Join the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) in Lewisburg, West Virginia, for two days of your local circuit cutting competition. NCHA Weekend is a unique show experience and a provision of the National Circuit Program that celebrates the weekend cutter.
During June 2024, 14 of NCHA’s circuits will hold one exclusive event that will be the only approved event within the circuit. Produced by local NCHA affiliates and show producers, designated NCHA weekend shows may offer double circuit points, added money, and weekend awards. This exciting competition features cutting horses and riders across West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England.
The event will be held on June 1 and June 2 at the Shawnee Farm Arena in Lewisburg. The NCHA Weekend cutting is free to watch. This is a family-friendly event, and we invite all ages. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the expo center.
The full schedule of weekend events is on the NCHA website at https://www.nchacutting.com/ncha-shows/coming-events.
Cutters competing at their appropriate NCHA Weekend may earn double points, prizes including custom Gist Silversmiths buckles (in select classes) and added money. Attending NCHA Weekend is an important component when calculating circuit championship qualification and circuit year-end standings.
What is cutting?
The term cutting refers to the act of separating one cow from a herd of cattle. The sport of cutting involves a horse and a rider and a herd of cattle.
Cattle are herd animals. One cow will instinctively try to return to the group. Knowing that, a horse and rider team will quietly ride into the herd, select and “cut” off, or separate, one cow from the group (letting the unpicked cows return to the herd behind) and then prevent that cow from rejoining the herd – until they decide to let it go. Keeping the cow separated requires incredible intelligence and physical ability on the part of the horse. Once the cow is separated, riders are no longer allowed to use their reins. Trained cutting horses are required to think on their own and anticipate and react to the cow’s moves. The competition is judged based on many factors – difficulty and how well the horse anticipates and reacts. This is the only equine competition where the horse is required to think for itself.
More information on the history of the NCHA and cutting can be found on our website: https://www.nchacutting.com/members/getting-started
NCHA members are encouraged to compete in their local circuit. Family, friends, and the general public are welcome to come and cheer on their favorite riders, horses, and trainers. To find out more about your circuit, please visit our website at https://www.nchacutting.com/ncha-shows/circuit-program/know-your-circuit.
Visit the official NCHA website at nchacutting.com or follow NCHA on Facebook (National Cutting Horse Association) or on Instagram (@nchacutting) for the latest updates.