cutting

Horse + rider must move quickly and quietly into a herd of cattle

Must cut one cow from the herd

Drive cow to center of arena and hold it away from herd

Horse must match moves with a cow and anticipates its moves

2.5 minute time limit

Can cut two or more cows in the time limit

Scored on basis of 60-80, average of70

Penalties

1point

Miss or loss of working advantage

Reining or visibly cuing

Working out of position

3point

Hot quit

Failure to make a deep cut

Back fence

Cattle picked up or scattered

2nd hand on reigns

5points

Quitting a cow

Losing a cow

Changing cattle after specific commitment

Failure to separate a single animal after leaving the herd

Score of 60