How to Steer Rope

Steer roping is a rodeo event that pits a rodeo cowboy on a horse against a steer in the arena. The rodeo contestant who lassos the steer by the horns and then ties up the steer with his rope in the shortest amount of time is deemed the winner of the event. Read on to learn how to steer rope.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • Lariat
  • Steer
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Instructions

  1. Learn How to Throw a Rope

    • 1

      Choose the correct rope for your lariat. Experts recommend you use a piece of Manila rope, 3/8-inch thick and about 35 feet long. This type of rope has the optimal combination of stiffness and flexibility for roping. You can find Manila rope at most hardware stores.

    • 2

      Create your lariat. First, tie a loop in one end of the rope (this is called a honda). Use an overhand knot to tie the honda so that it creates a 3- to 4-inch eye. Pull the other end of the rope through the honda, and tighten the knot.

    • 3

      Prepare to throw the rope. Grasp your lariat by the honda, and open the circle about 4 feet wide to let out any kinks. Let the honda fall to about half way down the loop.

    • 4

      Coil the rope into 15-inch-wide sections into your right hand. Make sure that the honda is on the outside, away from your body. Move the coils to your left hand. Grab the other end of the rope with your right (throwing) hand. Throw the coils into the air with your left hand in a circular swinging motion.

    • 5

      Swing the noose above your head once or twice before you throw to gain momentum. Then toss the noose towards a box or bale of hay that is standing in for the steer.

    • 6

      Practice on cows or other livestock until you can consistently rope a moving target.

    Head to the Rodeo

    • 7

      Enter a steer roping contest once you have mastered your roping skills.

    • 8

      Ride towards the steer once it is released into the arena. Throw your lariat to catch the steer around the horns.

    • 9

      Hop off your horse once you have roped the steer. Your horse will keep pressure on the line to keep the steer from wandering. Grab the steer and flip it on its side so that you can tie its legs together.

    • 10

      Using part of your lariat, tie three of the steer's legs together. Then throw your hands up in the air to signal that you are finished.