Cutting

[Spotty_Pony]

What are the rules of this sport? I think it has something to do with cows?

What ever it is, according to my pony's previous owner; he's damn good at it! :P Please explain. :D
Thank you

[smaggi]

Basically you cut the cow out of the herd by quietly walking your horse into the herd, moving one cow away from all the others. Then you control the cow as it tries to get back to the herd. If you point your horses face at the hip of the cow or behind the hip it will move forward. If you point your horses face at the shoulder of the cow or forward of the shoulder it will turn the other direction. You face the cow you're working and have your back to the herd.

A horse that is good at cutting usually has good instincts when working cows or cow sense and can anticpate or read a cow and know what direction it will go. Some quarter horse blood lines are bred for their cow sense the same way that pointing dog breeds are bred for their hunting and pointing ability.

I'm just getting into cutting and it is sooo much fun! :p My horse Cisco is cow bred and although he didn't have much experience working with cows, he's quickly teaching me how it's done by using his instincts.

[jinglejoys]

I've just been watching my Bishop Mule Days CD'c and there was cutting work on that.Would love to try when Malaga's backed but we're only just getting into Western Riding in this country so I guess we won't get the chance:(

[Jessey]

Jinglejoys, you can cut in this country you just have to know where to look ;) :D
Me and my man at a cutting comp near Brighton a couple of years ago :D (just cause I can't help but share :p)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/Jessey129/Qaboos01.jpg

[Spotty_Pony]

Thank you everybody! It has really helped... my pony has cow sense... feeling proud... Jessey- your horse looks amazing!

[jinglejoys]

Thanks Jessey,great photo.
I know Rosie Thompsons mule Millie won a cutting competition some years ago and she's over your way too.Must be a Norfolk thing! Ho Humm!:) One step at a time,get this big lump backed then start to learn on him,then have a conversation with Zanda my mini zebu bullock:D

[Jessey]

Not at all, That comp was near Brighton, there are another bunch near the QE2 bridge who run cows every week and hold regular comps, we have a show this weekend at Swaffam (thankfully very close to home for me, shame I don't have a horse to take right now) where we will have cattle classes :D

Not sure about your side of the world, but I bet there are people who do it, its just finding them :D
WHA as an organisation are the only ones who regularly hold cattle classes, but my friend in Brighton (who ran the show that pic was taken at) was trying to set up a national cutting horse association, I havn't seen them in a while though so not sure how far they got with it.

J x

[Spotty_Pony]

I love cutting! :D Not that I've never done it before really... But my mum does a good job of being a cow and my pony tries to round her up! Lol! It's so funny!!! :D