Youth Helping Youth

An amazing thing in rodeo is watching the older kids help the younger kids.  We were down to the arena for practice the other night.  The older boys (17 & 19) already had a plan to flank and tie calves.  The calves were in the chute, their horses were saddled and they were ready for a practice session.  Then a younger boy showed up at the arena.  He really wanted to practice too.  He got out his pigging string and climbed over the fence.  So they stopped what they were doing and just worked with him for over an hour.  It was just good to watch.  

Great Book on Calf Roping

Tie down roping is one of my son's favorite events.  We spend a lot of time roping, flanking and tying.  There are a lot of really great teachers out there but sometimes you just have to go back to the basics.  It is great to learn from champions who have proven they can produce new champions.

One of the best books that my son has ever read about calf roping is Calf Roping by Roy Cooper.  His methods work.  My son used his ideas to help train his current calf horse.  She sits in the box, ropes well and consistently works the rope just like she should. 

I would highly recommend this book for anyone learning to tie down rope but also for those that are seasoned and want to improve their skills.