A true champion is trained to react instinctively to the calf's movements without the need for direction. A loose rein is one of the keys to a highly marked performance. Although the contest time limit allows two to three animals to be cut, the time spent with each calf is left to the rider's discretion. Even a good performance can end with a low score if a calf escapes the horse's control. The contestants in national events are scored by a five judge panel.
Smaller events require fewer judges.
Each judge submits a score ranging between 60 and 80 with a score of 70 being average at the end of the contest period. After the high and low scores are discarded, the middle three are added together to obtain the final points earned. Copyrighted 1998-2000, All rights reserved.