Cutting day at the AQHA Youth World Cup begins with a morning clinic – this year it was with Team Wrangler Member Teddy Johnson of Gainesville, Texas, and trainer Troy Donaldson of Waterford, Ontario. The competition is in the afternoon. The cutting is double-judged, and awards and team points are given for the top 10 placings under each judge.

Click here for the story about the winners under judge two.

TEAM UNITED STATES FIRST

T. Joe Jeane of Valley View, Texas, pulled in another win for Team United States in the cutting on July 11. T. Joe drew talented old campaigner Haidas Folklore, owned by Wayne Yendrick of Branchton, Ontario.The Journal caught him for an interview as he headed to the River Bend Designs backdrop to get official photos taken.

What was your cutting background before this event?

Not much. I started in the beginning of November (2007), to get on the team. I did it so I’d know what to do once I made the team and got here.

Did the clinic this morning help?

Yes. He was really helpful. I’d worked with Teddy (Johnson) before I left, but I haven’t been able to do anything because I’ve been here, so it helped me refresh my skills before I had to go. And it helped me figure out my horse, mainly.

Tell me about the horse you drew.

He’s really cool. He’s 18, so he’s older than me. They said he’d won a bunch; he was really a cool horse. He’s the best (cutter) I’ve ridden in the time I’ve been riding.

What’s different about cutting and, say, western pleasure?

In the pleasure, you have to make them give in the face and slow down. In the cutting, it’s the complete opposite. It’s – make them go fast, make sure you cut the cow and stay in front of the cow.

Is it easy to root for other teams?

I’ve gotten to know a lot of people, and it’s cool to root for everyone else. I know (Daniele Lelli, of Team Italy, who won first under the second judge) and (Josh Collins) who was second (for Team United Kingdom under the second judge). I was rooting for them. It’s hard, but it’s not about winning here. It’s about teamwork.

Fun Fact: T. Joe also won the first day of western pleasure, and he’s enjoyed the new challenges in this competition. “You do one thing and then have to do another the next day. It’s really cool.” Click here to read more about his western pleasure win on day one of showing.

TEAM GERMANY SECOND

In the middle of the last set of cattle, 27^th in the go, Carolin Lenz rode in aboard Rey Peppy Lynx. Two-and-a-half minutes later, she rode out with second place for Team Germany on judge one’s card. Her cutting partner is a 1997 gelding owned by Rosalee Munch of Cambridge, Ontario. We spoke with Carolin in the stands with a winning smile still on her face. 

What was your cutting background before this event?

I rode in the 2006 Youth World Cup in Amarillo, but nothing else.

No cutting since then?

No! (She laughed.)

How did you do so well today?

I had a great horse and great….background? No…helpers. And the cattle (were great), too.

Did the clinic help?

Very much. I had the opportunity to know my horse better so it was good. It helps. Just kick, hold here and have fun!

Were you worried about anything coming into the competition?

I hoped I would have a good horse and good cows. And that I don’t make mistakes. But just have fun and not lose a cow, just make the best (of it).

Are you going to cut again?

Yes!

Fun Fact: All-around rider! On the first day of competition, Carolin won the trail and was second in western riding. She also placed third in horsemanship, fourth in hunt seat equitation and seventh in the hunter under saddle, riding three different horses. Click here to read about her trail win and click here for her second place finish in western riding on the first day of showing.