There are many NCHA shows held all across the United States and the world for all levels of competitors. Each NCHA sanctioned show is classified into Weekend Shows and Limited Age Events. The competitions that are produced by the NCHA are considered the highest level of competition in the association. They include the Triple Crown Events, National Championships, and the Mercuria World Series of Cutting and World Finals.

Weekend Shows

The weekend shows are designed with the rider’s ability in mind, regardless of the horses age. For example, the Amateur division is divided into two separate classes the $15,000 Amateur and the $50,000 Amateur. A rider’s past earnings will then determine which class they are eligible to compete. Therefore, creating a more even playing field with the amateur and non-pro competitors in mind.

Limited Age Events

The limited age events place a restriction on the age of horse in which a rider can compete on. Classes will be broken down horses age first and then rider’s eligibility. The most popular limited age events in the association are the Triple Crown Events.

The Triple Crown Events are three of the most elite shows in the industry. It is comprised of three events; the Wolrd Championship Futurity, the Super Stakes, and the Summer Cutting Spectacular. If a horse is to win each of these shows in the same division during their three-year-old and four-year-old year, they will be awarded the triple crown. There has only been a handful of horses to achieve this prestigious award.

World Championship Futurity

The Futurity is restricted to 3-year-old cutting horses that have never been shown in judged competition. Founded in 1962, the NCHA Futurity was the sport’s first “limited age” event. With a purse approaching $4 million, it is the world’s richest indoor horse event and is contested over 22 consecutive days through November and December. The World Championship Futurity showcases the sport’s emerging talent and provides an inside look at the next generation of great horses to share the stage in one of the world’s most lucrative equine sports.

Super Stakes

The Super Stakes is for 4-year-olds, and its companion event, the NCHA Super Stakes Classic for 5/6-year-olds, is held in April. Contestants, which are the offspring of subscribed stallions, are nominated as weanlings, putting the spotlight on the breeder’s art. There is a purse of $3 million and is contested over 20 days in March and April. This is the only show in the Triple Crown series that is considered a "closed show", due to the Stallion and Foal Program.

Summer Cutting Spectacular

The Summer Spectacular is held in July and is the final leg of the NCHA Triple Crown of Cutting and is contested over 20 days. It features the NCHA Derby for 4-year-olds, and the NCHA Classic Challenge for 5/6-year-olds and offers a purse of over $2 million. As the third jewel in the NCHA Triple Crown, the NCHA Derby has seen just three Open horses, and one Non-Pro horse claims the Triple Crown title.