Cutting horse demos back after hiatus
Cutting horse demonstrations will be returning to Equidays 2016, after a three year hiatus.
The premier equine event will run at Mystery Creek Events Centre from October 14 - 16.
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 14 October, 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,’’ said 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 be at Equidays to give demos 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 over 50 years.
‘‘Bryan is an expert in his pro- fession 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.
He is the first and longest serv- ing 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 a feature at the event.
He will be showcasing his style of cattle work and horsemanship during the three-day event.