How to Use a Lasso Rope

Cowboy roping is performed during rodeos, livestock transport and to secure tools as you ride. Made famous by cowboys, a lassoed rope or lariat is tied so that when the loop is placed around an object, pulling on the loose end of the rope will tighten the noose around the object. Lassoed ropes can be placed around an object or tossed and secured to a round up animals, such as cattle.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the lasso rope. Insert the loose end of the lariat into the loop eye on the other end of the rope. Pull the rope through the eye loop so it creates a large loop on one end of the rope.

    • 2

      Place the lariat over the head of the steer or other animal. The top of the loop should lie on the neck of the steer and the bottom should wrap around the chin. In the case of throwing the lariat, grab the rope about a foot away from the noose with your right hand. Coil about six feet of rope and hold it in your left hand. Spin the noose end of the rope above your head clockwise, keeping your wrist tight to build up momentum. Throw the lariat when the noose is positioned on the right side of the rope to angle the noose down. This will enable the tied side of the lariat to land first so the loop side will wrap around the target.

    • 3

      Pull the loose end of the rope once the loop is wrapped around the animal's head and neck to shorten the diameter of the loop and secure the animal.

    • 4

      Wrap up the loose rope into a coil to prevent the rope from dangling and tripping yourself or the horse.

    • 5

      Guide the steer or other animal by pulling on the loose end of the rope to apply pressure to the lassoed loop and pull the rope left to move the animal left and right to guide the animal to the right.