Like
bronc riding, tie down roping is
an event born on the ranches of
the Old West. Sick calves were
roped and tied down for medical
treatment.
Today, success in tie down
roping depends largely on the
teamwork between a cowboy and
his horse. The luck of the draw
is also a factor. A feisty calf
that runs fast or kicks hard can
foil a roper's finest effort.
After the calf is given a head
start, horse and rider give
chase. The contestant ropes the
calf, then dismounts and runs to
the animal.
After catching and flanking the
calf, the cowboy ties any three
of the animal's legs together
using a "pigging string" he
carries in his teeth until
needed. If the calf is not
standing when the contestant
reaches it, the cowboy must
allow the animal to stand, then
flank it.
When the cowboy completes his
tie, he throws his hands in the
air as a signal to the judge. He
then remounts his horse and
allows the rope to become slack.
The run is declared invalid if
the calf kicks free within six
seconds.
Like
bronc riding, tie down roping is
an event born on the ranches of
the Old West. Sick calves were
roped and tied down for medical
treatment.