The NCHA Celebrity Cutting returns to Fort Worth on April 11, 2026, bringing together well-known performers and elite equestrian professionals for an evening that mixes sport, showmanship and charity. Hosted in the recently refreshed Will Rogers Memorial Center, this exhibition pairs celebrities with seasoned cutting riders and trusted equine partners in a format designed to entertain fans while highlighting the unique skills of cutting—the specialized equestrian discipline where horse and rider separate a single cow from the herd.
More than a spectacle, the Celebrity Cutting is a community-minded event presented by Icon Global and staged alongside the premier NCHA Super Stakes, which concludes on April 13, 2026 with the Non-Pro Finals. Participants range from actors and musicians to former pro athletes; they spend time learning the fundamentals of the sport from professional cutters before entering the pen to compete in short, exciting runs. The night also serves a higher purpose by raising funds for the expansion of UT Southwestern‘s Moncrief Cancer Institute, improving access to cancer care for Fort Worth families.
What happens inside the arena
Inside the coliseum, expect a tightly choreographed mix of instruction, practice and live performance. The format pairs each celebrity with a professional cutter and an experienced cutting horse, giving guests a front-row view of how the horse reads the cow and how rider cues direct the partnership. The event will feature performers tied to recent television and film projects—particularly talent associated with Taylor Sheridan productions such as Landman, Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown and The Madison—as well as other notable names. Confirmed participants include Amiah Miller, Beau Garrett, C. Thomas Howell, Caleb Plant, Colt McCoy, Dave Annable, Elle Chapman, Jacob Lofland, James Jordan, LaMonica Garrett, Matthew Rhys, Michael Kelly, Neal McDonough, Nick Carter, Taylor Handley and Thad Luckinbill.
Behind the scenes: training and teamwork
Before the lights hit the arena, celebrities spend time working with trainers to understand the essentials of cutting: reading herd behavior, timing turns and trusting the horse to respond to subtle leg and rein cues. That preparation emphasizes the role of the professional cutter, who acts as both coach and partner in the ring. The collaboration delivers two outcomes—a polished exhibition for attendees and an educational glimpse into the discipline that makes cutting a cornerstone of Western horsemanship. Fans often leave with a better appreciation for the technique and teamwork that define the sport.
A night with purpose
At its heart, the Celebrity Cutting is a fundraiser. Proceeds support the expansion and programming of the Moncrief Cancer Institute at UT Southwestern, with the goal of expanding access to treatment, research and patient services in the Fort Worth region. Organizers stress that the event combines entertainment and philanthropy: attendees enjoy a high-energy exhibition while contributing to a cause that directly benefits local families. NCHA leadership and community partners view the Celebrity Cutting as a meaningful way to connect equestrian tradition with real-world impact.
How donations translate to care
Funds raised through ticket sales, VIP packages and partnerships go toward physical expansion as well as programmatic support at the cancer institute—helping to increase capacity for patient care, advance clinical trials and provide resources that ease the burden on families. For many in the Fort Worth area, those improvements translate into shorter travel times, more comprehensive local care options and stronger support networks during treatment. The charitable element is woven through the spectacle, so every cheer in the arena contributes to measurable improvements off the field.
Tickets, VIPs and where to find more
Fans who want to attend can explore general admission and VIP tickets through the UT Southwestern Giving Page, which also lists partnership opportunities for businesses and donors. For schedules, official results from the Super Stakes and details about the National Cutting Horse Association, visit nchacutting.com. Organizers note that the roster of celebrity participants is subject to change and that additional special guests may be announced as the event approaches. Whether you come for the celebrities, the horses or the cause, the evening promises to be a lively celebration of Western sport and community support.
