How to Pick a Rodeo Rope

Lariat ropes are handy little tools that cowboys use to catch animals and other things, mostly in the rodeo these days. Not just any old rope will do. Here's how to pick a rope for your rodeo event.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide which end of the critter you'll be roping, the head or the feet. Choose a softer, shorter rope if you're going to be a "header," or one who ropes the head. Most headers like a rope that is about 30 feet long, in either a soft or medium-soft lay. Lay refers to how it will lay on the critter, either soft and floppy or somewhat stiffer.

2. Pick a longer, stiffer rope for heeling, or catching an animal by the feet. Many heelers carry a 35-foot rope in a medium-hard or hard lay. For heeling, you need your loop to stay open as it glides in under the feet, so a stiffer rope works best.

3. Try the rope out at the rope store. Swing the loop to see how it feels in your hand. Ropes come in different diameters, normally 5/16 and 3/8-inch. A wax is applied after the rope has been braided and stretched.

4. Ensure you get the right hondo on your rope for your rodeo event. Ladies break-away roping requires a special hondo that pops open when enough pressure is applied. This wouldn't be appropriate for other events.

5. Spend enough money to get a good quality rope in polyester or nylon, or a polyester and nylon blend. They will last longer than any other kind of rodeo rope.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are left handed, you can pick a rope made specifically for lefties.
• Ropes can be purchased in many different lengths, but longer ropes are harder to handle, so it's best to stick with a 30- to 35-foot rope until you get adept at handling them.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Shop for ropes and other rodeo gear.