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Trained Cutting Horses For Sale Are Prized For Their Skills

By Essie Osborn


One event in Western Horse Shows and some rodeos is the cutting horse competition. A horse and rider work to separate a steer, castrated bull, or a heifer, unbred cow, move it out of the herd brought into the arena for the event. The separation is maintained for a short time. Those who consider the Cutting Horses For Sale realize their inborn talent and training command a premium price.

These intelligent animals possess the instinct to cut out a heifer or steer quickly. They are well-trained and perform in perfect unison with the rider. They turn quickly and respond to signals given by shifting the weight in the saddle rather than by the use of the reins.

The conformation of the American Quarter Horse makes it an ideal candidate for this type of training. It has a shorter body. This enables it to make those sharp turns required to keep the heifer away from the herd for the required length of time.

Such a horse will earnestly work the heifer or steer to maintain that isolation. Required time is usually two and a half minutes. The animal shows what it is capable of by cutting out three bovines during each run. Sometimes two will suffice. The judging is done on a point system.

Obviously, the cutting horse is a specially bred and extensively trained animal. When such a horse is offered for sale, the price is high. It is not required, but most of these animals are registered quarter horses.

The cash prize awards for the top contenders can be extremely high, beginning in the thousands. The cutting horse must concentrate in the event, but, there is no extended physical exertion such as the race horse expends. Thus, it can compete more frequently, possibly two days in a row.

This horse focuses on the heifer, drawing back over its hocks and turning to follow the target. The rider sits, possibly shifting his weight in the saddle, but not giving directions via the reins as in most other events. This is a skill event, not one requiring speed as so many other events in a Western Show Competition require.

These special equines are advertised for sale from Australia to America. The classified ads list some of their most important features. Included are color, breed, registration status, date of birth and the height of the animal.

Color can be anything from white or gray, to black or buckskin. It is most often registered as an American Quarter Horse. Some events require registration to compete and others do not.

The height of the animal is measured in hands. Each hand is the width of the four fingers on the human hand. This is approximately four inches. It is measured at the withers, a spot between the shoulders just in front of where the saddle rests. Generally, the quarter horse is not as tall as the thoroughbred or some other breeds.

As mentioned, most cutting horses are either registered quarter horses or quarter horse types. They have shorter bodies, typically. Thus, their conformation is suited to making the sharp turns necessary to compete successfully in this event.




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