Home / Equestrian sports / Cutting
Western and rodeo
Cutting is a western event in which a horse separates one cow from a herd and keeps it from going back. The rider barely interferes: the horse does the work on its own.
| Group | Western and rodeo |
|---|---|
| Also called | cutting horse, reined cow work |
| Olympic | no |
| Governing body | National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) |
| Where it is popular | Cutting was born on the ranches of the American West and is especially popular in Texas. The US cutting association has affiliates in Australia and Europe. |
Each run lasts 2.5 minutes. In that time the rider must cut at least two cows from the herd, one of them from deep inside it. Once a cow is separated, the rider drops the rein hand onto the horse's neck and the horse works on its own. Four helpers assist: two turnback riders keep the cow from running off, and two herd holders keep the herd together. Judges score each run from 60 to 80, with 70 as average.
American Quarter Horses are the most popular choice, followed by American Paint Horses and other stock breeds. The key quality is "cow sense", the instinct to read where a cow will move next.
Riders use a western saddle with a horn and a western bridle. Children and beginners should ride in a safety helmet.
The top events are the NCHA Triple Crown: the Futurity for three-year-olds in Fort Worth, Texas, held since 1962, plus the Super Stakes and the Derby. Australia has its own futurity in Tamworth.
It is best to learn with a trainer on an experienced, calm horse. The US cutting association runs youth classes for riders 18 and under at weekend shows.
The National Cutting Horse Association was founded in 1946 in Fort Worth, Texas, and its biggest event is still held in that city.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, nchacutting.com