SHW565. RANCH CUTTING This class is judged on the ability of the horse to work a cow by separating it from the herd and holding it to demonstrate the horse's ability to work the cow. A single numbered cow is cut from the herd and the horse must demonstrate its ability to work the cow.
SHW565.1 For open and amateur, the number of designated cattle will equal the number of entries and the number of non-numbered cattle also equals the number of entries. For International countries, the number of designated cattle will equal the number of entries but the number of non-numbered cattle will be at the option of show management. If International countries show management chooses just one numbered cow per entry and no non-numbered cattle, there will be a one and one-half minute time limit.
SHW565.2 Objective will be to cut one designated cow from the herd and work the cow with the assistance of two turn-back riders and two herd holders.
SHW565.3 Cattle to be located at one end of the arena. Cattle will be clearly marked with numbers. Cattle numbers will be drawn.
SHW565.4 For open and amateur competition, there will be a two minute limit. Each exhibitor must work two head, but has the option of working the full two minutes. Exhibitor must work their designated cow and one additional non-numbered cow within the two minute time limit.
SHW565.5 For novice amateur and youth competition, there will be a one and half minute time limit. Exhibitor must work their designated cow but has the option of working the full minute and a half. Time will begin when a rider crosses a time line just prior to entering the herd.
SHW565.6 Time should not start until contestant crosses a pre-determined and marked timeline. Cattle numbers can be announced prior to crossing the starting line. The rider will then quietly separate his/her numbered cow from the herd.
SHW565.7 Show management may supply two herd holders and two turn back riders, or exhibitors may supply their own helpers. If an exhibitor is a herd holder or turn back rider, he or she may use the horse that they are competing on, or use a different horse. Herd holders' and turn back rider's horses should be American Quarter Horses.
SHW565.8 Unnecessary roughness or disturbing the herd excessively could result in disqualification.
SHW565.9 Credit will be given to those horses who demonstrate excellence in their herd work, driving and setting up the cow to cut, working in the center of the arena, and degree of difficulty of the cow drawn, within the two minutes.
SHW565.10 Horses will not be penalized for reining during the cutting portion, but should display natural ability.