Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Cutters show brings 400 entries

Three-day horse contest in Hailey

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With more than 400 entries, last weekend’s 2004 Cutters of Idaho horse show in Hailey was a huge success, organizers said.

Cutting horse competitors from Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, California and Oregon competed for over $31,000 in prize money including $6,000 from local sponsors.

The Youth Division was the largest on record this year with 20 senior youth riders and 19 junior youths. The top three youths in each division were awarded scholarship money totaling $1,000.

Cutting horse contests have been experiencing a surge in popularity and prize money. It has become making it one of the top four-paying equine sports in the country.

Based on actual ranch work where cowboys (and girls) single out one cow from the herd to brand or doctor, the contest has evolved into a sophisticated and demanding event that is timed and judged according to the rules of National Cutting Horse Association.

Last weekend, classes were divided according to earnings for either the horse or rider. They ranged from novice riders and young horses to professional cutters and seasoned horses.

 

Results for winning locals:

Open: 2—Kevin Coiner. 2—Greg Smith.

Non Pro: 1—Nancy Enright. 3—Charlie Cord.

$50,000 Amateur: 2—Gina Macdonald. 3—Tom Olsen.

$20,000 Non Pro: 1—Caitlin Enright. 3—Hazel Thorne.

$10,000 Amateur: 1—Hazel Thorne. 2—Pam Lumley.

$10,000 Novice Horse: 4—Greg Smith. 5—Kevin Coiner.

$3,000 Novice Horse: 1—Kevin Coiner. 3—Greg Smith.

$3,000 Novice Horse Non Pro: 1—Charlie Cord. 2—Caitlin Enright. 4—Nancy Enright.

$10,000 Novice Horse Non Pro: 1—Caitlin Enright. 2—Hazel Thorne. 3—Cindy Mann.

$2,000 Limit Rider: 1—Natalia Ferris. 1—Catherine Michaels. 2—Pam Lumley. 4—Austin Keys.

Open Derby: 1—Kevin Coiner. 4—Greg Smith.

Non Pro Derby: 1—Ashley Smith. 1—Gina Macdonald.

Senior Youth: 1—Ashley Smith. 2—Kade Smith.

Siblings Ashley Smith and Kade Smith have qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals later in July to represent Idaho in cutting.

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