MYRTLEFORD'S Recreation Reserve was transformed into a horse haven last week as the Alpine Regional Horseman's Association Cutting event was held on site from Thursday to Sunday.
Participants and spectators were drawn in from all over the country to enjoy the high adrenaline sport.
The goal is to isolate one cow from the rest of the herd, while showing control of the horse and the cattle.
The aim is not to scare it; there’s no chasing involved.
In the final round of the 'Novice, Non-Pro' division, Corey Alexander Holden won first, second and third place, with 150.5, 150 and 149 points on horses Hicary, Cattabar Lookin Hot and Skeetolena, respectively.
Latest Stories
Next came Lincoln Smith with 148.5 points on Ducktacular followed by Dean Holden with 148 points on Yulgilbar Mister Hashtags.
The top place was awarded $15,000.
Julie Jones from Seymour said she had a few horses competing in the tournament.
“Most people compete on their own horse," she said.
“Some of these horse owners hire trainers to help prepare horses for events like this, while the owners have their full-time jobs, or don’t have the facilities to train them themselves."
Julie and her family try to get to a few cutting events during the season, at least a couple of times a year, and they look forward to catching up with other regulars on the circuit.
“A lot of these people would be classified as your ‘horse-show family'," she said.
“You get to see some people at one show and then another group at a different event.
"I like this sport because it’s one of the only horse-riding sports that requires a TEAM to complete.
“The other four riders are there to help you select your target animal: if you don’t have a team of others, you can’t do the sport.
“The four riders who help you in your run, will be your competition later.
“You want yourself to win, but you also try to do your best for the competitor cutting the cow at the time.
“Even though you’re judged individually, the four other riders have a huge impact on the sport."
Julie explained the Myrtleford Cutting event is one of Victoria’s favourite shows of the season.
"It’s beautiful," she said.
“The committee clearly put in a lot of hard work getting the facility right and it’s a perfect setting for the horses.
“Congratulations to the area and to the club for doing a great job."
