Horses, riders and cattle were in top shape for the 2013 Quesnel Cutting Horse Show last weekend.
Robin Hay, an organizer and rider in the event, was impressed with the showing, saying the calibre of cutting was set to a high standard during the competition.
“You had to have a 73 or 74 to get a cheque and that’s top notch cutting. We had some really tough horses and really good cattle – that makes for good cutting” Hay said.
Despite the drop in ridership from last year, with less riders coming in from Alberta due to a slow spring, 36 riders made up the field. Three of the 36 made the trip from Alberta, coming out of hibernation for the event.
Riders and horses were put in categories dependent on their past winnings and time spent on the circuit.
Jon Sagmoen and San Tule Boonshine, Armstrong took the open horse category.
Shirley Telford, riding out of Merritt on Golden Oh Yes Mate, was on top in the 50000 amateur category.
In 35000 non pro, Hay and CD Royal One Play took top honors.
Bob Zirnhelt out of Kamloops, on DFL Freckels D’Or, was first in 10000 novice horse.
Roger Smeeton and TH Freckles from Kamloops, took the non pro category.
In the 3000 novice horse category, Bob Zirnhelt and DFL Freckels D’Or, out of Kamloops took the top spot.
Kamloops rider Michelle Goertzen on Paparazi Red, took 2000 limit rider.
In 5000 novice horse/non-pro, Lori Haywood Farmer and DFL Super Foxolena, riding out of Kamloops, took number one.
Hay and CD Royal One Play also earned the highest marks in 15000 Amateur.
Vanderhoof rider Ron Goodland on Miss Marks Olena, took the top spot in 500 ranch horse.
Winners from each field took home gold pan trophies, a first for the tournament. Hay said riders appreciated the trophies as a change from the usual tack or western–themed prizes.
