A cutting display will feature for the first time at the Wanaka Rodeo in the New Year alongside the competitive rodeo events which usually attract several thousand spectators to the rodeo grounds near Albert Town.

Cutting is a practised skill where a horse and rider work together to separate an individual cattle beast from the herd and, although cutting is a competitive sport elsewhere in the world, New Zealand has only a few specialised cutting horses and riders.

Wanaka Rodeo Club (WRC) vice president Hunter Morrow said the club was fortunate to be offered the cutting exhibition by Jane Severinson, a member of the New Zealand Cutting Horse Association (NZCHA).

Cutting requires a remarkable bond between horse and rider as the horse, ridden with a slack rein, intuitively moves rapidly in counterpoint to the cow, while keeping it separated from the herd. 

“It’s another example of the unique bond riders develop with their horses and the skills still regularly practised on working cattle ranches,” Hunter said. “No doubt it will be a highlight with the spectators.” 

Wanaka’s rough stock horses roam the arena to the delight of the crowds. PHOTO: Wanaka App

The rodeo will also feature the eight regular championship open and second division events, from bull-riding and steer wrestling to roping and barrel racing, and junior riders will be able to compete in breakaway roping, a relatively new addition to the New Zealand rodeo circuit.

With the rodeo season in full swing, 194 competitors will descend on Wanaka for the annual event held at the WRC’s arena on Saturday (January 2).

The arena, this year sponsored by fertiliser company Optimise, has been newly resurfaced with a mix of sand and crusher dirt. “We’re hoping this combination will not only provide a great surface for stock and competitors but also keep the dust down,” Hunter said.

The initial second division events start at 11:00am, then there will be a midway break in events when the rodeo is officially opened with the national anthem, sung this year by club member and well-known performer Paul Tamati, and the cutting exhibition will occur, before the remaining open events take the rodeo through its close around 5:00pm.

During the midway break, the club will also “introduce” a few of its star rough stock horses (bareback and saddle broncs) to the crowd before turning all the rough stock horses loose in the arena. Former champion “Bronc of the Year” horse Bandit, who usually lives on Mt Grand Station near Hāwea Flat, will be one of those led out to the crowd by local vet Rihannon Cassidy. 

“We have some really good rough stock running on local high-country stations and it’s a chance for the spectators to see them up close and personal,” Hunter said. 

It’s a big day for the small club which has around 30 members. A rough stock rider himself, Hunter said everyone has a job to do to keep things running smoothly and safely as well as competing in events to win championship points.

This year the winners of open and second division events will also each be awarded a buckle and sashes will be awarded to junior winners. 

The public entrance and car parking, just off the Wanaka-Hāwea highway (SH6), about 500m west of the Albert Town bridge, opens at 9:00am on Saturday January 2. Entrance fees (cash only) are $20/adult and under 16s are welcome free. Dogs and alcohol are not permitted.