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Every successful athlete knows that training and practice are the keys to the winner’s circle. Competitors in Versatility Ranch Horse events are no exception.
Ranch Cutting is the most exciting class in the VRH competition. “Cutting” is the process of removing a pre-selected cow from the herd and holding it out of the herd by blocking its return, then moving it to the other end of the arena and into a pen.
Historically, sick cattle were cut from the herd to be doctored. Cows are herd animals. Safety is found in numbers, and for cattle, the urge to return to the herd is incredibly strong. Therefore, it takes a quick, agile and intelligent horse with a strong herding instinct to keep the cow from returning to the herd. Riders aren’t quick enough to guide the horse to block the cow, so a “cowy” horse is a necessity.
While natural ability is best, horses can be taught to read a cow and to block it. But how do you do that?
Gerrie and Jeff Barnes, leaders in the development and promotion of the fast-growing Versatility Ranch Horse segment of recreational riding, have a wonderful program at Barnes Ranch in Larkspur, CO, about halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs. They offer ongoing weekly classes and practice in each of the five VRH events: Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Ranch Cutting, Working Ranch Horse and Ranch Conformation. In a Barnes class, safety is the first priority, followed by correct execution. Training is tailored to the combined horse and rider level of experience.
I was invited to a recent cutting clinic. The morning started with a tack check to ensure that everyone was mounted safely, then a calm warm-up of our horses. Gerrie stressed that we would be riding most of the day, so when it was our turn to watch, it was a good and thoughtful idea to dismount in order to let our horses relax, too. Consideration for the horse helps to keep him from becoming sore or sour; VRH should be a fun event for both partners!
After warming up, each rider demonstrated control over the shoulders and hips of the horse. A rider should be able to easily sweep the shoulders across and the hips over. If not, training for control is where your cutting practice should begin. A good, immediate, obedient stop is also a necessity.
Next, we began the “dance.” When a good horse cuts a cow, the movement is forward with the cow, then a stop on the hindquarters, a back-up to stay with the cow, and a roll-back towards the cow to stay with the reversal of course. Turns without the roll-back are inefficient; it’s impossible for the horse to stay with the cow if extra steps are taken.
While you can practice those movements on your own, it’s easier and more fun to mirror a partner. It helps a horse in training to understand that the goal is to stay with whatever it is mirroring—which will eventually be a cow. Mirroring another horse and rider is an easy way to practice, but a person on the ground is sufficient. It doesn’t take long for your horse to understand the object of the game, and he will generally begin to enjoy it. Be certain to praise your horse when he “gets it” and begins to follow your “cow” on his own. You’re on your way to developing a good cutting horse!
After lunch on the Barnes’ airy veranda, we brought the cows in. Riders are invited to help gather the cattle from the field, which is another good way to introduce a young or inexperienced horse to cow work. Just watching the cows move away intrigues a horse, and helps it to understand that its job is to make a cow move away.
Jeff and Gerrie explained, then demonstrated, the functions of each rider in a cutting event. Two riders help hold the herd. Their job is to help settle or calm down the herd, to keep the cattle from scattering. Once the selected cow has been cut from the herd, they are to keep the other cattle from joining it. If the selected cow doesn’t want to move a lot, they can put pressure on it from the sides to help the competitive rider better display his horse’s abilities.
They also showed the correct way to enter the herd in search of the designated cow, how to push the cow out, and how to peel off any additional cows that might have come out of the herd with the designated cow. Being quiet, smooth and slow is the best way to accomplish the goal, but it takes more practice than you might imagine. While watching high-speed cutting maneuvers is exciting, slow and smooth practice solidifies the experience and expertise you need to be lightning fast. Don’t skip or rush the basics; they are your building blocks to a solid, winning run.
Being close to a top-notch training facility like the Barnes Ranch is advantageous, and if you are nearby, you should check the calendar for a clinic that you can attend. If you are in the Colorado Springs or Denver area as a visitor, give the ranch a call—they may have a school horse that you can use. www.barnesranch.com will get you to the main web page.
What do you do if you don’t live nearby, and can’t attend a Barnes Ranch training event? Ask other riders about their trainers. If you look for a trainer who stresses safety as their top priority, shows respect for their horses’ well-being and brings along new riders slowly and consistently, you can’t go wrong. In fact, everything will go right…and you’ll be well on your way to the winner’s circle!
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Tips & Training 
