How to Rope a Buffalo Calf

Roping, or lassoing, a calf is a rodeo event that is performed for time. Like many other rodeo events, however, the calf roping event originated in the very necessary practice of roping calves on cattle ranches and other farms where such animals would be kept. A calf that needed medical attention, for instance, might want to be left alone, and it would be necessary to rope the calf to attend to it.

Things You'll Need

  • Calf
  • Lasso
  • Horse
  • Pigging string
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Instructions

    • 1

      Close in on the calf from horseback. From behind, approach the flank of the calf so you are riding alongside it.

    • 2

      Spin the lasso over your head. Use circular, clockwise turns of your hand while holding the lasso in the air.

    • 3

      Toss the spinning lasso in front of the calf. The calf is moving, so you need to lead it with your toss. If the loop of the lasso goes over the calf's head pull it tight and dismount from the horse. Your stationary horse, which the lasso should be attached to, will keep the lasso tight.

    • 4

      Reach over the calf and grasp either leg with your hands. Pull up and towards you on the legs so the calf spins and ends up on its back on the ground. Place your knee against the calf to hold it there.

    • 5

      Grasp the front leg closest to you and put the loop of the pigging string over it, and pull it tight. You should carry the pigging string on your belt or even in your mouth, for easy access.

    • 6

      Grasp the two rear legs, and pull them and the front leg with the pigging string on it together. Loop the pigging string around all three legs three times. String the pigging string through the center of the loops and pull it tight to complete the knot.