Team Roping 101

For those unfamiliar with team-roping, the following is a description taken from the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association website:

Team Roping, the only true team event in rodeo, requires close cooperation and timing between two highly skilled ropers a header and a heeler and their horses. The event originated on ranches when cowboys needed to treat or brand large steers and the task proved too difficult for one man.

The key to success? Hard work and endless practice. Team roping partners must perfect their timing, both as a team and with their respective horses.

Similar to tie down ropers and steer wrestlers, team ropers start from the boxes on each side of the chute from which the steer enters the arena. The steer gets a head start determined by the length of the arena. One end of the breakaway barrier is attached to the steer and stretched across the open end of the header's box. When the steer reaches his advantage point, the barrier is released, and the header takes off in pursuit, with the heeler trailing slightly further behind. The ropers are assessed a 10-second penalty if the header breaks the barrier before the steer completes his head start. Some rodeos use heeler barriers too.

The header ropes first and must make one of three legal catches on the steer, around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. Any other catch by the header is considered illegal and the team is disqualified. After the header makes his catch, he turns the steer to the left and exposes the steer's hind legs to the heeler. The heeler then attempts to rope both hind legs. If he catches only one foot, the team is assessed a five-second penalty. After the cowboys catch the steer, the clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face one another.

Another important aspect to the event is the type of horses used by the ropers. The American quarter horse is the most popular among all timed-event competitors, particularly team ropers. Heading horses generally are taller and heavier because they need the power to turn the steer after it is roped. Heeling horses are quick and agile, enabling them to better follow the steer and react to its moves.

Equipment Needed

Person willing to learn

Horse

Saddle

Bridle

Protective boots (for the horse)

Ropes

Bale of hay with practice head (to practice heading)

A saw horse (to practice heeling)

A pickup (depends on the size of trailer you pull

A horse trailer

Feed for the horse

There are many more smaller items that will be needed but, this will get you started.

Places to find help

Local Roping Clubs

Fellow Ropers

Internet

Books

Roping Schools

There are many roping schools held throughout the United States each year. As a beginner you would be well advised to attend one of these schools to gain a better understanding of how to rope properly. You can checkout the RopersOnly.com Roping School Page to find a school near you.

Getting Started Cost

Truck $30,000(if you want to go any further than the local roping)

Trailer $6,000

Horse $8500

Saddle $1200.00

Bit/headstall/reins $200

Leg Gear $150.00

Saddle Pad $100.00

Monthly Maintenance $250.00 (if you dont board your horse)

Entry Fees $60.00

All the prices above are just averages. They can go up or down depending on you needs and taste.