
 * 2) Members Hall of Fame - to recognize the outstanding and unusual contributions to the NCHA by certain individuals over a period of time
 * 3) Rider Hall of Fame - to recognize exceptional riders of cutting horses who have qualified for this honor based on their lifetime earnings
 * 4) Non-Pro Hall of Fame - to recognize exceptional non-professional riders of cutting horses who have qualified for this honor based on their lifetime earnings