“New Performance Horse Education Arena to join the ranks at 45th Annual SDP Buffalo Ranch Futurity”

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) returns to Tamworth for the 45th Annual SDP Buffalo Ranch Futurity in just under two weeks. With the annual NCHA Cutting Futurity attracting more than 500 competitors and paying out over $700,000 in cash and prizes over the duration of the event, it remains the largest and richest indoor sporting horse event in the Southern Hemisphere.

While the competition will be fierce in the main arena, the entertainment will also be on point in the new NCHA Performance Horse Arena. In a first for the Futurity, cutting athletes and legends among others, will share their unique and extensive knowledge in a series of live and exclusive horsemanship demonstrations in the AELEC Sale Arena across the two major weekends.

Peter Shumack, NCHA President and Non Pro Hall of Fame recipient, says;

“There will be professional trainers and Hall of Fame legends speaking about all the stages of a cutting horse from handling a foal right through to the final stages of showing a cutting horse. Whilst the skills used to train a cutting horse are unique, the basic principles are founded on great horsemanship applicable to all equine codes”

There’s also a new look, reinvigorated Traders Alley featuring over 50 local and international retailers and the launch of Cowgirl Alley - a boutique precinct for men & women to relax and unwind with complimentary access to WI-FI and expresso coffee. Located in the upstairs mezzanine, there’s access to top sports massage professional, Robbie Kidd, a blow-dry & manicure from Plush Hair & Beauty, boutique traders such as Tarnished Interiors, giveaways and much much more.

In the main arena, first weekend highlights include the Affinity Equine Insurance Rodeo on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday are selected free entry days and feature the NCHA Select Sale, Yulgilbar QH Stud Snafflebit Futurity Final and Wrigley Cattle Co Classic Final. On the second weekend, we conclude with spectacular cutting performances in the ARIAT Gold Cup and finals in the SDP Buffalo Ranch Futurity and Australian Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Derby.

For over 40 years, the Futurity has been a major drawcard to the Tamworth region. It attracts guests internationally as well as Australia wide to partake in 14 days of extensive competition. Outside of the arena, the event extensively supports accommodation, hospitality and local service industries.

Tamworth Region Acting Mayor Helen Tickle said the Futurity is one of the biggest annual events held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre. “It puts a huge focus on our great city and there are many economic, marketing and community benefits that come from hosting an event of such magnitude,” she said. “Each year equine and associated events are worth about $45 million to the local economy.”

SDP Buffalo Ranch remain committed to their Australian business and partnership with the NCHA. This year, the leading stallion station enterprise are major naming right sponsors of the 2018 Futurity.

Shane Plummer, SDP Buffalo Ranch Owner, says;

“ We strive to offer the very best stallions and service in the industry. Our introduction to the Australian market was made during the USA vs Australia Cutting Challenge, in Las Vegas over 15 years ago. Since then, our partnership with the industry in Australia has flourished. Together with our breeders, the owners and trainers, SDP has had more than $2.5 million in direct economic impact in Australia, and this is only the beginning”.

This year, the Futurity takes place with the addition of some major enhancements to the world class $38 million dollar stadium. The addition of a new equestrian events arena provides additional facilities to cater for the influx of competitors brought by the reintroduction of the Snafflebit Futurity to the premier show. Entries into this twohanded category, have grow 26% year on year, and provide significant growth opportunities to open up the competitive landscape to introduce more people to the sport.

Working alongside, Destination NSW, we remain committed to attracting new competitors and tourism to the region to bolster the use of services within the town.

The The Hon. Adam Marshall MP, Minister for Tourism and Major Events , says;

“Last year the event attracted almost 1,400 overnight visitors who spent more than $1.9 million in the region. The NSW Government’s support for events place our wonderful rural and regional destinations front and centre and bring economic benefit to local communities, by putting more heads on beds, diners in our restaurants and shoppers in our boutiques”

The 2018 SDP Buffalo Ranch Futurity will take place from Monday 28th May to Sunday 10th June at the Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth with free entry days from Saturday 2nd June to Tuesday 5th June. To view the full program and buy tickets, visit www.ncha.com.au