Last Saturday, we noticed there was a Roping for Knowledge event scheduled at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. We decided to see what that was all about and headed to the outskirts of town for a look-see. (Notice, that when I’m in the western states, I start to talk more like a cowgirl.) Anyway, we had a great time. Roping for Knowledge is affiliated with Sheridan College, and is an event to raise scholarship money for area students. There were several events, and we watched the breakaway roping and the adult-youth team roping, as well as some of the open team roping event.
In all the events, the four-legged participants were well protected. All the horses wore boots or some sort of protection on their feet and legs. And many of the calves wore helmets to protect their heads and horns.
In all the events, the four-legged participants were well protected. All the horses wore boots or some sort of protection on their feet and legs. And many of the calves wore helmets to protect their heads and horns.
The breakaway roping involves a young rider trying to put a loop on a speeding calf.
As the calf broke from the chute, a line of ropers waiting their turns ensured that the calf would run in a straight line…at least until it reached the end of the horses and riders.
There were quite a few near misses,
as well as some very nice throws.
When the throw was successful, the roper reined the horse to a sliding stop. The end of the rope, instead of being firmly attached to the saddle horn, was held only by a string. It was designed to break away, signaling the rider’s time catching the calf, which then ran free.
This young rider caught her calf, but “just a nose.” (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)
In the adult-youth event, a young roper teamed up with a more experienced one. Based on the names of the participants, often this was a parent-child team. Usually the young roper tried to put a loop on the calf’s head, and the adult was the “heeler” who tried to catch the calf’s hind feet.
Again, there were a number of unsuccessful attempts, but a few teams secured their calves.
The open team roping followed, and a number of participants were husband-wife teams working together.
And while spectators, some quite young, watched
and I took pictures, this young cowboy practiced his loops while cheering on his dad, who was participating in the open team roping. He was dressed for the occasion right down to his spurs, and I'm sure it won't be long before he is in the arena with the rest of them.
When I asked him about the feather proudly displayed on his pint-sized Stetson, he replied, “My Daddy gotten it for me.”
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