THE region's crippling drought has not stopped the annual National Cutting Horse Association Futurity from lighting up Tamworth in recent days.
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However, the action would not have been possible without the generosity of several of the region's cattle producers.
Cattle co-ordinator Paul Webb said the region's farmers were "the unsung heroes" of the event.
"This is a major event and one that is highly anticipated, but without the support of these farmers, there would be no show," Mr Webb told the Leader.
"It has been amazing to see so many locals put their hand up to donate good quality cattle for the event and go above and beyond when they have needed to.
"Given how tough things are at the moment it would be easy for them to decide not to supply cattle, but amazingly we have seen more than we expected, which is great."
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With the annual futurity running at the AELEC until June 9, Mr Webb said more cattle would be needed. "
"There isn't long left for the event and I know most of these cattle producers don't want a fuss made about them," he said.
"But I truly believe they deserve some recognition, because without them we wouldn't have an event."
Webb said the eagerness of local producers to donate their stock was a true indication of the "bush spirit" that comes with cutting events.
"The drought has meant that a lot of campdrafting and cutting events have had to be cancelled because of a lack of stock," he said.
"That's why it is so impressive to see so many locals donating their stock.
"They understand how special these types of events are and how much they mean to people in the country, especially when times are tough.
"We couldn't do these types of things without them and I just think they deserve a little bit of recognition."
The NCHA Futurity concludes on Sunday.