238. Some Points On Showing and Judging the Cutting Mule

  1. The following questions and answers are included as an aid to clearer understanding of the rules for judging cutting mules.
  2. The opinions expressed are based on surveys and judging clinics conducted by the NCHA and have their endorsement.
    1. What is the desired number of cattle to work? Not over three of fresh cattle in the 2 1/2 minute time limit. If a cutter can do as much on two head as another can do on three, the cutter with two head should have a higher score because he has not spent as much time in the herd.
    2. Approaching the herd. Mule should never be set down hard approaching the herd. Walking or trotting to the herd is acceptable, providing the mule is taken up very easily before getting close enough to disturb the cattle. The mule should display no hesitation, weaving or reluctance to approach and enter the herd.
    3. Entering and working the herd. The true-cutting mule enters the herd with ease, concentrating on the job to be done, not looking over the back fence or biting, alert but quiet, making no unnecessary movements that might disturb the cattle. Specific points on herd work are:
    1. The mule should go deep enough into the herd to show his ability to get a cow out.
    2. It is all right to enter the middle of the herd on either side and go to the middle or backside to get the one wanted.
    3. It is all right to go behind the herd and bring out the one wanted.
  3. When should a mule be turned loose? A rider entering the herd may have a light rein contact with the mule and maintain this contact while he is in the herd and while he is in the process of cutting the animal free from the remaining cattle. When the animal has been cut, he should let his mule alone, and the mule should be given enough slack so that it would be obvious to the judge that the mule was on his own.
  4. Bringing the cow from the herd. The cutting mule should stay a reasonable distance from the cow if possible, showing a great deal of expression but no illness toward the animal being cut. Illness is defined as biting, trying to bite, pawing, kicking, or charging. Facial expression and ear position should not be considered as a sign of illness. He should be on his toes, making counter-movements to the cow regardless of the distance separating them. The mule should not rush or push cattle excessively in bringing one from the herd unless the cow turns around and tries to get back at the edge of the herd. The mule should bring a cow a sufficient distance from the herd toward the center of the arena so the herd will not be disturbed while working and set the cow up.
  5. When is the cow set up (in working position)? The cow should be in the middle of the arena or as near this point as possible, with the mule making movements to counteract the movements of the cow. This does not mean that the mule should be moving while the cow is standing still. When the cow moves, the mule should make a faster move so that he will hold the cow, not only from returning to the herd but also from going from side to side (wall to wall), without excessive help from his turnback riders.
  6. When is the mule out of position? The loss of working advantage (being out of position) is not determined by the distance that a mule goes by a cow; it is determined by the response of the mule to the action of the cow. A mule should have no difficulty maintaining a working advantage over a slow-moving cow. The mule which can maintain working advantage over a cow which presents a severe challenge shall receive credit. No penalty should be charged to the mule, which immediately regains position after going sufficiently past a cow to cause it to turn.
  7. Picking up cattle. No penalty shall be assessed for cattle that leave the herd so long as it is not caused by the contesting mule.
  8. What is not a satisfactory way of quitting a cow? A contestant may quit an animal when it is obviously stopped, obviously turned away, or is obviously behind the turnback helpers, and the turnback helpers are behind the timeline. A penalty of three (3) points must be charged if the animal is quit under any other circumstances.
  9. The duty of the herd holders. A herd holder’s duty is to assist the cutter in containing the herd and group of cattle the cutter is trying to cut from. This gives the cutter ample opportunity to demonstrate to the judges his ability to work the herd, drive a cow, and set a cow up in the middle of the pen. These conditions allow a judge to give credit to the cutter under Rules 237.A.1, 2, and 4. After assisting the cutter in making a cut, the herd holder should move to a position toward the arena wall that will enable him to contain the herd but not distract from the run. Any excessive noise or action by the herd holder will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Although there is no penalty for this action, it does hinder the cutter’s mule from showing his full potential.