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TEAM ROPING
This event takes two cowboys. One cowboy known as the header and the other cowboy, the heeler. As in other timed events, the header must start behind the barrier string. If the header's horse breaks the barrier before the line judge drops his flag, there is a ten-second penalty assessed to their time.
The heeler can also cause a penalty to the run by only roping one leg. If that happens, there will be a penalty of 5 seconds added to their time.
As the header catches up to the steer and ropes him, he dallies his rope around the saddle horn. He changes directions with the steer by turning left, bringing the steer behind him. The heeler follows the steer around the corner and is allowed to rope the heels at this time. As the header and the heeler come tight with their run, the header then "faces his horse," indicating their run is complete and time is to be stopped.
If the heeler throws his rope and catches the heels before the steer is turned, it is called a "Cross-Fire," which is illegal and the team then receives a no-time.
There are three legal head catches in team roping: a clean horn catch, half head, and neck catch. Team roping has always been a part of a cowboy's work. It is a way two people can handle cattle without getting off their horses. They can doctor them, brand them or do just what needs to be done. It is the cowboy's way...
Photo courtesy of Jeff Belden, JB Photography |
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