Bella Hadid Named NCHA Rookie of the Year

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) announced Bella Hadid as the 2024 NCHA Limited Age Event (LAE) Rookie of the Year. This hard-earned title has been a major accomplishment for Hadid during her first full year of competing in cutting.  

Entering the cutting community a little over a year ago, Hadid has proven herself as the highest money-earning Amateur for NCHA Limited Aged Events. The LAE Rookie of the Year must have lifetime earnings at the beginning of the point year of less than $5,000 to qualify.

Hadid recently captured the title of NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity Limited Amateur Reserve Champion on Metallic Hardball (Metallic Cat x Cinca De Maya x Dual Rey) on December 3, 2024. That accomplishment paid out $8,955 for the rider and owner.

Before the NCHA Futurity began, she had added $18,960 her lifetime earnings in the cutting pen bringing her earnings to $23,960 according to Equistat. Other horses she’s ridden this year include Whippish (Hottish x Watch Me Whip x Playgun), Imma Be Smooth (Smooth As A Cat x Desires Rey x Dual Rey) and Metallic Tito (Metallic Cat x Sweet Abra x Abrakadabracre). She also rod Hott Bunz (Hottish x Dont Look Twice x High Brow Cat) in the celebrity cutting and Purrin Likeasmoothcat (Smooth As A Cat x Purr N Like Magic x Abrakadabracre) during a New York Fashion Week cutting event.

Bella Hadid and Purrn Likeasmoothcat in New York City. * Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Teton Ridge

“The NCHA is excited to congratulate Bella Hadid as the LAE Rookie of the Year. Her hard work in and out of the show pen is evident,” said Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the NCHA. “When she is not competing, she cheers enthusiastically for her fellow cutting competitors and avidly supports the sport of cutting. We look forward to seeing her talent and passion for the sport, as well as her bond with equine athletes, continue to grow and flourish.”

For more about the NCHA, go to www.nchacutting.com.