“Change” has always been the byword of the Augusta Cutting Horse Futurity, and next year will be no exception. The show, set for Jan. 21-29, 2011, will hold most of its go-rounds at the Hippodrome, across the Savannah River from the city.

It also will offer added-money classes the first weekend to allow cutters to show off their more-seasoned horses.

The executive committee of the Atlantic Coast Cutting Horse Association approved the changes earlier this month and the schedule still is being worked out. But an executive committee member said the chief aim is to promote “a more friendly and less stressful atmosphere for everyone.”

According to the member, the main outline is:

Location, Location, Location

For almost three decades, the one consistent complaint about the show has been the distance between the James Brown Arena, where horses compete, and the Hippodrome, where most of the horses are stalled. The drive, about 4 miles, can take anywhere from 15 minutes in ideal conditions to a lot longer. Competitors showing more than one horse in a day face a choice: haul everybody at once and have horses waiting in the trailer, drive back and forth, or catch an empty slot in a friend’s trailer.

This show will hold all go-rounds – except for the amateur classes – in the Morris Arena, the covered, enclosed arena at the Hippodrome. Two practice pens and a loping and warm-up area will be set up under the roofed Hippodrome arena.

Go-rounds for the amateur events, and all finals, will be held at the James Brown Arena on Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 27-29.

Show staff is working out the precise class schedule.

Added-money Classes

With the exception of some amateur classes, the Augusta Futurity and Classic have been all about young horses: the Futurity for those who just turned 4 and the Classic for 5- and 6-year-olds.

But many trainers and non-pros also are campaigning older horses whose skills are just peaking and often provide the best examples of equine athletic skills.
This show will open with two days of $3,000-added Open and Non-Pro classes aimed at giving those horses a chance to shine and amass earnings toward a potential NCHA world title.

Vendors

Vendors will have more options available this year, depending on their target audiences. Those catering to the cutting and serious working riders likely will want to be at the Hippodrome, where the show will offer a tented area and 24-hour security.

Those aiming more at the finals-night spectators and “urban cowboys” will be able to set up in the James Brown Arena for the Thursday-through-Saturday competition. Bell Auditorium will continue to host additional vendors.

Bull riding and horse sale
Although not an official part of the Futurity, the bull riding on the first Saturday night has been a sold-out hit since its inception. That will go on, and a Sunday matinee performance has been added.

The horse sale usually held on the second Saturday has been suspended.

Hospitality, of course

Even its most severe critics and chronic complainers will give Augusta kudos for its hospitality and efforts to please. Show officials aim to expand that  with an ambitious goal of food for everybody – competitors, help, show staff, spectators, vendors, come-one, come-all – at a daily lunch tent on the Hippodrome grounds. There will continue to be an invitation-only hospitality room during the show finals.