NCHA Summer Spectacular Non-Pro Finals Featured This Week on "GMC AMERICA'S HORSE"

AMARILLO, Texas ­ "GMC America's Horse," the American Quarter Horse Association's weekly television show on ESPN will feature non-pro cutting action from the National Cutting Horse Association Summer Spectacular from Fort Worth, Texas, on its Wednesday, August 22 broadcast.

AQHA Alliance Partner NCHA is the governing body for the sport of cutting in which horse and rider seemingly become one as they try to hold a cow away from the rest of the herd. During a single two and a half-minute run, up to three head are sometimes cut and held. Cutting often elicits enthusiastic cheers and whistles from onlookers as the horse travels along an imaginary line making beautiful and extreme changes in direction to keep the cow at bay. The featured exhibitors on "GMC America's Horse" are non-pros and as the term implies, they do not show horses professionally or make a living showing horses.

American Quarter Horses are recognized as the most popular breed of horse used in cutting competition. Cutting traces its roots to America's early ranching days in which horses were used to work and doctor cattle. Early on, American Quarter Horses became the preferred breed for ranching and cattle work.

"The discipline of cutting is experiencing tremendous popularity," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "AQHA is pleased to bring this event to horse enthusiasts and those who enjoy great competition."

"GMC America's Horse" covers a variety of equestrian activities including cutting and reining events, American Quarter Horse racing, AQHA-approved shows and other activities involving American Quarter Horses. "GMC America's Horse" reaches nearly 20 million viewers on the ESPN network, which is now in more than 83 million households. The program regularly broadcasts each Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time.

For more information about "GMC America's Horse," including a schedule, information about purchasing tapes and biographies about the show¹s hosts, visit www.aqha.com or call (806) 376-4811