How to Build a Roping Box

Two horses, two cowboys, one steer. Charging down an arena in pursuit of the steer, a team in the team-roping competition can complete a run in as little as four seconds. But as with any race, team roping, the fastest growing equine sport according to the United States Team Roping Championships, requires starting blocks -- in this case, roping boxes -- to get the event going. The roping box is a three-sided enclosure where the cowboys begin the run and can be purchased from commercial roping equipment producers. For those looking to save some cash, boxes can be built at home using several different options.

Things You'll Need

  • Corral panels, at least 6 feet long
  • T-posts/wooden posts
  • Post hole driver
  • Baling wire
  • Pliers
  • Tape measure
  • Pipe, 6 to 8 inches in diameter
  • Cutting torch
  • Welder
  • Post hole digger
  • Level
  • Plywood
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Box pads
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Instructions

  1. Panel Box

    • 1

      Measure where your boxes will be on both sides of your roping chute. Boxes are made in an L-shape with the third side being the chute itself. Mark the ends and corners of where your panels will be in order to place your posts.

    • 2

      Drive your posts into the ground at least 2 feet. Be sure posts are perpendicular to the ground.

    • 3

      Connect two panels in a matching L-shape with ends and corners matched up to your posts. Panels with a chain connector are the most sturdy.

    • 4

      Wire the panels to the posts for added strength.

    Pipe Box

    • 5

      Measure your pipe to match the desired length of the sides of your boxes. Pipe should be between 6 and 8 inches in diameter.

    • 6

      Cut the pipe for the sides and for at least three legs. The box should be at least 3 feet tall but leave an extra 2 feet or more to place in to the ground.

    • 7

      Weld the pipe together in an L-shape. Weld the legs to the frame in or near the corners and ends.

    • 8

      Dig holes around the roping chute to match up with the legs on the roping box.

    • 9

      Place the pipe box in position, putting the legs into the holes. Level the box and fill the holes.

    Plywood Box

    • 10

      Place posts for roping boxes at the desired width and length on both sides of the chute. T-posts or wooden posts may be used.

    • 11

      Measure and cut sheets of plywood for the two sides of the boxes. Plywood boxes should be at least 5 feet tall.

    • 12

      Secure the plywood to the posts using either nails or wire. Be sure that the plywood is set into the ground to prevent the horse from being able to get a hoof stuck underneath.

    • 13

      Add box pads to your roping box. No matter which construction you use, box pads provide safety and protection for the horse's legs. Pads can be purchased or made using vinyl over foam.