NAMPA -- The best cutting horses and riders in the country have arrived in Nampa for the Idaho Cutting Horse Associations' annual spring competition.
Cutting is a highly competitive sport with a prize paying out thousands of dollars. The horse and rider are judged on their ability to cut a cow from a herd and keep it away from the herd within a specific amount of time.
“What we have out there is an athlete with four legs,” said Terry Malarkey with the Gold Buckle Champions.
Malarkey says during the five-day event at the Idaho Center in Nampa, more than 300 riders will participate, and these participants are coming from all over the West.
With the amount of riders participating, Malarkey says that translates into a big economic boost for Nampa, Canyon County and the Treasure Valley. He estimates the spring event, as well as their larger event this fall, will contribute $17 million to the local economy.
“It is a major impact to the community,” said Malarkey.
The event runs until Sunday, March 25. It’s free to the public.
