PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

I would like to take this opportunity to reply to a letter recently received by the CCHA office.  The letter expressed dismay that the CCHA Finals were not NCHA Approved.

 It questioned the process of NCHA/CCHA Approvals in general and asked why we even have a Cutting Horse Association in Canada.  I will address each point of this letter:

            The Canadian Finals, in its current form, has evolved to improve cutting and to be competitive and promote camaraderie across Canada. It gives our competitors a chance to step up and compete with the best in their class in a fantastic three day venue.

            In the last three years the CCHA Finals has paid out more than $250,000.00 in cash and awards.  Many competitors earn more at the Finals than they do in the entire show year!  This show is put on by volunteers and many times the participants have been specifically contacted by the CCHA office, informing them of their qualification and encouraging them to complete.

            The CCHA Finals cannot be NCHA approved.

As in any other finals in any other association, it is a “Closed orInvitational”event, therefore not open for NCHA approval.

            NCHA Approval of any CCHA show occurs when certain conditions are met with regards to entry fees, cattle charges, office fees, and miscellaneous expenses.  It is up to the show sponsor and the affiliate putting on the show to meet the requirements for show approvals. If a show sponsor and affiliate want NCHA approval and meet the requirements, the show will be NCHA approved. The CCHA Finals has too much money added to jackpot classes to qualify for NCHA Approval.  Even if the CCHA Finals were not an invitational event it would not meet their requirements.

            The CCHA was created to promote CUTTING INCANADA. It ensures that shows that are CCHA approved meet a certain standard with regards to fairness in the show pen, quality of judging, rules regarding criteria of entries, as well as general demeanor and operation of the show.  The CCHA and its many volunteers have worked hard to promote its “Sponsorship Program”. This program has seen the affiliates receive more than $37,000.00for added purse money along with awards that include bronzes and saddles.

            I hope you agree with me that there is a reason for having the CANADIANASSOCIATION.

            …….See you at the shows,     Les Timmons

Thanks again to Bob Magrath, Chilliwack, BC for again taking the great photos for the 2009 Finals.

Please go to  rmcuttingimages.com  to view all the pictures from

 the Finals –there are many more action shots and group pictures,

as well as the ones you see in this Cutter.

Please call Bob at (604)823-4350 – home, or

(604)819-1195 if you wish to order any pictures.