How do you rope while riding?

Question

How to you rope while riding?
I have been riding western for 6 years I and I have never learned how to calf rope like the pros do at the rodeo. What rope do they use, how can you get it, and how do you spin, wind up and throw the rope?

Answer 1

That's a big question, Bubba!
Ropes first. One of the top manufacturers is King ropes, out of Wyoming, and available from any good tack and feed store. If they don't have them , they can order them, but there are different styles, grades, and sizes, depending on what and how you're roping, and personal preference.
The ropes are more like cables, very stiff and hard, and take much practice to gain ability. Most of us learn the basics using a roping 'decoy', so to speak, a plastic calfs head stuck to a saw horse, they can also be bought or ordered from tack and feed stores. Get a roping glove while you're at it, rope burn can really ruin your day.
For the how, you need to get in touch with some fellers who rope, and if you can find a tack store in your area, they'll sure to be able to point you to some who are roping, most of who are more than willing to set you on the right track to your first dallie, so good hunting, and you'll love roping, it's a true skill worth keeping alive!

P.S. If you have problems finding what you need, email me through here, although I'm so-so roping, at best, three of my friends are former world champion ropers, and two more won their pickup trucks and horse trailers at the world championship team competition a couple of years ago, we'll try to set you up.