There’s nothing quite like the thrilling dance between a horse and a cow. The intensity, the athleticism, the incredible intelligence on display—this is the sport of cutting. For enthusiasts looking to sharpen their skills or newcomers eager to learn the ropes, the digital age offers an unparalleled resource. A treasure trove of expert knowledge can be found by searching for Cutting Horse Training Videos Youtube, providing free access to the wisdom of legendary trainers right from your screen. This guide will help you navigate this world and discover the best channels and content to elevate your horsemanship.
For those serious about their journey, exploring structured horse training programs can provide a foundational roadmap to success, complementing the specific insights gained from video platforms.
Why YouTube is a Goldmine for Aspiring Cutters
In the past, learning from the masters meant traveling hundreds of miles and spending significant money on clinics. Today, YouTube has democratized that knowledge. It offers a virtual arena where you can watch, pause, and re-watch the subtle cues and explosive movements that define the sport. You can analyze a perfect stop, study how a rider positions their horse, and absorb different training philosophies without ever leaving home. This accessibility allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the theory behind the practice, making your time in the saddle more productive.
What to Look for in a Quality Training Video
Not all videos are created equal. As you browse, keep an eye out for content that emphasizes the fundamentals. The best trainers focus on building a solid foundation, ensuring the horse is confident, broke, and understands its job before ever facing a cow.
Look for these key elements:
- Clarity of Instruction: The trainer should clearly explain not just what they are doing, but why they are doing it.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Great videos will cover the basics of body control, stopping, and turning away from the cow.
- Progressive Steps: Look for content that shows the progression from “dry work” (without a cow) or working a mechanical flag to eventually working live cattle.
- Horse Welfare: The best trainers prioritize the horse’s mental and physical well-being, fostering a willing partner rather than forcing submission.
Top Trainers and Channels to Watch on YouTube
Navigating the vast library of YouTube can be daunting. Here’s a breakdown of the types of trainers and channels that offer incredible value.
The Legends: Foundation and Finesse
Some of the most valuable content comes from trainers who have spent a lifetime in the sport. Legends like Bill Riddle, a National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Hall of Fame rider, share decades of wisdom. Their videos often have a philosophical depth, focusing on patience, timing, and building a true connection with the horse. Similarly, content featuring Matt Gaines and Paul Hansma dives deep into the core principles of how a horse should carry its body and approach a cow, emphasizing that a cutting horse must relate to the cow first and the rider second. Watching them is like a masterclass in the foundational mechanics of the sport. While many of their full lessons are available on dedicated platforms, the clips and highlights on YouTube are invaluable. For those who appreciate this classic approach, many timeless lessons are preserved in collections of horse training dvds.
The Modern Competitors
To see how the foundational principles are applied in today’s high-stakes competitions, look for videos from top modern trainers. Riders like Kody Porterfield offer a glimpse into the life of a professional on the circuit today. His journey from the rodeo world to becoming a top cutting trainer, mentored by greats like Tarin Rice, shows the dedication required to succeed. These videos often showcase the fine-tuning and strategic thinking that goes into preparing a horse for the show pen. They provide excellent insight into what it takes to be competitive at the highest level.
The Specialists: Training from the Ground Up
The journey of a cutting horse begins long before it ever sees a cow. Trainers who specialize in two-year-olds, such as Travis Bullard, provide a unique and crucial perspective. His philosophy centers on creating a horse that wants a job and has a powerful “try.” Videos featuring this early-stage training are essential for understanding how a solid, confident base is built. They demonstrate the importance of ensuring a horse is broke, soft in the face, and comfortable in various situations before the pressure of cattle work is introduced.
As equine behaviorist Dr. Alistair Finch notes, “The most common mistake amateur trainers make is rushing to the cow. The elite professionals, the ones you see on these videos, spend countless hours on the fundamentals. The cow work is the final exam, not the first lesson.”
The Instructors and Online Platforms
Some trainers have a special gift for teaching. Larry Trocha is well-known for his clear, direct instructional style. His videos often tackle specific issues, such as how to build “intensity” in a horse that is lackadaisical about working a cow. He breaks down complex maneuvers into understandable steps, making his content particularly useful for non-pro riders. Many of his YouTube clips are gateways to more comprehensive online courses, a model also used by platforms like Cutting Horse Training Online (CHTOLive). These channels feature a wide array of trainers, offering diverse perspectives and creating a library of knowledge that covers almost any topic you can imagine. This is similar to the breadth of knowledge found in high-quality western horse training videos.
Key Cutting Horse Concepts You’ll See on YouTube
When watching these videos, you’ll hear certain terms repeatedly. Understanding them is key to unlocking the value of the content.
Dry Work and Flag Work
This is the foundation. Dry work refers to exercises done without cattle, focusing on stops, backups, and turns. Flag work introduces a mechanical flag that simulates a cow’s movement, allowing the horse to learn the mechanics of rating and turning without the unpredictability of a live animal.
Reading and Rating a Cow
This is the mental aspect of the sport. “Rating” means the horse matches the speed and direction of the cow, staying in the perfect position to control it. A great cutting horse learns to “read” the cow, anticipating its next move.
The Stop and Turn
This is the signature move of a cutting horse. The horse stops squarely on its hindquarters, draws back, and snaps into a turn in the opposite direction of the cow, all in the blink of an eye. As explained by trainers like Matt Gaines, the goal is for the horse to draw its head back into the cow, staying poised and ready for the next move. The best videos break this maneuver down so you can see the precise body mechanics involved. For a deep dive into this style, the work of specific masters is invaluable, which is why many still seek out larry trocha horse training videos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you really learn to train a cutting horse from YouTube?
YouTube is a powerful supplemental tool for learning concepts and seeing them applied by experts. However, it cannot replace hands-on instruction from a qualified trainer who can provide real-time feedback and ensure your safety.
What are the most important basics to learn first?
Before ever working a cow, a horse must have excellent body control. This includes a solid stop, the ability to back up softly, and responsive turns. These are all skills that can be practiced through dry work.
Who is the best cutting horse trainer to watch for beginners?
For beginners, trainers with a clear, step-by-step instructional style like Larry Trocha are excellent. Also, watch videos on starting two-year-olds, as they break the process down to its most fundamental building blocks.
How do I know if a YouTube trainer is credible?
Look for trainers with verifiable success in major NCHA events. Trainers who are featured on reputable platforms like CHTOLive or who have a history of producing successful horses and riders are generally trustworthy sources of information.
What is the single most important quality in a cutting horse?
While athleticism is crucial, most top trainers will say the most important quality is “cow sense” or “try.” This is an innate desire in the horse to control a cow, a mental trait that is cultivated and refined through good training.
Conclusion
The world of cutting is rich with nuance, skill, and tradition. Thanks to the wealth of cutting horse training videos youtube makes available, this world is more accessible than ever. By seeking out content from legendary, modern, and specialized trainers, you can gain a profound understanding of every facet of the sport. Use these videos as your virtual textbook to study the theory, then take that knowledge to the arena. Combine this digital learning with hands-on practice and expert guidance, and you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the ultimate partnership between horse, rider, and cow.
