Cutting Horses in Equestrianism

For centuries, cutting horse skills were required anywhere in the world that huge herds of cattle needed to be managed. For the daily work of simply keeping an eye on the herds, any relaxed and sensible horse would do. However, as the herds mixed together over the years, the herd owners would periodically need to separate them again, and this was when the cutting horses were in their element. They needed the courage to get right into a herd of cattle to bring out a single cow, and today, that is one of the most skilful aspects of cutting as a competition. A truly great cutting horse cuts into the herd neatly and cleanly like a knife and separates the cow with the minimum of disruption to the other animals. It’s always possible to identify a horse that will perform in an outstanding fashion since they keep both their eyes and ears focussed intently on the cow. As this was one of the most demanding aspects of managing cattle, cowboys, with their natural instinct for competition, turned it into a sport while they were working. It was only when new technology and methods transformed the world of herding cattle and reduced the need for the horse that cutting began to emerge as a professional sport. Today it is one of the most keenly attended and supported Western sports as it demonstrates the peak skills of the cowboy (or cowgirl) and their horse. In the USA and internationally, the equipment and terminology used are those of the Western stock rider, including the Western saddle and bridle and Western clothing, using chaps wherever possible. There are classes for professional, amateur and junior riders, with big prize money at many of the larger events. The National Cutting Horse Association or its 132 global affiliates provide the majority of international events, though there are also other completely independent organisations, such as the American Cutting Horse Association.