Cutting out steers refers to the process or technique used in rodeo events such as team penning and ranch sorting, where participants separate specific cattle, commonly known as "steers," from a herd of mixed cattle or a designated pen. This maneuver requires skill, horsemanship, and teamwork.
When cutting out steers, riders on horseback strategically position themselves near the herd of cattle, which are usually gathered together or confined in a pen. The riders then target and isolate specific steers and aim to guide them out or separate them from the rest of the herd. This involves anticipating the movements of the steers and utilizing subtle cues and gestures to communicate with the horse.
The purpose of cutting out steers is primarily for cattle management and sorting purposes. It allows ranchers or riders to identify and extract specific animals from a larger group. This may be required for various reasons, such as separating sick or injured cattle, sorting them for vaccinations or branding, or selecting specific animals for auction or transport.
Cutting out steers is a competition in certain rodeo events, focusing on the rider's ability to work in harmony with their horse while effectively isolating and controlling the targeted steers. Judges assess the rider's skills based on factors like timing, precision, horsemanship, and overall performance.
Overall, cutting out steers is a fundamental task in working with cattle in rodeo and ranching activities, serving both functional and competitive purposes.
