our history: NCHA
BY MEL W RHODES
Establishment of the cutting
association has far-reaching
impact on the Parker County area
DECEMBER 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
T
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he roots of today’s multi-million dollar cutting
industry stretch back to the middle of the last
century when a small group of dedicated cutting
horse owners banded together to form the National
Cutting Horse Association. The proliferation of
cutting, its events and the establishment of an
associated business environment and culture
helped brand Weatherford “The Cutting Horse
Capital of the World.” Parker County is horse
country; according to the 2012 U.S. Census, it is
home to more horses and equine-related farms or
businesses than any other county. Parker and Palo
Pinto counties were home ground to legendary trail
drivers Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving, so
the equine/cattle tradition is well-rooted here in the
Cross Timbers and rolling prairies west of
Cowtown.