Steer roping, also known as steer tripping or steer jerking, is a rodeo event that features a steer and one mounted cowboy.

Technique

The steer roper starts behind a "barrier" - a taut rope fastened with an easily broken string which is fastened lightly to the steer. When the roper calls for the steer, the chute man trips a lever, opening the doors. The steer breaks out running. When the steer reaches the end of the tether, the string breaks, releasing the barrier for the horse and roper. Should the roper break the barrier, a 10-second penalty is added to his time. The roper must throw his rope in a loop around the steer's horns. The roper dismounts while his horse continues to gallop, pulling the steer along the ground, which prevents the animal from getting back to its feet. The horse is trained to slow once the rider is completely off the horse and has reached the steer, but to keep the rope taunt while the contestant ties three of the steer's legs together with a piggin string using a half hitch knot colloquially called a hooey.

The roper returns to his horse, mounts, and moves the horse forward, releasing the tension on the rope. An official will then time six seconds. If the steer is still tied at the end of the six seconds, an official time for the event is awarded.

Animal welfare

Steer roping is considered controversial due to concerns about animal welfare. Within the United States it has been illegal in Rhode Island since 2001. It is only held at some rodeos, the annual championship competition is held separately from other championship events, and steer roping is not included as part of the widely televised National Finals Rodeo.

References

  • Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association