well, i think it all depends on the attitude of the horse and the rider. i trail ride cisco exclusively. the lady that owned him before me did some jumping with him. and he can still do pertty good clearing downed trees on some of the trails i ride. i have seen a couple of good cutting horses that were apps. for the most part i like there durabillity and the fact they seem to be easy keepers for the most part. cisco seems to be absolutely tireless. and is as laid back as they come, without being dead headed. the horse i rode before him was named oreo(i didn't name him, called him jug head most of the time.) and he pretty much taught me how to ride. if the lady that ownes him would sell him he'd be mine. even though he was a little freaky about backing off a trailer. he always had to turn around and walk off. bad habit i know, but he would tremble and break out into a sweat if you forced it. be a real handful the whole ride after also.