How to Enter a Calf Roping Competition
Though once a ranch chore, calf roping or tie-down roping, is now a competitive and popular rodeo event. If you've practiced and refined your roping technique, you're ready to find and enter a local calf roping competition, which allows you to compete against fellow ropers.
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Instructions
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Join the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). If you're a beginner in calf roping, get a PRCA permit, which allows you to enter PRCA-sanctioned rodeos.
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Find a calf roping competition to enter. Calf roping, or tie-down roping, is normally part of a full rodeo competition. The PRCA holds hundreds of rodeos across the United States each year. Check the PRCA website for competitions.
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Complete necessary applications and release forms. Submit them by the date required. Release forms allow you in restricted rodeo areas and may need to be notarized.
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Pay any entry fees, which go toward prize money for the calf roping competition.
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Understand any roping rules specific to the competition's arena. Often there are rules about wearing your hat, circling your horse and entering the arena.
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Prepare yourself mentally. You need to focus in order to precisely time your throws and coordinate tying the calf's legs.
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Assemble your equipment. You need a lariat, which is the rope used to lasso the calf. You also need a pigging string to tie the legs of the calf. Make sure your horse has a roping saddle, which is stronger and can take more strain than a regular saddle.
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Ready your horse. In order to succeed, you need to work well with your horse. Be sure the animal is calm before the competition. If agitated, your horse may not perform as expected.
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Tips & Warnings
Some larger rodeos require you to be a full PRCA member in order to enter the events.
