Equidays organisers have just announced the return of cutting horse demonstrations to the event after a three-year hiatus.
If you haven’t seen these horses in action, here’s your chance to not only witness how amazing they are, but also to watch one of the best riders in the business: international cutting champion, Bryan Lowcay.
Dating back to Wild West cowboys working on the range, cutting highlights the ability of horse and rider to handle cattle by ‘cutting’ (separating) from the herd those that require attention. It’s highly skilled and sure to be a crowd-pleasure at Equidays, which runs from October 14-16 at Mystery Creek Events Centre in the Waikato. Bryan and his horses will give demonstrations over all three days.
“We’re delighted. The level of technique and horse-and-rider partnership required in cutting is really something to see!” says Equidays Event Manager Ammie Hardie.
“There’s a lot that goes into preparation to be able to accommodate this form of Western – it’s not just a horse, a rider and an arena. With cattle involved, it becomes a whole other logistical effort and we’re excited it’s all coming together this year.”
New Zealander Bryan Lowcay has learned from and competed against the very best cutting horse competitors in the world and has 50-year track record in quarter horse competition, training, care and breeding. He has won cutting championships here and in the USA, including the Texas Year-End Hi-Point Award, and has also competed in the World Finals.
As the first and longest-serving judge for the NZ Cutting Horse Association, he has judged countless Western horse events throughout the country and has been a monumental influence in the New Zealand western riding industry.
“Bryan is an expert in his profession and we’re extremely lucky to have his talent,” says Ammie.
Three-time Equidays clinician and 2014 KHH Stallion Challenge competitor Ben Longwell, of True West Horsemanship, will also be showcasing his style of cattle work and horsemanship during the three-day event.
