Cutting Horses Set 1 at South Point Arena - 2025-09-24

Cutting horse competitions are judged events where a horse and rider work as a team to separate a single cow from a herd and prevent it from returning. The rider guides their horse to “cut” (separate) a cow from the herd. Once separated, the horse must hold the cow away without the rider’s help. The horse is judged on instinct, responsiveness, and ability to control the cow. Each run lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The rider usually works 2–3 cows during that time. Approach the herd calmly so the cattle don’t scatter. Pick one cow and separate it toward the center of the arena. Once the cow is isolated, the rider drops a hand from the reins (“working on a loose rein”) and allows the horse to take control. The horse should mirror the cow’s movements, blocking it from returning to the herd. Judges look for: Cow sense (the horse reading and anticipating the cow’s moves).
Degree of difficulty (choosing more challenging cattle). Horse’s natural ability and athleticism. Rider’s skill in setting up the cut and maintaining control. Points are deducted for mistakes such as: Reining, spurring, or excessive rider interference once the cow is cut. Quitting a cow too soon.
Letting the cow escape back to the herd. Losing the cow entirely (biggest penalty). Rough treatment of cattle.
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