Cutting is one of America’s richest equine sports. Over $42 million in prize money is awarded annually to participants. A contestant has 2:30 to separate then work two or three cows from a herd gathered against the back fence of the arena.
The rider has to make at least one “deep cut” riding into the back of the herd, selecting a cow, and driving it away from the herd. Once the cow is separated, the rider sets the rein hand down, then allows the horse to work. The cutting horse mirrors the cow’s movements to prevent it from returning to the herd. Once the cow stops or turns away, the contestant returns to the herd for another cow.
The cutting horse is credited for entering the herd quietly, making a clean cut, and demonstrating athleticism, courage and style. Five judges using a 60-80 point scale make deductions for violations of rules or errors in style and/or technique. They consider herd work, eye appeal, degree of difficulty, courage and penalties. The final score is determined by eliminating the highest and lowest scores and totaling the middle three scores.
This information was provided from the National Cutting Horse Association website.
