Team calf roping
Jun 6, 2021 14:12:16 #
This was my first time and my friend, Mary and I were very fortunate to make the acquaintance of and receive some education about the sport from Mr. Jimmy Jenkins of Fairview, Kentucky.
The calves are very well cared for even to wearing protective helmets. They are trained to do this and some of them really look like they’re enjoying themselves. The occasional calf will look like he’s messing with the ropers, start his run and then stop dead throwing the horse and rider off kilter. This calf is known as a “dirty calf” because he doesn’t play fair. 😂 The calf is given a head start out of the chute. There are two ropers. The cowboy or cowgirl to the calf’s left (right in the photo) is the “header” and ropes first. There are three acceptable catches: horns, neck or half head. Once he’s been caught the rider on the right of the calf, known as a “heeler ” must lasso the legs. He throws his rope to “lay down” ahead of the calf’s back legs much like a trap and has to tighten at the right time. He can rope either leg, both legs or a “pantyhose” catch which is around the midsection. Once the calf has been caught and released he trots back to paddock on his own to await the next run.
The horses are amazingly beautiful and very well trained. Typically they are a cross between a quarter horse and thoroughbred.. They cost anywhere between $30,000. And $100,000. so it’s not a poor man’s sport. The horses and the calves are incredibly athletic!
All the people we met were very friendly and hospitable. One family even picked up their tent and put it over me so I wouldn’t get too hot. How nice was that?
I didn’t have the right lens with me but here are a few shots. I can’t wait to go again!
The calves are very well cared for even to wearing protective helmets. They are trained to do this and some of them really look like they’re enjoying themselves. The occasional calf will look like he’s messing with the ropers, start his run and then stop dead throwing the horse and rider off kilter. This calf is known as a “dirty calf” because he doesn’t play fair. 😂 The calf is given a head start out of the chute. There are two ropers. The cowboy or cowgirl to the calf’s left (right in the photo) is the “header” and ropes first. There are three acceptable catches: horns, neck or half head. Once he’s been caught the rider on the right of the calf, known as a “heeler ” must lasso the legs. He throws his rope to “lay down” ahead of the calf’s back legs much like a trap and has to tighten at the right time. He can rope either leg, both legs or a “pantyhose” catch which is around the midsection. Once the calf has been caught and released he trots back to paddock on his own to await the next run.
The horses are amazingly beautiful and very well trained. Typically they are a cross between a quarter horse and thoroughbred.. They cost anywhere between $30,000. And $100,000. so it’s not a poor man’s sport. The horses and the calves are incredibly athletic!
All the people we met were very friendly and hospitable. One family even picked up their tent and put it over me so I wouldn’t get too hot. How nice was that?
I didn’t have the right lens with me but here are a few shots. I can’t wait to go again!
Jun 6, 2021 14:25:19 #
Marg wrote:
This was my first time and my friend, Mary and I w... (show quote)
Excellent action photos, Marg, and I really enjoyed your narrative!
Jun 6, 2021 15:04:12 #
Jun 6, 2021 15:07:38 #
Jun 6, 2021 15:11:27 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
Excellent action photos, Marg, and I really enjoyed your narrative!
Thanks, Carol. I’ll know next time to take a longer lens in order to catch riders’ facial expressions but for this time tried to concentrate on catching dust and lasso loops.
Jun 6, 2021 15:14:34 #
quixdraw wrote:
Good job! Could be any one of the small rodeos I go to out here.
Thanks QD. If you go to rodeos I bet you’ll agree that cowboys (and girls) are some of the nicest people! (Right up there with hoggers ! 😂
Jun 6, 2021 15:18:41 #
newsguygeorge wrote:
Excellent photography.
Thank you very much, George. Bet you’ve seen your share in Texas.
Jun 6, 2021 21:58:04 #
Excellent action set. I must admit I am having a little trouble with cowpersons in baseball caps 
Jun 7, 2021 08:22:56 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Excellent action set. I must admit I am having a little trouble with cowpersons in baseball caps
Thanks, Jack. I agree with your comment about the ball caps. Wish the entry form stated “must have horse, lasso and Stetson!”
Jun 7, 2021 11:17:16 #
Jun 7, 2021 11:40:20 #
kpmac wrote:
Nice set with an interesting narrative.
Thanks, Ken.
Jun 7, 2021 11:58:47 #
Jun 7, 2021 12:37:48 #
Jun 7, 2021 14:36:46 #
I love to watch roping, but team roping is my favorite. Super great shots, I looked at them several times. I love seeing the ropes open, wonderful effect.
Jun 7, 2021 16:38:36 #
Marg wrote:
This was my first time and my friend, Mary and I w... (show quote)
Beautiful, great action shots 🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.