Cutting is scored by one, two of three NCHA accredited judges, who rank competitors on a point scale using the official NCHA Score Card – an international system that is used worldwide. Judging is based on the rider’s cuts, the horse’s ability to control a cow and the overall attractiveness of the ‘run’ – after a beast has been cut from the herd and is moved back and forth across the arena.

All competitors enter the arena on a score of 70, which oscillates up or down depending on the horse and rider’s cattle handling performance. With two and a half minutes to compete, the final score on average ends between 60 and 80 points.

There are more than 70 accredited NCHA judges, from A – AAA category depending on experience and proficiency. All NCHA Judge must attend a NCHA Judges Clinic every two years, have been a financial member of the Association for at least three years and be at least 18 years of age.

To maintain or advance in rating, each judge must attend the required number of shows and pass the written and practical tests. The NCHA provide a Judging Casebook which offers an official interpretation of the Rule Book.