At its heart, the sport of cutting is simple — yet the execution is anything but. The term “cutting” comes from the act of separating one cow from a herd of cattle.

Here’s how it works:

• A horse-and-rider team enters the herd, picks out one cow and “cuts” it off from the group, letting the remaining cattle return to the herd behind them.

• Once that cow is separated, the rider drops the reins and lets the horse use its own instincts, training and athleticism to keep that cow from rejoining the herd.

• It’s not just the rider controlling the horse: the horse must think, anticipate the cow’s moves and react accordingly. This is one of the few equestrian sports where that kind of independent equine decision-making is a major part of the performance.

Why it matters at Wiens Ranch

At Wiens Ranch you’ll experience cutting in its true form—drawing on the tradition, the athleticism and the deep bond between horse, rider and cattle. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned competitor, cutting offers:

• A dynamic connection between horse and rider — you and your equine partner working in unison to separate and control a single cow.

• The thrill of reading the cow, reacting quickly and maintaining that separation under pressure.

• A living link to the ranching heritage of the American West: what once was everyday work on a cattle ranch is now the heart of a modern arena sport.

In Practice: What you’ll see

• A herd of cattle in the working pen, the rider enters, the horse chooses its cow.

• The moment the cow is cut away — the reins drop, the rider steps back, the horse is “on its own”, staying with the cow.

• The clock runs (in many shows just 2 ½ minutes) and the rider may make multiple cuts, always trying to show the horse’s agility, control, anticipation.

• Judges score based on difficulty of the cow selected, how well the horse anticipates moves, the style and control displayed.

At Wiens Ranch, whether you’re just curious or ready to compete, you’ll get to engage with cutting in a comfortable, welcoming environment — combining the heritage of the West with the thrill of contemporary performance.