The National Cutting Horse Association Eastern National Championships, presented by 6666 Ranch, will return to Jackson, Mississippi March 8 – 20, 2010 with the largest event in the 25-year history of this major national cutting horse event. This year, a record 1,127 contestants will compete for total prize money of $454,367. Entry numbers are up by more thank 24% from last year’s total of 909 entries.

The NCHA Eastern National Championships will take place in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Each of the 12 approved NCHA classes will be offered, and admission is free with classes beginning daily at 8 a.m. The youth will also enjoy a “team cutting” event in addition their regular classes.

Two annual catfish dinners will certainly attract contestants and spectators alike. The first will be March 10 at 6:30 p.m., and the second will be March 15 at 6:30 p.m. These dinners are always a hit social event for contestants and their families, as is the Taste of Mississippi to be held March 9 at 7 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend any or all of these events.

Everyone is also invited to visit the more than 30 vendors in the exhibit hall offering the latest trends in tack, western clothing, home décor, and more.

The 6666 Ranch will also sponsor the NCHA Western National Championships held April 28- May 9 in Ogden, Utah.

6666 Ranch is based in Guthrie, Texas, and provides breeding services to some of the premium cutting stallions in the country. The goal of the ranch’s own breeding program is to produce the world’s best ranch horse, utilizing most of today’s popular bloodlines as well as proven foundation bloodlines.

The National Cutting Horse Association has more than 20,000 members from a wide range of backgrounds. Each year more than 2,200 NCHA-approved events are held throughout North America, with more than $43 million in prize money awarded. For more information visit www.nchacutting.com or call (817) 244-6188.