Attention Members

Important Updates Regarding Our Associations Future Growth

Every successful sporting organisation must continue to evolve while remaining true to the values that built it. The NCHA Board has spent considerable time reviewing how we recognise our National Champions and how we can better support our affiliate clubs, strengthen year-round competition and create an annual event that celebrates the very best of our sport. After careful consideration, the Board has endorsed an exciting new direction for the future of our National Championships.

A New Chapter for NCHA National Championships
Following careful consideration and valuable feedback from members over recent years, the NCHA Board has approved an exciting new direction for recognising our National Champions and celebrating the achievements of our members.

A National Championship Earned Across the Entire Season
From 2027 onwards, NCHA National Champions will be determined by their performances throughout the calendar year, with National Titles awarded to the competitors who finish the season with the highest points and applicable earnings in their respective divisions.
To transition to this new format, the 2026 National Championship season will conclude on 31 December 2026, creating a shortened transition year before commencing the new calendar-year format.
The Board believes this change better reflects the commitment, consistency and dedication required to compete throughout an entire season. Rather than one event determining a National Champion, every affiliate show, every run and every point earned throughout the year will contribute towards the title.
Importantly, this approach also strengthens our affiliate network by encouraging competitors to support NCHA-affiliated events across Australia, helping those clubs continue to grow and deliver quality competitions for our members.

Introducing the NCHA Annual Summit
The Board also recognises that celebrating our National Champions deserves an occasion worthy of their achievements.
Planning has commenced for the inaugural NCHA Annual Summit, proposed to be held at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast in January 2027.
The Summit will become the annual gathering of the Australian cutting horse community and is planned to include:

• National Champion presentations

• The Champions Gala Dinner

• Judges’ education and accreditation

• Member forums

• Affiliate workshops

• Industry presentations

• Social events and networking opportunities

By separating championship recognition from competition, members can fully enjoy celebrating the achievements of our National Champions while also participating in education, discussion and planning that will help shape the future of our sport.

A Fresh Direction for Scone
The traditional National Finals event at Scone will also enter an exciting new chapter.
Rather than concluding the National Championship season, the event will be redeveloped into a major standalone aged event, currently proposed as the NCHA Autumn Spectacular.
The Board sees significant opportunity to create a premier autumn competition featuring outstanding aged event competition while building a fresh identity that will become a highlight of the annual NCHA calendar.

Looking Ahead
These changes reflect the Board’s commitment to continually improving our sport while recognising the dedication of competitors, supporting our affiliate clubs and creating events that members can be proud to attend.
Further details regarding qualification criteria, event programming and the inaugural NCHA Annual Summit will be released as planning progresses.
We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with all NCHA members.

Yours sincerely

Wayne Brown
NCHA General Manager

2026 NCHA Futurity Update

Despite ongoing challenging conditions and broader market uncertainty, planning for the 2026 NCHA Futurity is well underway. The NCHA Board would like to assure members that there are currently no plans to postpone the event. We are continuing to work closely with our suppliers to manage the variability surrounding cattle freight costs and overall supply. As we assess the potential impact on event costs, careful consideration is being given to the most effective and responsible way to manage these pressures. Entry numbers across all classes are strong, and there is a clear sense of anticipation building for what promises to be a great event. The NCHA Board remains committed to keeping members informed and will provide further updates as more detailed information becomes available. Please feel free to contact myself with any questions or concerns.

Yours sincerely
Wayne Brown
General Manager NCHA