What is Cutting?

Cutting is timed event competition. It is a western sport that stands alone and is not associated with rodeos. Cutting consists of a horse and rider which are a team, 4 helpers and a herd of cows. The rider, using his reins, seat and leg cues, rides into the herd, selects a cow and moves it away from the herd. The rider then holds his reins down on the neck of the horse, eliminating the rider’s ability to steer the horse with the reins, and it is up to the horse to block the cow from returning to the herd. The rider will let the horse “work” the cow for some time before quitting that cow and selecting another. The process is repeated two or three times within a two and a half minute time frame. A judge or judges give the team a score, 60 being the lowest and 80 being the highest.

Basic Information

If you bring your own horse, your horse will receive a “tune up” training session. Alternately, you can use one of our top quality finished cutting horses. There will be a photographer on hand to catch your great moments. Our private and semi private work shops let you create the schedule that fits your needs.
Our work shops are available through out the year. Our 175 foot sand based round pen is workable almost any day of the year. You pick the dates! Classes are very small to allow for lots of personal attention. Your work shop may have one or
two people but never more than four people.

Beginning work shops focus on establishing a good foundation for cutting. At the end of the work shop you will understand the basic concepts, have a good cutting seat and actually have cut many cows! Any anxiety or apprehension you may have had will be replaced with confidence and enthusiasm!

Intermediate and advanced work shops are individually tailored
to concentrate on your personal riding goals. They offer you the luxury of focusing on the facets of cutting you are most interested in. You may want to come several times to work on different components of cutting.

Beginning

A two day workshop to learn the basics of cutting. Bring your own horse or we’ll provide one.

Day 1

An evaluation of your horsemanship and practice on any issues that will improve your skills as they relate to cutting.
Understanding cutting terms.
Getting your seat with use of the flag
(mechanical device that replicates cow).
Recognizing & Describing specific cows.
How to select a cow and push it out of the herd.
Working a cow.

Day 2

Cutting for shape.
Working cows in the round.
Riding to the stop.
Legally quitting a cow.
Understanding the rules and judging point system
of a cutting contest.

Clinic includes two days, two nights at our guest house on 100 acre ranch and meals. There are three large lakes.
Bring your fishing poles!

Two-Day Private or Semi Private Workshop Fee: $600 per person
Please email or call for reservations

Note: If evaluation of your basic horsemanship skills reveals that you are not ready to begin cutting, then the two days will be devoted to learning and practicing horsemanship as it relates to cutting and as much cutting instruction as possible with the remaining time.

Intermediate and Advanced

Bring your own horse or we’ll provide one. Clinic includes evaluation of your current level of proficiency. Session will be devoted to improving your performance at the level you are currently on. Workshop will include work on the flag and live cattle. If you bring your own horse, your horse will receive a “tune up” training session. These work shops are customized to your personal goals.
Special emphasis will be on what you want to work on.
Workshop includes one night at the fully furnished guesthouse on our 100 acre ranch and meals.
There are three large lakes. Bring your fishing poles!

Single or multiple days available. Fee: $300 per day per person
Please email or call for reservations