TechniPharm is very proud to be the sponsor of the Cutting Horse Association of New Zealand in showcasing this traditional skill to farmers and the general public at the Northland Agricultural Field Days.

Cutting Horses have been around for a long time. In the past it was the common way by which farmers worked their cattle and was particularly useful in confined areas such as a yard where one or more animals needed to be separated or ‘cut’ from the mob.

Like a good sheep dog, a good cutting horse, usually a quarter-horse, knows what to do.

The advent of the farm bike and quad, and the subdivision of large paddocks have resulted in the decline of this partnership between man and horse for managing stock. The horse is still used on some steep terrain and larger high country properties, and a relative small group of people enjoy Cutting Horses as a hobby and sport.

In Australia and North America this has become a highly competitive sport with substantial prize money at stake.

Some farmers are returning to the use of horses. It’s easier on the stock and horses can go where bikes can not.

Possibly cattle work is much more enjoyable too?

Whatever the reason Cutting Horses are very interesting to watch.