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EnglishWhat is National Cutting Horses Australia (NCHA)?
Updated
National Cutting Horse Australia (NCHA) is Australia's leading organisation for the cutting horse industry. Established in 1974 and based in Tamworth, NSW, it exists to champion the sport, run and promote events, and create opportunities for members — from people just starting out to professionals and multigenerational cutting horse families. Its website, ncha.com.au, is the association's public face: part introduction to the sport, part events and media hub, part membership gateway.
What cutting actually is
Cutting is a western-style equestrian sport in which a rider and horse work together to demonstrate the horse's athleticism, intelligence and ability to handle cattle. The horse is judged on how well it separates — "cuts" — a single animal from a herd and holds it, largely through the horse's own instinct and movement rather than the rider's control. The NCHA frames it as a partnership: "where horse and rider become one."
What the NCHA does
- Governs and promotes the sport as the national body for cutting in Australia.
- Runs competitions and events, including the Futurity and other championship classes.
- Supports members across the full range of experience, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
- Preserves the sport's history, including a Horses Hall of Fame that recognises legendary cutting horses and the families behind them.
- Raises the sport's profile internationally, with the stated aim of elevating Australian cutting onto the international stage.
What you'll find on the site
| Section | What it offers |
|---|---|
| About / Learn More | Background on the association and the discipline |
| Must Watch Videos | Event footage such as the NCHA Australia Futurity, Open Classic and Champion of Champions |
| Upcoming Events | The competition calendar |
| How to Get Involved | Pathways into the NCHA community |
| Hall of Fame | Stories of notable horses, including recent inductees |
| Contact / Newsletter | Membership enquiries and news updates |
The site also spotlights individual horses and riders — for example, 2024 Australian Champion Troy Lancaster and Bandit, a five-time World Champion — alongside long-form stories about Hall of Fame horses and the families who raised them.
Who it's for
The NCHA describes its community as spanning everyone who loves the discipline: those just beginning their cutting journey, professionals, and families for whom the sport is a way of life. If you're curious about cutting, looking for events, or considering membership, the site's "How to Get Involved" and contact sections are the practical starting points.