Calf Roping

Calf Roping is Challenging, Complex

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More than any other event in professional rodeo, calf roping has roots dating back to the days of the Old West and the cowboys who worked out on the range.

When a calf was sick or injured, it had to be caught and immobilized quickly for treatment. Ranch hands prided themselves on how quickly they could rope and tie calves, and soon they began informal contests.

Being quick and accurate with a lasso aren't the only requirements in calf roping. A successful roper also must be an experienced horseman and a fast sprinter, and teamwork between a cowboy and his horse was crucial.

After giving the calf a predesignated head start, the horse and rider give chase. As the cowboy throws his loop, the horse comes to a stop.

After catching the calf, the cowboy dismounts, runs to the calf, throws it down on its side by hand (called "flanking") and ties any three legs together using a "pigging string" carried in his teeth. Meanwhile, the horse must keep slack out of the rope but not pull it tight enough to drag the calf. If the calf is not sanding when the roper reaches it, the cowboy must allow the calf to stand and then flank it before making the tie, costing the rider valuable time. All of this must be completed within 8 seconds!

So difficult is this event, that in 1995 at the National Rodeo Finals not a single rider was able to qualify, and no trophies or winning cash prizes were awarded for the event.

When the roper has completed his tie, he throws his hands in the air as a signal to the flag judge. He then remounts his horse and rides toward the calf, making the rope slack. The calf must remain tied for six seconds as proof of a job well done after the rope is slack or the cowboy will receive a "no time."