The 2015 edition was launched at the Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre (AELEC) yesterday with the exciting news that the popular Australia versus USA non-pro cutting challenge is being  reinstated.

It will be the first time the challenge has been held at AELEC – the last was 10 years ago as part of the Sydney Show – and is sure to be one of the most anticipated events over the 13 days.

Former Australian NCHA president Ian Lavers was the original creator of the event and said he was really pleased to see it coming back again.

“This event was created back in 1990 and was first hosted in Phoenix, Arizona by our friends of the American NCHA,” Lavers said. 

“Since then we had alternated which country hosted it, and made some amazing and long-lasting friendships in the process.” 

“Many of our Australian cowboys ventured across the sea to learn cutting way back in those days, and they came back as well-known, established cutting trainers. They are the foundation of the Australian NCHA and what it is today.”

Tamworth Regional Council acting mayor Russell Webb said the Futurity was a key annual event at the AELEC.

“Tamworth is proud to be able to host the largest indoor equine event in the southern hemisphere,” Webb said.

“With more than 500 competitors set to take part in the NCHA Futurity, the event not only boosts the local economy but generates a great atmosphere in Tamworth and provides great marketing opportunities.”

Shadow Trailers Australia have come on board this year to partner Bayer as naming rights sponsors of the event, which will run from May 26 to June 7 and draw competitors from all over Australia and the world, including the US, Canada, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Other popular events returning to the NCHA Futurity this year include the Bull Ride and Rodeo, NCHA Select Cutting Horse Sale and the huge Country and Western trade display that fills out the AELEC every year.