2025 Canadian Cutting Horse Association Champions

Hall of fame induction

Connie Down-Cicoria

It is with great honour and deep respect that the CCHA inducts Connie Down-Cicoria into the Canadian Cutting Horse Hall of Fame. Connie’s unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and lifelong passion for the sport have helped shape the cutting horse industry in Canada into what it is today.

Connie has served in numerous key leadership roles throughout her career, including her current role as President of the Canadian Cutting Horse Association (CCHA), a director for the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), and Past President of the Alberta Cutting Horse Association (ACHA). In each role, she has worked tirelessly to strengthen the sport at every level — advocating for competitors, promoting youth involvement, and improving show standards across the country.

From 2019 to 2023, Connie was the producer of the Canadian Spectacular, a highly respected event that elevated the profile of cutting in Canada and offered a platform for riders to compete at a high level. She also served on the board of the Canadian Supreme for many years, further demonstrating her dedication to the growth of western performance events nationwide.

As a competitor, Connie is a CCHA Champion, and has consistently represented the sport with class and determination. Beyond her own success in the arena, she has played a crucial role in bringing top-tier horses and competitors from the U.S. to Canada, helping raise the competitive standard and fostering cross-border collaboration in the sport.

Connie has also made meaningful contributions behind the scenes through securing and personally contributing sponsorship funding to ensure the success of major shows and initiatives. Her ability to rally support — financial and otherwise — has helped strengthen events and ensure their accessibility and longevity for competitors at all levels.

But more than any title or achievement, Connie’s impact lies in her deep and enduring commitment to elevating cutting in Canada. She is a mentor to many, a steady presence behind the scenes, and a driving force for positive change. Her vision, work ethic, and dedication to preserving the integrity of the sport have made a lasting difference — one that continues to benefit the cutting community today and will for years to come.

For her exceptional leadership, countless contributions, and steadfast devotion to the advancement of cutting, Connie Down-Cicoria’s induction into the CCHA Hall of Fame is a fitting and well-deserved recognition of a lifetime of service.