Laney Davis

Cowboys and cowgirls were cutting it up this weekend in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The National Cutting Horse Association is a sport created from America’s Western heritage. August 28 and 29, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Four States region came to compete at a weekend horse show. The competitors range from non-professionals, amateurs, and professionals.

The competing rider guides a horse to a herd of cattle. Horse and rider have two minutes and 30 seconds to show off their athletic ability and knowledge. The judge will then evaluate how well the horse can separate a cow from the herd and keep the cow away from the herd. The competitor is allowed to use two to three cows to display the talent of their horse.

Cowboys and cowgirls compete all over the world in cutting. The horses begin their training at two years old and begin to show off their skills in front of judges at the age of three.

This two day event is action packed with numerous classes of competition. Brett Davis, a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Famer, rode down to the herd of cattle both days. Davis has been training horses and competing in Cutting since he was 18 years old. Having 34 years of experience under his belt as a professional, he says everyday he is living the dream. This weekend Davis won 7 different classes and placed in many more.

Amongst the professionals competing in the sport of cutting are Non-professionals. Ashley Davis, a non-professional, has been competing in Cutting throughout middle school, high school, and college. She competed in three classes this weekend doing better each time she rode down to the herd. Davis came home with one title, placing twice in her classes.

Western Sports, the organization that put on the horse show, had many contestants file the entry fees. After two long days of judging horses, Western Sports handed out numerous titles and prizes. Brett Davis and Ashley Davis are already looking forward to the next horse show.