How to Rope a Calf

Calf roping is a favorite pasttime for many people. There is a rush of adrenaline when you mount the horse and chase the calf. The fun of roping a calf comes from trying to beat the times of other participants. Follow these steps to learn how to rope a calf.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Mount your horse. Give the calf a head start. Give your horse a small heel kick and begin chasing the calf.
2. Twirl the lasso rope above your head while turning your hand clockwise. Make a circle in the air with the lasso. Keep the circle small with the diameter of about 6 inches.
3. Catch up with the calf and ride next to him. Line up your leg with the calf's flank. Toss the lasso a few inches in front of the calf in an underhand throw. The calf is moving quickly so if you throw it directly at his head you will miss.
4. Yank tightly on the lasso. If you succeed in roping him then dismount your horse while holding the lasso firmly. If you fail to rope the calf, go back to Step 2.
5. Knock the calf's legs out from beneath him using your arm. Hold him down on his back.
6. Use your pigging string to secure three of the calf's legs. Tie them together using a weaving motion. Wrap the rope around the calf's legs three times. Pull the end of the rope under the loops and cinch it tightly.