NCHA Insider - August 11, 2025

Here’s what’s making headlines in the cutting horse world this week:

🔹 $200,000 Cutting Horse Challenge – The Run For A Million
The bright lights of Las Vegas will host ten of cutting’s top riders in a single-go, high-stakes showdown August 15 at the South Point Arena. 2025 Competitors: Adan Banuelos, Michael Cooper, Beau Galyean, Cody Hedlund, Matt Miller, Tosten Peterson, Kenny Platt, Grant Setnicka, Austin Shepard, and Cade Shepard.
Fan events include:
• Aug 13 – 6:00 PM: Draw Party – Live Festival Stage
• Aug 14 – 11:00 AM: Autograph Signing – Live Festival Stage
• Aug 14 – 7:00 PM: Cutting Horse Challenge – South Point Arena

🔹 2025 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity Deadlines
• Due August 15: Cattle class payments (Open #3, Non-Pro #3), first Amateur payments, double entries & transfers (no fee before deadline).
• Late Fees: $100 applies after Aug 15 until Oct 1.
• Subclass Entries: Gelding, Senior & Chrome Cash due by the start of the first go.
📅 Mark your calendars to avoid penalties.

🔹 Summer Cutting Spectacular Spotlight
In one of the season’s biggest finals, Phil N Dangerous (Wes Galyean), Kittennish (Austin Shepard), and LBR Hangem(Kenny Platt) each marked 224 to share the Open Classic Challenge title. Watch our exclusive interview with all three champions!

From Las Vegas excitement to Fort Worth triumphs, cutting’s biggest stages are proving full of talent and heart.