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Marwell and her horse, Bet On Pink, competed in Non-Pro Division. Out of a field of 84 riders, 30 earned the right to compete in the finals. Marwell qualified for previous Eastern National events, but this is the first year she competed.
“Most of the people who compete in this are from the South and West and work cows regularly,’’ Marwell said. “In New England, we’re at a definite disadvantage.”
In cutting, the horse and rider select a cow out of a small group. The cow tries to return to its herd. The rider and the horse are challenged with keeping the cow from the herd. A contestant has 2 ½ minutes to show the horse, who makes quick, athletic movements to keep the cow from its herd. The team is judged on how the horse moves in relation to the cow, eye appeal and courage.
Marwell started competing four years ago. “But I had ridden horses most of my life,’’ she said. “I saw an ad for a cutting lesson in Wappingers Falls. I took the lesson and was hooked. It’s very intense. The horses are incredible athletes.”
Marwell trains at a facility in Hillsborough, N.J., and takes occasional trips to Florida during the winter to practice. She returned home to her job as a Realtor specializing in horse properties last Friday.
“Finishing third in this event is pretty awesome. I must have been a cowgirl in another life,’’ she said.
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