Behind the Scenes: Cutting Horse Chaps at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show Rodeo

Behind the Scenes at Cutting Horse Week 2023 in Houston

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's Cutting Horse Week for 2023 has wrapped up after an exciting series of cutting horse competitions. For those who have never experienced this event firsthand, here is an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes.

Arriving at NRG Center

Cutting horse riders, trainers, owners, and fans from across Texas and surrounding states descend upon Houston's NRG Center for this annual tradition. The sprawling complex allows the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo to host multiple cutting events simultaneously in different arenas.

Attendees arrive with trucks and trailers carrying their prized cutting horses. The first stop is checking in at the livestock arrival area to get stall assignments and start settling the horses in. With over 800 stalls to fill for the cutting horse shows, the NRG barns are a beehive of activity on arrival days.

Outfitting the Horses

In the barns, riders bathe their horses and braid their manes to look their best for competition. The horses sport specialized cutting horse chaps made of suede or leather to protect their hind legs during rigorous cattle work.

These classic Western chaps leave the front legs free while covering the back of the hindquarters. Quality custom cutting horse chaps utilize top-grade materials from brands like South Texas Tack to provide both freedom of movement and durability.

The Cutting Horse Committee

Behind the scenes, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's Cutting Horse Committee works year-round to organize the competitions. Committee members like Jim Bexley donate their time to ensure the cutting events run smoothly.

From planning schedules to coordinating judges to inspecting the footing in the arenas, the committee attends to every detail. They also secure sponsors like veterinary clinics and trailer dealerships to offer prizes for cutting event winners.

Days Filled with Cutting

During Cutting Horse Week, the daily schedule is packed with various classes from morning to night. Riders compete in divisions organized by the skill levels of horse and rider combinations, with prizes and payouts up for grabs.

In between classes, the barns bustle with activity as riders bathe horses, change out equipment, and prepare for their next run. Farriers work nonstop to keep the horses' shoes in prime shape for hard stops and turns in the arena.

Big Money on the Line

For professional cutters, the payouts in premier events like the Rodeo Run tournament can amount to huge winnings. The total Rodeo Run payout exceeds $100,000, with over $20,000 for the champion.

Winning requires expert horsemanship, an incredible cow horse, instinctive teamwork...and maybe those lucky cutting horse chaps! For amateurs, the thrills come more from family tradition and the passion for the sport.

Western Shopping Extravaganza

Beyond the competitions, Cutting Horse Week also attracts hundreds of vendors to the NRG Center for a huge shopping experience. Attendees browse the latest in Western wear, horses supplies, trailer dealers, crafts, home goods, food, and more.

In the tack booths, equestrians admire hand-tooled saddles, protective leg wraps, custom spurs, and specialty cutting horse chaps. Vendors like South Texas Tack offer expert advice to help cutters find the best gear.

Family-Friendly Entertainment

Throughout the week, cutting events blend exciting athletic action with a welcoming, fun atmosphere. Kids run and play in the aisles as parents and grandparents mingle ringside and swap stories.

Multi-generational families involved in the cutting horse lifestyle share advice and preserve long-held Texas traditions. Laughter and socializing balance out the focused intensity inside the competition arena.

The Rich Culture Behind Cutting

While the extravagant Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo cutting events represent the pinnacle for many competitors, the sport thrives year-round through smaller club shows. Across Texas and surrounding states, NCHA-affiliated cutting events unite passionate enthusiasts.

From local jackpot cuttings to major aged events, these competitions preserve and progress the athletic maneuvers developed by real-life cowboys. Modern cutterschannel generations-old skills used to separate cattle from herds across the American West.

Beyond the continuation of tradition, today's cutting horse culture also offers a welcoming community centered around beloved horses and shared lifestyle. For riders ranging from young 4-H members to NCHA Hall of Fame professionals, few other sports inspire such dedication and camaraderie.

Join the Cutting Horse Community

To discover more about this vibrant scene, check the NCHA event calendar for upcoming competitions. Or visit the NRG Center during the 2024 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Cutting Horse Week from February 27 to March 5.

Until your next cutting event, follow hashtags like #cuttinghorse, #NCHA, and #HLSR2024. Immerse yourself in images of top equine athletes, proud owners, tailored Western wear, and the pure grit of this challenging sport.

FAQs

What are cutting horse chaps?

Cutting horse chaps are protective leg coverings made of leather or suede that are designed specifically for the demands of the cutting horse sport. They cover and shield a cutting horse's hindquarters and legs during cattle work.

Why do cutting horses need special chaps?

The athletic maneuvers involved in cutting, such as hard stops and turns, require protective leg wear to prevent injuries. Cutting horse chaps are contoured to move with the horse for unrestricted motion.

Where can I buy good cutting horse chaps?

Many online Western wear retailers sell cutting horse chaps from top brands like South Texas Tack. You can also find vendors selling various styles of chaps at cutting horse events and competitions.

How much do cutting horse chaps cost?

High quality leather and suede cutting chaps range from $200 to $500 or even more for elaborate hand-tooled designs. Synthetic chaps offer an affordable alternative at lower price points, like $50 to $150.