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Posted:
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
NCHA Super Stakes update
By John Brasseaux
The National Cutting Horse Association Super Stakes is one of the big three cutting events held every year. It is a showcase for 4-year-old cutting horses. 5- and 6-year-olds also have a show during the Super Stakes, but it's the 4-year-olds that are the stars. They cut for the biggest winner's purse, around $700,000 for the open horses shown by the professional trainers.
The association also holds a non-pro and amateur 4-year-old cutting, but it's the top mounts ridden by trainers that everyone comes to see.
Currently, the non-pro and amateur riders are competing. The open horses will begin cutting next week, with the finals going on April 21. Then, 20 of the best will cut for the money, buckle and title.
The slide show is 4-year-old non-pro horses during their go-rounds. Their finals will be held April 13. The shots are taken at different angles, giving the viewer a unique perspective. It's an education to see how athletic a top cutting horse has to be to be successful at this level. It's also amazing to watch the positions they get into to stop and hold a cow. These are moves that happen too quickly for the eye, but are perfect for high shutter speed photography.
See 'em cut ...
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