How to Compete in a Roping Event

Roping is a fast-paced sport that requires a well-trained horse and a rider who can rope a steer with a lasso while riding a horse.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get yourself a roping horse. Stock horses are typically used for this sport because they are fast, agile and not too tall.

2. Buy a roping saddle. A roping saddle has an extra-thick horn to tie the lasso around, which is called dallying.

3. Train your horse not to flinch when you're tossing a rope around its head, and to stand and pull backward once the rope has been dallied around the horn to keep the steer from running off.

4. Get used to fast action out of a chute (a small alleyway that you and the horse wait in when you're getting ready to rope).

5. Realize that once you have backed your horse into a chute, the gate will close, and it won't open again until the steer is set free and runs into the arena.

6. Lasso the steer and secure the rope.

7. Jump off your horse and tackle the steer.

8. Flop the steer over on its side and tie all four legs together just above the hooves.

9. Raise your hands in the air when you have finished.

10. Get the fastest time and win.

Tips & Warnings

• Ropers jump off the off side (right side) of a horse, which is counterintuitive - most riders dismount on the left side of the horse.
• Roping is fast. You have to be able to stay on the horse as it shoots out of the gate, stop, jump off and get to work.

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