CUTTING HORSE TOURNAMENT SET FOR WEEKEND

FRUITLAND -- Cowboys will test their riding and separation skills during the Heartland of America Amateur Cutting Horse Tournament Saturday and Sunday.

Action will take place at 8 a.m. at the Flickerwood Arena and Stables in Fruitland. Flickerwood is on the outer road north of the Fruitland exit on I-55.

Under the direction of his rider, the cutting horse enters a herd of cattle. The rider selects a cow to separate from the herd. The technique is done without the help of ropes, whips or mechanical devices.

When the calf realizes he is apart from the others, it attempts to return to the herd. However, the cutting horse will attempt to keep the calf from accomplishing this.

In competition the riders must keep the calf or calves from the herd for 2 1/2 minutes. The rider selects a calf from a group of 25. The object is to work the cutting horse using up to three or four calves.

For more information about the cutting horse tournament call the Flickerwood Arena at 243-3876.