Cowboy skills on show at premier horse event

COWBOY: A rider demonstrates his Wild West skill. PHOTO/Stephen Barker

Cutting Horse demonstrations will be returning to New Zealand's premier equine event after a three-year hiatus.

Dating back to Wild West cowboys working on the range, cutting demonstrates the ability of horse and rider to handle cattle, cutting those from the herd that require attention.

Come October 14, Equidays visitors will be able to enjoy this highly-skilled sport at Mystery Creek Events Centre, in the Waikato.

"We're delighted. Western is a huge crowd pleaser and 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."

International cutting champion Bryan Lowcay will give demonstrations over all three days. With a proven track record in the world of Quarter Horse training, care, and breeding, Lowcay has been in the game for more than 50 years.

"Bryan is an expert in his profession and we're extremely lucky to have his talent," said Hardie.

From working for world champions in the Cutting Horse industry in Texas, winning the Texas Year-End Hi-Point Award and competing in the World Finals, to winning many NZ Cutting Horse Association (NZCHA) National Championships here in New Zealand, Lowcay has learned from and competed against the very best Cutting Horse competitors in the world.

He has also judged myriad Western horse events throughout the country and is the first and longest serving judge for the NZCHA.

Having also held the offices of vice president of the New Zealand Quarter Horse Association and president of the NZCHA several times (as well as being a founding council member), Lowcay has been a monumental influence in New Zealand western riding industry.

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.

For more information visit equidays.co.nz