How to Time Team Roping

A two-man rodeo event, team roping pits mounted riders against a steer in a timed event. The two riders must rope the steer by both its head and legs. Also called "heading and heeling," the team who has the quickest time wins. Several rules and guidelines govern a properly-timed team roping event.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Roping gloves
  • Western saddle
  • Horn wraps (for the steer)
  • Bell boots (for the horses)
  • Stopwatch or clock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start the time when the steer breaks the barrier of the header's box. Add 10 seconds to the team's time if the lead rider, called the header, breaks the barrier before the steer.

    • 2

      Ensure that the header ropes the steer by either roping one horn and the head, both horns or the neck. Disqualify the team if the header uses any other roping method.

    • 3

      After the header legally ropes the steer, the heeler should follow by roping the steer by both hind legs. Deduct five seconds from the team's final time if the heeler only ropes one leg.

    • 4

      Stop the clock when both the header's and heeler's ropes get pulled taut and both horses face the steer. At that time, the flagman will raise his flag to stop the timer. Record the time and add any penalty seconds, if necessary.