Stettler County Fair
TEAM SORTING COMPETITION
Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Start Time: 12:00 PM
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TEAM SORTING
Team Sorting is a timed cattle event with two riders working together to move cattle from one pen to another in the correct order. At the start of each run, there are ten numbered cattle in the pen, numbered 0 through 9, along with one or two unnumbered cattle. The team waits on horseback behind the foul line. When their run begins, a number is called, and the riders must start with that number and sort the cattle in order from there. For example, if the number called is 6, the team must sort 6 first, then 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The goal is simple: sort as many cattle as possible, in the correct order, as fast as possible. The two riders need to work together to hold the herd, cut the right animal out, and move it across the line without letting the wrong-numbered cattle through. If a cow crosses out of order, the team is disqualified for that run. Team Sorting is fast, strategic, and a lot of fun to watch. It takes good horsemanship, quick decision-making, and a calm, handy horse that can read cattle. For spectators, watch how the riders communicate, how they hold the gate, and how they work together to keep the herd settled while still making time. The fastest clean run with the most cattle sorted wins. |