The event kicked off yesterday and will run right through until Sunday with an astounding $40,000 worth of prize money up for grabs.

“It’s one of the largest weekend shows outside of the futurities,” event organiser Rob McKenna said.

Cutting is generally regarded as an American sport, but is now on the rise in Australia.

“Cutting is a challenge between horse, cow and rider,” McKenna said.

Proceedings kicked off at 1pm yesterday with the novice events worth $3500 and was followed with the open 7 up.

Action gets underway at 7am this morning with the $5000 NP, followed by the $10,000 novice, non pro 7 up.

Following today’s events there will be a free barbecue in the pen for all competitors, families, owners and sponsors as well as special events for children including stick horse cutting and a treasure hunt.

Tomorrow will again have a full slate of action starting at 7am with the junior and senior youth, followed by the rookies event, snafflebit and open NP.

A dinner and auction will be held at the St Kilda Hotel on Saturday evening with proceeds to go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Sunday will be an 8am start with the $10,000 NP first up, followed by the open event and the novice NP to round out the weekend.

McKenna said admission is free for any interested members of the community who wish to spectate.

“Most people around here will have never seen anything like [cutting],” he said.

“It’s great to watch.”

The event has received 325 nominations, which is slightly down from last year, but organisers are still predicting a great weekend.

More than 850 head of cattle will be used over the course of the event.