About Pasture Roping in Western Horseman

Calf roping in rodeos began as roping livestock out in the pasture for the western horseman.

An important part of a cowboy's duties is the ability to rope an animal in the pasture. When out riding the range, a western cowboy has to be ready to aid any animal. This often means roping a cow in the pasture to help with calving, or to pull it out of the mud. The cowboy needs his rope and a well-trained horse to handle any situation.

The Rope

A cowboy's rope average's 35 feet in length. The rope has a special "honda" knot on one end that allows a loop to be formed. The horseman holds the loop and circles it above his head to build up momentum while he waits for his target to get into the right position. Animals are traditionally roped at around either the head or horns when a horseman is working alone. In team competition, such as a rodeo, a second horseman may also rope the hind legs, known as heeling.

The Horse

Next to the rope, the horse is the most important aspect of roping an animal. While a good cowboy can rope an animal while standing on the ground, the horse gives the cowboy the advantage of being able to move rapidly to keep up with a running animal. Roping horses have specialized training that includes learning to follow the animal, and how to keep tension on the rope once the animal is caught. The well-trained horse will keep the rope tight, even when the horseman is out of the saddle.

The Animal

While rodeo stock have been bred to be used in the arena, normal livestock production utilizes pastures for forage. On large ranches, cattle can be several miles away from the stockyards. Western horseman will often use a truck and trailer to take their horse out to the pasture where the livestock will be worked, then use the horse to drive the cattle back to the stockyards. On occasion, an animal may need assistance. He'll try to run from the cowboy, but pasture roping will likely end his escape attempt.

Competitions

Modern rodeos owe their existence to the pioneering horsemen and women who would get together for special occasions. Different ranches would often compete to see who could rope the fastest or ride the bull the longest.

Learning the Ropes

Western horseman practice often to remain competent and competitive. Young cowboys and cowgirls are given smaller versions of the adult ropes and are allowed to practice, first standing in front of a dummy-a plastic calf head that can be placed into a hay bale. The youngsters work their way up to riding and roping calves, continuing the tradition.

References

• The Cowboy Way: How to Tie a Lasso
• New England Ropes: Western Product Guide
• Western Horseman: Horsemanship Cowboy Cross-Training