Cowboy Rope Tricks

The Rope and Loop

• Not just any rope can be used for rope tricks. It must be a specific cord that has enough weight and density to spin effectively and be stiff enough not to twist. A popular choice for rope tricks is the Samson spot cord #12. The rope is generally 15 feet long; the last 3 inches fold back over the rope to form the Honda, creating the lasso loop. The Honda is sewn into place using cooking string or copper wire, or it can be bound with electrical tape.

Preparing the Flat Loop

• The first basic cowboy rope trick is the flat loop. It teaches a feel for the rope. It also forms the basis for many other tricks. In this trick, the loop spins parallel to the floor. To begin, the rope is held in both hands with the right palm turned up and the left hand down. Grip the loop in the left and right hands between the thumb and forefinger. Grip the spoke, the portion of the rope on the other side of the Honda outside the loop, with the remaining three fingers of the right hand. The loop should form a square with the hands and feet at the corners. Situate the Honda at the right foot. The spoke should be pulled up slightly shorter than the sides of the square.

Starting the Flat Loop

• Make a horizontal counter-clockwise turn in front of the body. Pass the left hand under the right, also counter-clockwise. As the right hand begins the turn, release the loop with both hands. Once the loop is released, still holding onto the spoke with the right hand, pull the hand into a tighter spiral. Maintain the loop by continuing to circle with the right hand, keeping the hand one quarter turn ahead of the Honda. When starting the loop, do not throw the loop away from the body as it may come back and collide with the legs. Every so often, grip the spoke between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, releasing the other three fingers. Twist the rope slightly to prevent kinking, and return the grip to normal.

Additional Tricks

• Once the basics of the flat loop are mastered, other tricks can be applied following the same principles of starting the loop and keeping it spinning. While in a flat loop the roper can step in and out of the loop, timing the move so as not to collide with the passing spoke, or raising the spinning hand over the top of the head. The roper can also pass the spoke from hand to hand, even passing it behind his back to perform a "merry-go-round."