Is Calf Wrangling Scored by How Fast You Tie Up the Calf?

Calf wrangling, better known as calf roping or tie-down roping, got its start on ranches. Calves needed to be roped and tied down in order to be branded or given medical treatment. Competitions developed between the men working on various ranches, and rodeo was born. Tie-down roping is a regular timed event at many rodeos today, as well as at other horsemanship competitions. It requires teamwork between the horse and rider. It also requires skill and speed in roping and tying.

  1. Preparations and Start

    • Chute workers place a lightweight string around the calf's neck before the calf is released from the roping chute. Soon after the calf enters the arena, it reaches the end of the string. Just before the string breaks, line tension pulls the barrier pin to release the rope barrier placed across the roper's starting box or pen.

      The roper positions his horse in the starting box, and when he is set to go, he nods his head to signal the chute workers to release the calf. The spring-loaded doors open and the calf dashes into the arena. The string on its neck breaks, the barrier drops and the rider signals his horse to run after the calf. The roper's time starts when the barrier drops. Charging through the barrier before it drops adds 10 seconds to the roper's time.

    Catching the Calf

    • The roper races his horse after the calf and throws his loop to catch the calf by its neck. As he starts to dismount, he gives the rope a slight toss, causing it to ripple. This signals the horse to slide to a stop, bracing its front legs and sitting down a bit on its haunches. Once the rope is tight, a well-trained rope horse will stand braced, ready to back up if the rope gains any slack. The horse then backs up steadily until the rope is taut.

    Making the Tie

    • The rider dismounts from the side that the rope is on, runs to the calf, flanks it and lifts it off its feet to lay it on its side. He quickly gathers both hind feet and pulls them forward, putting one of the calf's front legs between its hind legs. He hurries to tie the calf with his tying string, better known as a "piggin' string." The roper's usual tying method is a "wrap, wrap and a hooey," which is two full wraps and a looped half-hitch. As soon as he pulls the half-hitch tight, he raises both hands to signal the timer to stop the clock.

      The roper quickly gets back on his horse and steps it forward to slack the rope. The calf then must remain tied for six seconds or the roper is disqualified.

    Rules and Risks

    • The calf must be standing when the roper reaches it. If it isn't, he must get it up and lay it down again.

      Any catch is legal. If a calf is roped by one leg, the roper ties the other three.

      Ropers can tie with one wrap instead of two. This is faster but much riskier because it is easier for the calf to kick free.