Toowoomba cowboy Jamie Seccombe sets sights on National Cutting Horse Association Cutting Futurity title win
One of Australia’s toughest equestrian events stands between a country Queensland cowboy and a history-making title three-peat. Ahead of saddling up in Tamworth, Jamie Seccombe reveals the secret to success in the ultra competitive world of cutting.
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Winning a third-straight Darling Downs Cutting Futurity will ensure Jamie Seccombe’s standing among Australia’s cutting elite.
The Toowoomba cowboy however must ‘survive’ his sport’s greatest ever challenge: the National Cutting Horse Association Cutting Futurity.
Seccombe will take 17 horses, competing on all but a handful, to Tamworth knowing simply making the final is a win but hoping he finishes with the title.
“It’s the pinnacle of our sport,” he said.
“Every top rider in Australia is there, the best of the best, hoping to win.
“Doing enough in the Go Rounds to make the final would be an achievement in itself. Winning would be absolutely amazing.”
Clean runs in Tamworth will be the perfect platform for Seccombe to chase history in Dalby in July.
With back-to-back DDCF titles he has the opportunity to become just the second rider in the event’s 30-year history to record a ‘three-peat’.
“I’m not one to chase history or achievement,” Seccombe said.
“I try to enjoy the sport for what it is.
“You go out there and compete as best you can and if it is your day it is your day.
“Winning a third Darling Downs would be amazing, something really special considering how tough the competition can be.”
Regardless of the stage though, Seccombe said the key to winning is the same.
“Repetition, dedication, hard work and passion,” he said.
“Long hours, late nights over and over.
“The more time you’re on a horse the better. You need to trust and know your horse and they need to trust you.
“The last thing you want is for them (the horse) to argue with you.
“You have to train and think just like a professional athlete because that is basically what we are.”
The 30th anniversary DDCF will be held at the Dalby Showgrounds from July 19-27.
It is just one of five National Cutting Championship events staged annually across Australia, among a full calendar of 200-plus events across the country.
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