Meagan Hansen working on the cut
CONTINUED >>
the Cattle trial tests the ability of a horse and rider to work cattle individually and with teammates. Teams of 3 to 4 riders work together to cut pre-selected cows from a herd one at a time in accordance with a pre-established order, and herd them into a holding pen separate from the rest of the herd. The objective is to demonstrate the abilities of cutting/ herding/containing cattle efficiently and accurately.
The Cattle Trial, which requires some additional facility and stock-handling resources, is at the heart of the sport’s foundation, as a celebration of different nations’ working stock horses and traditions. Because of the additional costs and logistics involved with including the cow trial, however, it is not always offered at licensed WE competitions. Colorado regularly includes the Cattle Trial in their events, and this year, the Cattle Trial has been offered in several WE competitions in California and Oregon, and cattle handling clinics are welcome additions to the learning opportunities being offered by WE clubs across the country.
The arena used for the Cattle trial should be roughly 230 ft x 100 ft in dimension (see diagram). A start/foul line separates the herd zone where the herd is settled from the penning zone where a holding pen is located. The foul line is designated by a chalk line and/or marker(s) located on the arena fence, easily viewed by the Judge. The herd zone is between 20% to 35% of the total arena depending on the number and type of cattle used, the performance level being judged, and the arena configuration.
A holding pen is set up at the far end of the arena, away from the herd zone. The exact size and position of the holding pen can vary with the host facility. It can be either within the perimeter of the arena, attached to the perimeter fence, or set up as an attached separate pen outside the arena. The holding pen should be large enough to avoid cattle crashing into the back fence.
A Foul Line Judge, positioned with an unobstructed view of the foul line, serves as the official timer. A back-up timer is positioned on the foul line at the opposite side of the arena. A flagger is positioned at the pen to signal when a cow is completely contained in the pen to stop the clock.
Each team enters and leaves the arena at a walk; no riders may be assisted through the gate by anyone on the ground. When the cattle are settled behind the foul line, the Judge indicates the official start of each test by ringing a bell. The rider has 60 seconds to salute the Judge and cross the start/foul line (the salute must occur outside the foul line). When there is more than one Judge, riders are required to face and salute the President of the Jury, but may salute all Judges present.
The rider has 3 minutes (180 seconds) to complete the test. Time starts 60 seconds after the
Judge has rung the bell or when the rider’s horse’s nose passes over the foul line. Time stops
when the selected cow is herded into the holding pen and all other cattle are in the herd zone or when the 3-minute time period is up.
Team members assist in maintaining the remaining cattle in the containment zone. As soon as
the rider has cut his/her selected animal and herded it over the foul line, one or more team
riders may assist the designated rider with herding it into the holding pen. If the remaining
team member moves into the herd containment zone, he/she must leave the zone immediately
with a penalty or the rider will be disqualified
If a correctly sorted cow escapes back to the herd prior to a rider completing the run, the rider
may continue until the time is up. An escaped cow is one with any part of the animal re-crossing
the foul line.
When introducing competitors to the Cattle Trial, clinicians emphasize the importance of taking things slowly, enabling both horses and riders to learn how to “read” the cattle and gain confidence in moving them from place to place. Generally, those who enter the herd slowly and calmly realize greater success than those who rush in or try to separate their designated cow too quickly.
Advice for success includes:
Focus on your designated cow – don’t take your eyes off of it. This helps your horse remain focused on the job at hand, and you’re less likely to be “left behind” if you need to change direction to stay with the cow.
Use your dressage skills of reinback, shoulder-in, haunches in, leg yield, and half pass to assist you in cutting the cow out of the herd.
Communicate with your partners so they know how best to help you. Let them know if you need them to “open a hole” in the line to let you and your cow out of the containment zone, block another beast from coming out with you when you bring your cow across the line, and/or help you herd your cow to the holding pen at the far end of the arena.
Stay calm and enjoy the experience!