If a bad number gets by the judge s flag, then it s a no time, he explains. After the cutter has pushed a good calf through, the holder will roll over and either become the cutter or the holder for the third rider. The rotation continues until all three calves are across the line and driven into the pen. We re riding on a clock, so we have to get it done fast, says Leonard. If you make one mistake, you ve spent your money there s no room for error.
Teams ride in go-rounds, with the top six teams qualifying for the final round.
On this day, the Iowa State Team Penning Association hosted the competition. In the Iowa association, penners are classified by level of ability and experience. To be successful, Leonard says it takes a good mount and a good eye for reading cattle. The American Quarter Horse is the most common penning animal. A lot of these horses are naturally bred cow horses they ll just watch a cow real close, he says.