A Bridleless Cutting

The end of August marked a special weekend for cutters, at the Olds Cutters Classic. This event featured a full set of weekend classes, the first Alberta futurity, and a fundraising bridleless cutting and calcutta.

A bridleless cutting is always an exciting event to watch, perhaps because any horseperson, regardless of discipline or sport can truly appreciate the connection which is required to be present between a rider and horse for the pair to work through their run, without the benefit of a headstall and reins.

Above, Jocelynne Palin aboard Jeeps Grand Cherokee.

Besides, anything can, and sometimes will happen, making it a great spectator sport!

Guy Heintz on Call Me Smurf, the super gelding who not only helped owner Neil Shanks post a 148 the previous day, but gave it his all at the bridleless on this day!

Above, Kamloops trainer Les Timmons and client pick up the reserve championship with a 147. The championship run was scored a 150 – Stoney Plain, Alberta, trainer Loren Christianson aboard EBR Eye Candy, owned by Darcy Geherman.

Below is a series of Lacombe, Alberta trainer, Brad Pedersen aboard Hicks First Player, owned by Geoff Thomas.

This sort of entertainment is a great finish to a long week of competitive cutting.

Thanks to Sandy Hansma for supplying these shots of moments in the show. We\’re loving your work, Sandy.

For those of you who haven\’t had a chance to observe a bridleless cutting, here\’s a run with Wylie Gustafson marking a 148 at the 2008 Big Sky Aged Event in Montana.

Another update: Not to be outdone, the Saskatchewan Cutting Horse Association sent in this compilation of the bridleless at their recent Saskatoon show. Yeah!

It\’s hard to believe summer has already nearly passed and entries for cutters, reiners and cow-horse\’ers are due for the Canadian Supreme on Sept. 1.

Hope to see you there at the Western Horse Review booth.