Roping calves is a talent. Sooooo many variables. Wind, cold, obstacles… The calf… independent animal, goes wherever. You have to swing your loop, time it right as a calf takes a step, jerk your slack at the right time so the loop tightens over the hind legs, take your dally without catching (and losing) your thumb or other fingers, turn your horse and pull. Then, there’s your horse… your left hand holds the reins and the rest of your coils while the right hand loop hangs off the right side of your horse. Your horse has to be in the right position to release your loop. The horse has to put up with a rope popping him on the butt, a calf running the wrong direction and then turning appropriately, the heat of the branding fire, the people zigging and zagging in front and behind, and the weight of a calf now added to the tension of the saddle cinches and breast collar. I love watching horses work… watching their ears flick forward and back, their relaxed stance, their curved necks and bunched shoulders as they lean into a pull, their intent eye.
Enjoy.
