| Cutting is a sport with origins on southwestern cattle ranches in
the 1880's. Individual cattle occasionally had to be separated from
the rest of the herd for branding, sickness, or sales. Certain
horses were more instinctive and quick in response to a cow's
attempts to return to the herd. As cowboys recognized this talent,
the cutting horse was born.
Today, cutting is one of the world's fastest-growing equine
sports. It offers tremendous excitement and drama for horse, rider,
and spectators alike.
The challenge is to select a single calf from the herd and gently
guide it into the center of the arena. Then, with no visible cues
from the rider, the horse exhibits athleticism and style as he
controls a cow and prevents its return to the herd.
In the contest arena, the art of cutting comes alive in a classic
test of intelligence, training, breeding, and skill. The cutting
horse and rider work together as a team in demonstrating their
cattle-handling skills. They have two-and-one-half minutes to complete
their work.
A five-judge panel scores contestants in national events.
Smaller events require one or two judges. performance is evaluated
on the basis of several points:
- degree of difficulty presented by the "cow"
- precision of "herdwork"
- style of the horse's "coverage"
Although fun to watch, the best seat in the house is aboard a
highly trained cutting horse. They are exhilarating to ride!
|
