Excitement is building for Minnesota Cutting Horse Association members as the cutting season moves into late summer and — not far away — autumn, when our Saddle Shootout will be held at the Fall Festival in Winona, Oct. 11-13.

Ahead of the Fall Festival is an MCHA approved cutting in Winona Sept. 21-23 promoted by 57 Ranches.

Entries at any of these cuttings in the Non-Pro, $50,000 Amateur, $35,000 Non-Pro, $15,000 Amateur, $2,000 Limited Rider and $1,000 Rider will count toward qualification for the Saddle Shootout.

South Texas Tack in Brenham, Texas, has been contracted to build the two high-quality trophy saddles that will be awarded after the Shootout, which is scheduled for Saturday evening, Oct. 12.

Saddles will be won in two classes. One will combine the five riders who have entered the most times throughout the season in the Non-Pro, $50 Am and $35 Non-Pro — making 15 riders vying for a saddle in that grouping.

The other class will consist of the five riders who have entered the most times in the $15 Am, $2,000 Limited Rider and $1,000 Rider — placing 15 riders in that class also, competing for a saddle.

Riders receive one point each time they enter one of the classes. All 15 riders in each class will be awarded prizes, so plan to enter one or more of the six classes at our remaining cuttings.