About Roping Horses

The roping horse is the sprinter of the horse world. And don't forget, lots of cow is a must. Oh, and the calf roping horses and heeling horses must have a big stop. While we're at it, the calf roping horses also have to push hard back out of it and pull in order to be a big timer. Those head horses have to get in the ground a bit with that left hip and log off without ducking.

In other words, roping horses are some of the most versatile and athletic animals in the horse world.

A PRCA calf roper had this to say about calf roping horses - "You know reiners have to have really nice horses to do what they do, and cutters have to really have a talented horse to be able to drop the reins and expect them to get to work, but when you have to leave your horse and count on that horse to do it's job properly... you better have one hell of a nice horse."

Dude performed in six different events including Performance Halter, Tiedown Calf Roping, Team Roping: Heeling, Team Roping: Heading, Pole Bending and Barrel Racing. The amazing thing is that he earned points in all six. However, he excelled as a calf roping horse and team roping horse earning over 500 points and $8,700 in the AQHA.

Bucks Hancock Dude is a great example of the ideal roping horse.

Calf Roping Horse Video

The calf roping horse should be calm. Stand in the box like a statue while always being alert. When the calf is called for by the calf roper, the calf horse should reach top speed almost immediately. The position which is ideal for the calf roper to throw his/her loop is commonly referred to as the hole. As the calf roping horse is reaching top speed, it is hunting that hole and trying to get there as quickly as possible. Then, the calf roping horse must rate, quickly, in order to not run over the calf and stay in the hole so that the calf roper can take his/her shot. When the calf roper has taken their shot, the calf roping horse stops and begins to pull. In the breakaway, the run is now over. In the tiedown, the run has just begun. Now, the calf roping horse must keep the rope just tight enough. If any slack gets put in the rope, it is the roping hose's job to immediately remove it by backing up.

More about Calf Roping Horses and the event Tiedown Calf Roping

There are so many factors that go into a good calf roping run. Check out the Namgis Quarter Horses YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/NamgisQuarterHorses to watch AQHA Professional Horseman, Bobby Lewis, discuss calf roping horses and Bucks Hancock Dude.

Team Roping Horse - Heeling - Video

These two runs are a great example of the ideal team roping horse (heeling). Many times a head horse either doesn't log off fast enough, or the cattle drag. In the first run, the steer isn't moved off quite fast enough, but Dude rates off quickly and the run finishes up nice. Roping horses have to have that rate.

The second run is textbook for both team roping horses. The head horse gets his left hip in the ground a little bit and then makes the corner properly and logs off hard enough, but not too hard. It's important for heading horses to not run off with cattle. Bad handles make it very difficult for the heeler to catch. But, again, this second run is great for both team roping horses.

More about Team Roping Horses and the event Team Roping

Roping Horse Links