Cutting
The ins and outs on what it takes to get into the sport of cutting from top pros including Winston Hansma, Cara Brewer, Jade Keller, and more.
-
How Lopers Prepare Horses for Trainers
Lopers are the riders who warm up the horses for the trainers. Learn more about the loper's job and what that they do to help the horses be successful with the trainer.
-
How Cutting is Judged
If you're wanting to get into cutting but aren't sure what the judges look for, RL breaks down how the event is judged. Learn about what the judges will look for when you ride into the show pen.
-
How Cutting Differs from Cow Horse
There are some major differences between cutting and the cutting portion of the cow horse. RL Chartier explains key differences between the events.
-
Holding the Saddle Horn
If you're familiar with cutting, then you know that holding the horn is essential for body control. When your horse goes to stop or manuever around a cow, you have to remain centered and not lean forward.
-
Herd Work for Beginners
Herd work is an art and can be challenging for beginners. Learning how to navigate the herd while being able to control your horse takes practice and timing.
-
Get the Cutting Crouch
Watching an experienced cutting horse, you'll notice that he will get low to the ground as he works the cow. RL explains you can't train a horse to develop the crouch, but instead the horse will develop it at his own pace.
-
Dry Working a Young Horse
Dry working a young horse will help to not only prepare his body for the manuevers he's about to perform, but will also prepare his mind. Watch to learn how RL dry works his young horse before working cattle.
-
Developing Feel for a Young Cutter
When working with a young horse, RL likes for the horse to have some feel because the more you work on the training the more electric they will remain throughout their career. The horses that go through the motions and are too relaxed are less likely to be responsive and aware when it comes to de...
-
Daily Cutting Bridles
Learn about the various types of bits used on cutting horses. RL explains the bits that he uses in his program and why he uses each bit on a horse.
-
Body Position for Cutting
Body position is important for you as a rider. RL explains how riders have a tendancy to lean in an effort to control the cow with his or her body. Keeping your body centered will give you maximum control on the cow while your horse performs.
-
Body and Head Control During Cattle Work
RL explains what he does for a horse that braces and gets stiff while working cattle. The more training you do to help him to understand his job will allow him to relax in the arena while doing his job.
-
Babysitter Cows
Babysitter cattle work to help control the herd while in the practice pen. RL explains why he likes these cows as babysitters and how they perform their job.
-
Cutting Advice from a Non-Pro Rider
Take advice from a non-pro cutter on how to get involved with the event and how to select a trainer that fits your needs and goals. Sharon explains who she is, why she loves cutting, and more about how to try the event if it's new to you.
-
Adjusting Tack for Cutting
Tack adjustment is important in performance events to ensure safety for you and your horse. RL explains how he likes to adjust his tack.
-
Navigating the Herd
Navigating the herd can be challenging. Learn how to properly navigate the herd to perform a cut.
-
2-Year-Old Basics for Cutting
Start off a young horse's career with succcess by learning the basic skills that a 2-year-old cutter should know. The goal should be able to control your horse's body like you would need to control a cow.
-
Clearing the Herd
Learn what it means to clear the herd and how to do it from RL Chartier.
-
Hand Position and Body Control
RL Chartier explains hand position and body control for cutting.
-
Selecting a Cut
Learn how to cut for shape or select a cow to cut from RL Chartier.
-
Working Turns on a Young Horse
Working a young horse at 90 degree turns teaches him to move his body correctly, however, performing any form of turn while
-
Working on a Relaxed Rein
Working a cutting horse on a relaxed rein will help him to understand his directional cues when you do pick up on the reins.
-
Working Cattle Demonstration
New to the sport of cutting? Watch legendary horseman Winston Hansma demonstrate working a cow.
-
What Goes Into a Cutting Horse
Preparing a cutting horse to perform in the show pen takes hours of work in the practice arena. Winston explains how training a cutting horse is different from events like reining and the importance of figuring out timing of cues.