WYOMING CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATIO

Looks like spring has sprung at last and that means our 2010 show season is about to begin. Actually, it already has begun with the conclusion of HJK’s show in Torrington in January. Their February show was cancelled, as you all know, so the next show on the schedule will be at Top Hatt Arena in Wheatland on April 23-25. All the show info is posted here in the Wrangler and on the website and other shows will be loaded as I receive the information from the producers. Please! If you are planning to go to the Top Hatt Show, reserve your rooms right now as at that time of year in Wheatland, motel rooms are hard to come by!!! I will reserve as many as I can so if you need any help with that, just give me a call.

After Wheatland, I hope that a lot of you are planning to go to the Western National Championships in Ogden! If you qualified, you should have received your entry forms in the next few days or so and entries are due by April 1, 2010. Judging by the participation in the Eastern National Championships, I am sure that Ogden will prove to be bigger and better than before! As you all know, the $2.00 World Final fee that we all pay at the week end shows now goes to the Eastern and Western Championships so the added money is increased by around 60%! For the Eastern Nationals this year, there are 1,128 entries which is a 24% increase from last year. The total added money is $200,000 which is a 67% increase and the total prize money is a record of $454,440 which is a 36% increase. All finalists in every class will receive larger checks and first place in each class could pay up to $8,600! And, entry fees are not increased from last year and remain at only $500.00! Ogden begins Wednesday, April 28 and concludes Sunday, May 9.

Next, a couple rule changes that we need to all be aware of………First of all, the National Cutting Horse Association Rules Committee unanimously agreed that effective immediately, Western Attire will strictly be enforced at all NCHA approved cuttings. Sweatshirts of any kind will no longer be allowed in the show arena when astride a horse. So, don’t forget to take that hoodie off! Please refer to Judging Rule 16.

Also, the $20,000 Non Pro has become the $35,000 Non Pro and the $10,000 Amateur has become the $15,000 Amateur with all conditions remaining the same as currently written. Please take a look at the current rule book for all of the current rule changes for 2010.

Our Association has a full and exciting show schedule this year, with some cool changes! It is our turn to host the Area 4 NCHA Days and that will be held at the new equestrian facility in Douglas, Wyoming at the State Fairgrounds, June 4, 5 and 6. The equine facility is pretty much brand new, with air conditioned stalls surrounding the cutting arena. It all comes complete with seating, bathrooms, wash racks and showers! The WCHA is requesting that everyone pre enter that event by May 31 and you may do so by calling Cindy Thompson @ 307-320-6512. Go to cuttingnews.com and click on Area 4 for all the information on this show and all the others as I receive the info.

Lastly, saddle classes for Wyoming this year are the 2000 Limit Rider and the 15,000 Novice Non Pro so enter up! And, get your dang memberships paid! No grace period this year! After being your secretary for two year, I am getting a little cranky! Take care all and best of luck in the upcoming show season!

Traci

To all WCHA members,

In case you haven’t already heard, there has been a changing of the guard! Following the resignation of Jack Enright on January 25th, 2010, I will assume the vacancy of President of the WCHA. Jack will continue on the Board of Directors as Past President for one year and will also remain active on his committees as well as a member. On January 27th at a special Board Meeting, the Directors appointed Dick Mulligan as Vice-President. The two of us will fill these positions until next years General Membership meeting.

First I would like to personally thank Jack for his hard work and the many hours he gave to the club. All his hard work will not be wasted though as the Board and myself agree to continue down the path we were forging last year. I will be listing the goals that the Board and the Officers worked hard on in 2009. The years 2007 and 2008 were difficult years financially and we had to make some tough but necessary decisions(not popular with everyone). But in the end we saw some satisfying results, we were in the black for the first time in 2 or 3 years. Goals are meant to be set high and we didn’t achieve them all but we had a good start.

2009/10 Goals:
1. Cut expenses
2. Produce profitable shows
3. Increase memberships, member participation, contributions, fund raisers
4. Promote the sport of cutting and showing cutting horses
5. Make it fun and enjoyable for all members

Our 2010 goals are the same but not necessarily in that order. My personal focus will remain on helping to make or keep the WCHA produced shows profitable, holding expenses down, cutting where we can. Other Officers and Directors will be working not only on the above but the other critically important items as well. As Directors and Officers it is our responsibility to make financial decisions for the benefit of the club. A Non Profit organization is not intended to accumulate money but, it must maintain a certain amount of liquidity to continue to due business from year to year. At this time we have only enough to maintain in operation for 2 to 2 ½ years (if we don’t remain in the black) at the level we see now. Operating expenses alone are enormous not to mention our awards budget. So when we talk about show profitability, contributions and fund raisers, they only cover our yearly expenses with a little left over (hopefully). Every year that we incur a loss the 2 to 2 ½ years of longevity are reduced.

PLEA TO THE MEMBERSHIP

Obviously finances are only part of the workings of any club. It seems that the Board has their hands full as usual and so many important things go unattended each year. I am asking for help from the membership. Clubs are like families and friendships, they require communication, participation and commitment. Your ideas are always welcome and your helping hands will be greatly appreciated. I will list a few areas that need attention. If you have ideas, talents or can make a commitment to one of these areas please contact one of the Board, an Officer or myself.

1. Wyoming Produced shows: NCHA Days, Year End show, Futurity
a. set up/tear down crews- banners, clocks, equipment
b. help with activities-BBQs, Calcutta’s, fun stuff, birthdays etc…
c. put together year end banquet
d. help with stalls, shavings or practice pens

2. Sponsorships
a. sell raffle tickets
b. sponsor an award $ 50-$250
c. help with the website
d. help with Western Nationals sponsorship

3. Promotions
a. put on a clinic
b. put together an exhibit
c. help promote youth/youth scholarship fund
d. help with a membership drive/Rookie of the year
e. help with the club history book

Together let’s make this year a fun and successful cutting season for every member. Hope to see you at the next cutting.

Cathy Stalcup
President
WCHA