One of the most challenging aspects of making cuts in cutting and herdwork classes is how many things are going on at the same time:
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- Staying with our plan and slow on the inside
- Navigating our horse
- Making good decisions amid constantly changing cow flow scenarios!
- Helpers talking a lot at the same time
- Crazy cows going everywhere!
Here’s what happens sometimes.
Riders manage to walk into the herd and drive the herd out just fine but then feel pressure when it comes down to the final moments of the actual cut.
A chaotic feeling at the end can result in being out of position for the cut, using our hands erratically, stirring our horse up, holding on too long, etc.
In this video, I talk about three actions you can take to help ensure that the final moments of the cut are smooth and you and your horse are set up for success – not only for the cut – but to begin working the cow:
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- Looking and focusing your eyes correctly
- Guiding your horse with your feet
- Talking to yourself as you make the cut
As you watch this video, have fun using your imagination. You get to decide what color cattle you want to cut. (-:
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Thanks for such informative and good advice. Cooling off in my trailer waiting to do 2 ranch cutting classes later in the day. Oh boy! I just cut the black baldy. Looking forward to surprise project!
Hi Barb,
Thank you for breaking things down into smaller steps. It makes it so much clearer on how to get the desired outcome.
Thank you Barb. You hit the nail on the head there – – the end of the cut is always my challenge and I’ve often found my horse confused, locking on to the wrong cow because of it. I need to take responsibility for that clean, clear, calm ending and not rely on my help to clean it up, but talking and doing are about like practicing and showing – – not the same, ha ha ha. Thanks for the tips . I picked the little brown cow this time : )
Hi Barb, I’m not a cutter (wish I was; only one lesson with a cow horse trainer several years ago which was very fun for me and my horse :)) but I always enjoy watching you ride Nic and listening to the helpful information you are stating. Thank you–looks like a coolish day with your attire. We are burning up here in Northern California!!!!