Cutters rely on a good heart

Keith Murray won the open event, riding Boy Roy Command. PHOTOS: BOB GARNANT

The recipe for success at the WA Cutting Horse Association's (WACHA) 2009 Championship Show at Gingin on the Valentine's Day weekend was a concoction of rider courage partnered by a horse with a good heart.

Visiting triple-A judge Ross Hicks, of Maitland, New South Wales, said rider courage would be paid with "no time-wasting" quick cuts.

"The rider's performance is judged by how much admiration they have to show off their horse - this recipe is what makes a good cutter," Hicks said.

Over the two-day competition, the open event made it clear that Hicks was looking for a higher degree of this rider-horse partnership.

Putting together two winning runs on both days, Keith Murray, riding Boy Roy Command, an eight-year-old Quarterhorse gelding, had the edge with sound stops before negotiating each fast turn.

High-score rider in the novice event came from Rob Thompson, riding Fernvale Romeo Roy, a horse with a thumping heart for eyeing off a cow and sending the sand flying.

In the open non-pro event, there was no stopping Andy Hill riding his stallion, Gun Cotton. With both wins under his belt, Hill was the most consistent owner-rider combination.

Applause was given to Scott Lawrence when he scored a win in the rookie event.

The Esperance farmer goes the distance (800 kilometres) to compete with his fellow cutters.

The youth competition pitted sister against sister, with students Jasmine and Cody Henville riding for bragging rights.

Jasmine found form to keep her younger sister at bay.

Patricia Murray-Dudney, riding Dmac A Tee, was another consistent rider, winning both snaffle bit competitions.

The beauty therapist rode to the second-highest score of the show (72) without breaking a nail.

"The horse showed good eye appeal," the judge said.

Highest score of the show was still being chased and Aaron Turner, also riding Dmac A Tee, set the benchmark of 73 on day one.

The ex-dairy farmer from NSW was unmatched, and after wrapping up both novice two-hand events, he is expected to be celebrating on his improved skills well into his third cutting season.

Turner has a goal to compete in the 2011 Tamworth Futurity on his recently acquired yearling colt.

Christine Lane won both beginner two-handed classes as the sole competitor in that event.

The WACHA offers a great opportunity for beginners to compete and discover just how much love they have in showing off their horse.

The next cutting show will be held by the Coolup Cutting Club on March 13-14 at the Murray Equestrian Centre in Coolup

For further information, ring Ron Cole on 0419 931 064.

The WACHA will host a judging and riding clinic with Richard Prew on March 20-21 at Gingin.

Enquires can be made by contacting Dorothy Murray on 9572 9225.

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