My Journey into Cutting: From California to the Cutting Capital of the World

Hey everyone,

I'm excited to fill you in on my latest adventure since moving from California to Texas! Landing a job with a top-notch trainer in the heart of the cutting capital has been nothing short of thrilling. Here’s a peek into what I’ve been up to lately.

Starting out, I'll admit I was pretty nervous. Feeling like the new kid and thinking everyone else knew way more than me was intimidating. But that didn't stop me from getting up at the crack of dawn to hit the ranch. Mornings usually start with tacking up five to ten horses for my trainer, followed by some riding time for myself.

Learning to cut has been an absolute dream—both fun and challenging. The first time I tried my hand at it with a flag, the rush of adrenaline was incredible. My trainer was calling out instructions like "cow leg," "stop," "hold," and what felt like a million other things, and I was just trying my best to keep up as my horse zipped around. Over time, I've been working on my form and gradually learning the intricacies of what all those commands mean and when to use them.

One of the coolest moments recently was working a herd for the first time. Surprisingly, it felt natural and almost serene. Cutting those cows out from the herd without a hitch felt like a major win after hours of observing and learning from others.

In the heat of action, it's like a dance between me, my horse, and the cow. After making that first cut and guiding the cow across the arena, I dropped my hand, grabbed the horn, and sat deep in the saddle, relaxing my body. Keeping the horse calm and ready is key because their excitement can stir up the cow all over again.

When the cow made a move, my horse and I moved. Left, right, back again—we were in sync. Suddenly, the cow bolted. I reacted fast, kicking with my cow leg, and we surged across the arena, slamming to a stop as the cow did. "Easy," my trainer said, and I loosened up, signaling my horse to settle. It's amazing how horses can pick up on our tension without us even realizing it! I kept my legs pressed against him to keep him at a halt. Then, off went the cow in the opposite direction, and we were off again. 

Being able to apply all my riding experience to a focused goal has been incredibly fulfilling. I feel fortunate to learn alongside such skilled horses. Each day brings something new, and I’m excited to see where this path leads me next. I hope sharing my story inspires some of you to take that next step, whether it’s your first riding lesson or diving into a whole new discipline. You never know – it could ignite a passion in you that could lead you to places you never thought were possible. I know firsthand, the course of my life has forever been changed by these wonderful animals.

Thanks for letting me share this piece of my journey with you all!

Love,

Ella