tell me about cutting ?

I was talking about NCHA events the lowest class you go is 2000 rider. There isnt any that are two handed.

That's why I said it depends on what level you are showing at...

Yeah, cutting has a ton of little things you are judged on..check out the NCHA Handbook, should be on their website...You get points (or docked points) for things such as not lifting your reins once you have one cow cut, how well you stay in line with that cow, quitting the cow at the right time, how well you cut out of the herd, etc....It takes a loooong time to creat a finished cutting horse. This isn't a sport you can start a horse in and expect instant results...it takes roughly 3-5 years to create a "finished" cutting horse, one that you can expect to perform well in shows without aiding him with your reins...I don't really know anything about penning or sorting, but it seems like these sports may be slightly easier to introduce a new horse to as far as competitions involving cattle...I'm by no means an expert though!

And to go off of what Nicole said, if you did want to try cutting and start out two handed, you would have to start at the club level, in a non-NCHA affiliated club. Our club has a 450 and 550 level class that you are allowed to show 2 handed...it's a great way for beginner riders and horses to get into it.