A second option for class restructuring in the NCHA was released May 10. • Photo by Hart Photos

UPDATE: NCHA Releases Revised Class-Restructuring Proposal

Updates to the class-restructuring proposal released by the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) would establish a top 100 ranking in each division to establish a revolving door in cutting’s limited-age event divisions, allowing riders to drop down a level in competition.

On May 10, the NCHA released details online of a second draft to the original class-restructuring proposal, which was released on May 2. 
The proposals will be discussed at the association’s upcoming convention, held June 1-3 in Grapevine, Texas, but they will not be voted on at that time, according to the NCHA.

Limited-Age Event Class Structure Proposal: Second Draft

The Competition Committee recommended three limited-age divisions – Open, Non-Pro and Amateur – and three levels within each division.

A rider can compete in whatever division he/she qualifies in, as determined by the definitions of an open, non-pro and amateur rider in the NCHA rulebook.

The levels within each division are based on the rider’s total lifetime earnings at the beginning of the NCHA point year. There is no distinction between limited-age event earnings and weekend earnings. All earnings (i.e. senior, area work-offs, etc.) are now included in a rider’s total lifetime earnings.

OPEN – Rider Lifetime Earnings

Open: $750,000 or more

Intermediate Open: $200,001-$749,999

Limited Open: $0-$200,000

NON-PRO – Rider Lifetime Earnings

Non-Pro: $500,000 or more

Intermediate Non-Pro: $100,001-$499,999

Limited Non-Pro: $0-$100,000

AMATEUR – Rider Lifetime Earnings

Amateur: $100,000 or more

Internediate Amatuer: $25,001-$99,999

Limited Amatuer: $0-$25,000

Class Structure

The Limited class within each division is deemed to be an entry-level class. No rider with lifetime earnings in excess of the amounts stated above can compete in the Limited class.

Each level within a division is its own class, and a rider may enter up if they choose. Senior (60 and up), Gelding and Novice classes will remain structured as is, a class within their respective divisions. There is, however, a Senior Exception. Once a rider turns 70, he or she can drop down into the Intermediate class, regardless of earnings. There is no exception that allows a rider to return to the Limited.

There is also a revolving door clause included in the proposal. If a rider is not in the top 100 money-earning riders for the previous point year in their respective division, they may drop back down to the Intermediate level. There is no exception that allows a rider to return to the Limited once they advance out of it.

If an amateur wins $250,000 in Non-Pro division money, they must make a choice to remain an amateur and compete exclusively in the Amateur division or to compete in the Non-Pro division. If a non-pro wins $250,000 in Open division money, they must make a choice to remain a non-pro and compete exclusively in the Non-Pro division or to compete in the Open division.

EXAMPLES:

  • Rider A is classified as an amateur rider with lifetime earnings of $150,000. Rider A can show in the Amateur, Intermediate Non-Pro, Non-Pro, Limited Open, Intermediate Open and Open classes.
  • If Rider A was not in the top 100 amateur riders last year, they would be eligible to drop down to the Intermediate Amateur class.
  • Rider B is classified as a non-pro rider with lifetime earnings of $175,000. Rider B can show in the Intermediate Non-Pro, Non-Pro, Limited Open, Intermediate Open and Open classes.
  • If Rider B was not in the top 100 non-pro riders last year, Rider B is NOT eligible to drop down one level because no rider can EVER drop down to the Limited class.
  • Rider C is classified as an open rider with lifetime earnings of $650,000. Rider C can show in Intermediate Open and Open classes.
  • Rider D is classified as an amateur rider with lifetime earnings of $50,000. Rider D can show in the Intermediate Amateur, Amateur, Limited Non-Pro, Intermediate Non-Pro, Non-Pro, Limited Open, Intermediate Open and Open classes.
  • Rider E is classified as an amateur rider with lifetime earnings of $225,000 and turns 70 years old. Rider E is now eligible to drop down to the Intermediate Amateur class, regardless of his or her lifetime earnings.
  • Rider F is classified as a non-pro rider with lifetime earnings of $1.2 million, but was not in the top 100 non-pro riders last year. Rider F is eligible to show in the Intermediate Non-Pro.