The Cowhorse Competition- Part Two: Fence work

 For those who are not familiar with Reined Cowhorse competitions, here is how the fence work goes. Once the reining pattern is done, the rider calls for the cow, and one cow is released for him to work. The rider must box the cow at one end of the arena, and once that has been done, allow the cow to escape down the side of the arena, where the rider has to turn the cow once in each direction, then circle the cow in the middle of the arena once each way. All in a 2 and a half minute time limit. This is very much part of what a real cowboy has to do, or in my case - cowgirl. I worked on a ranch where part of my job was to separate the calves that needed to be doctored and take them down to the treatment pen- all on horseback. It can get a little western! Getting them to leave the herd and keep them separate while you drive them in the desired direction will test a good cowhorse. 

FYI: Yes, cows can out run a horse- hence why we circle them to get them slowed down.