horse-at-will-rogers-coliseum
Next year, 7-year-old horses will be able to walk to the herd at the NCHA Super Stakes. * Photo by Molly Montag.

NCHA Adds 7-Year-Olds To Super Stakes, Releases Class Structure

Seven-year-old horses will be included in the class structure for next year’s National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Super Stakes.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based association announced Tuesday, Dec. 8, that 7-year-old horses, which typically are too old for limited-age events, will be included in next year’s Kit Kat Sugar NCHA Super Stakes. 

NCHA Super Stakes Classes

The revised class structure will now offer a 4-year-old Derby, 5-year-old Special and a 6- and 7-year-old Classic.  Officials say the decision to change the class structure for next year’s NCHA Super Stakes was made in response to the impact COVID-19 has had on our industry and will only be allowed for the 2021-point year. 

Last month, the NCHA Executive Committee voted to allow show producers the option to include 7-year-olds in aged event cuttings in 2021.

The Super Stakes is scheduled for March 25 to April 18 at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. Additional details regarding entry fees, class structure and schedule will be forthcoming, the NCHA said.

$100,000 Incentive

In addition, the NCHA on Tuesday announced the return of the $100,000 incentive from the Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA).

To be eligible for the TQHA incentive, both owners and riders must be a current TQHA member; horses must be registered with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and foaled in the state of Texas. Incentive payouts will be announced in the coming weeks. TQHA Applications can be found online by visiting nchacutting.com/tqhamembership.