THIS year’s National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity wrapped up on Sunday for another year, but with some outstanding results – equine, economic and overall.
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General manager Greg Sinclair said the event had kicked an estimated $4.2 million into the Tamworth economy over the two weeks.
A total of 750 competitors and horses competed, more than 6000 cattle were used and 240 tonnes of sand was trucked in to make the competition surface plush.
“The Open Futurity was up by about 25 horses, which is fantastic – it builds the prize pool up for the group,” Mr Sinclair said.
This year’s online streaming featured commentary for the first time – and it worked a treat.
“It’s gone to the next level now – competitors were texting mates in the US and New Zealand saying how good it is,” Mr Sinclair said.
“Personally, I liked seeing Amelia Servin, a local (from Barraba), competing with the fellers and kicking butt.
“Another wow factor was as soon as the last horse finished, we invited everyone down to the arena to celebrate. We had kids building sandcastles – it was wonderful to see. We had about 300-400 people in the arena (which really boosted the atmosphere for the trophy presentation).”
Another wow factor for the Futurity was the appearance of two “very high-profile cutters” – Craig Emerton and Roger Wagner, fresh from the US – who had provided another boost for audiences.
