Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine
Penny Bailey and Sandman Rey, 2017 NCHA Nationals. Photo by Ken Amorosano.

A cutting horse senses his responsibility. You can see it when he enters the herd by quickening his cat-like steps, just as though he were walking on eggs. Staying far enough back to counter a cow’s every move, he shuffles, weaves and bobs, ducks, dodges, drops low with forelegs well apart, gathers up and steps sideways, head and turn back with the lightning quickness of a jackrabbit.

Now, imagine yourself in the saddle. Cutting horse competition, as promulgated by the National Cutting Horse Association, is an amazing sport that connects horse with rider in a unique and rewarding way. Like all equestrian sports, it requires a dedicated discipline of training for both horse and rider. Although the equipment is basic—the right saddle, tack and leg protection—the dress is Western, and the cowgirls (who rank among almost half NCHA membership) bring a style of their own.

COWGIRL takes a look at some of the equipment and trending styles you can expect to see in competitions around the country.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

NCHA competitor McKenzie Parkinson in CR Ranchwear shirt, $159, crranchwear.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

Assorted headstalls, contact for pricing, joey-jemison.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

Kerry Kelley 65 Shank Bit with floral mounting and Al Dunning mouthpiece, $500, kerrykelleyspurs.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

American 20X ivory & tan vent straw, $150, thecowlot.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

Joey Jamison Basket corner stamp cutting saddle with Carlito Border, contact for pricing, joey-jemison.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

Joey Jamison Shotgun Chaps, contact for pricing, joey-jemison.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

Ariat Rich Brown Round Up Remuda Square Toe Cowgirl Boots, $159.95, sheplers.com.

Cutting Horse Tack Trends Cowgirl Magazine

Weaver single-ply heavy harness leather split reins, $79.95, ridethebrand.com.