The Friend of the NYCHA is awarded to donors and supporters of the National Youth Cutting Horse Association who have made a significant financial or personal contribution to the association. This award is given annually during the NYCHA awards banquet to youth supporters who have exhibited a long-term commitment to the success of the youth program. The honoree must contribute to NYCHA at a national level that potentially benefits all youth members. Award recipients are nominated by fellow members of the NCHA before undergoing review by NCHA Staff. Shannon is the proud recipient of the 2023 Friends of the NYCHA Award.

As a proud sponsor of the National Reined Cow Horse Association, Shannon created the original painting ‘JAQUIMA’ for the NRCHA. The original was auctioned off at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes, Hall of Fame banquet in Las Vegas, NV in March, 2023. With a hammer price of $12,500 all proceeds went to support the NRCHA Youth for their upcoming Scholarships & Activities. This photograph says it all!

During the 2022 NCHA World Championship Futurity in Fort Worth Texas, the National Cutting Horse Association created a unique opportunity to acquire the experience of having your own custom painting created by Shannon Lawlor. Dec 7, Shannon Lawlor along with several members of the NYCHA, presented Lot #1 at the Western Bloodstock Horse Sale, and celebrated with the hammer price of $13,500 with 100% of the proceeds going to the National Youth Cutting Horse Association. Going forward we will be sharing the lucky bidder of the commission painting along with details of the projects evolution. THANK YOU to everyone who bid and participated in this successful fundraising event.

NATIONAL CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION WELCOMES SHANNON LAWLOR FINE ART AS AN EVENT SPONSOR FORT WORTH TEXAS – The National Cutting Horse Association is excited to welcome Shannon Lawlor Fine Art as an official event sponsor of the 2021 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.
“Throughout my eighteen year art career, I have come to embrace many breeds and disciplines within my work,” said Lawlor. “Particularly, our equine athletes performing at a high level, not unlike what is represented within the NCHA family. With this new partnership, my goal is to authentically preserve and promote the longstanding traditions and values of the NCHA, and I look forward to introducing my artwork and offering custom commission paintings to the cutting horse industry.”
Lawlor’s goal of preserving the West through her work paired with the rich Western history of the sport of cutting make this partnership a seamless fit.
“We are excited to welcome this new partnership with Shannon Lawlor,” said Jay Winborn, NCHA executive director. “Shannon creates incredible pieces showcasing both the cutting horse and the Western lifestyle that we all enjoy. As a part of this partnership, we have been collaborating on some special projects that will be revealed at the upcoming NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, and I am looking forward to sharing these with our members.”