Cutting is an equestrian event in the western riding style where a horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a single animal away from a cattle herd and keep it away for a short period of time. The sport is very challenging and can be very stressful for a rider.
This isn't the case for the 2012 Canadian Girls Cutting Champion. Fifteen-year-old, Cassie Eaton is in love with the sport and considers it her passion. The young champion was born in Weyburn and raised in Arcola.
Eaton's family is all heavily involved with cutting, and other equestrian sports, making this a natural part of life. Cassie was on her first horse at a very young age, owning one when she was merely 13-months-old. The powerful rider began participating in cutting events when she was 10-years-old, and can be seen riding more than three times a week. Not only are Cassie's parents riders, but her two younger brothers are also starting to get into it, hopefully beginning cutting in the next few years.
At this years Arcola High School rodeo, she will be found participating in barrel racing, goat tying, breaking and cutting," said her proud mother, Lisa Eaton. "She competed all year through the Saskatchewan Cutting Association and because there's not as many people that do it, having it at a High School rodeo is a lot of work, so for Arcola to include cutting that is a pretty big deal. Cassie will be the chair for cutting."
Along with another highschooler from Saskatchewan, Eaton went on to Canadians in Virden, MB to compete against the highest ranked riders in the country. She competed against eleven girls from BC to Manitoba, and had the highest points-average through the three days of competition.
Regarding the talented horse that Eaton entered this year's competitions with, she is a six-year-old mare quarter horse. Smarties Cowgirl Diablo, or Spook as she is called around the barn and is 14.3 hands and brown in colour. She is extremely athletic, and has a strong bond with Cassie."She isn't too fond of me even though I am the one who feeds her," laughed Lisa Eaton. "She really prefers Cassie, but I guess that's pretty important as they are the ones who have to work together."
A cutting horse must be athletic and willing. It must possess the ability to respond quickly and turn sharply to keep a cow from returning to the herd. The horses involved are typically American Quarter Horses although many other stock horse breeds are also used.
Of course Eaton and her charming horse wouldn't be anywhere without the dedicated people who helped get them there. With cutting and other equestrian events, come heavy costs. Their family appreciates the help and support of The Saskatchewan Cutting Horse Association for all of their help and support, as well as Clint Christiansen, their trainer for several years. Also Cassie's main people to thank are Les,Corrine and Monica Jack for gathering her under their wings and taking her around the United States for shows and showing her the ropes. Les Jack is also where she obtained her horse, and continues to contribute to the training alongside Clint Christansen. Of course Cassie added in that she wouldn't be anywhere without her devoted and dedicated parents.
"In the future Cassie just wants to keep riding," said her mother. "She loves every second of it."
Cassie Eaton is not only a talented equestrian rider, but also an all around athlete who is involved in basketball, volleyball, badminton and many more sports within her high school throughout the year.
