{"id":737752,"date":"2022-12-22T13:40:30","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T18:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xfactorteamroping.com\/?p=737752"},"modified":"2023-03-28T22:56:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T02:56:12","slug":"breakaway-roping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xfactorteamroping.com\/breakaway-roping\/","title":{"rendered":"Breakaway Roping"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"In<\/p>\n

How many of us mimicked breakaway roping when we were kids? All you needed was a piece of rope, a little brother or a pet, and opportunity. Some of us never outgrew the love of the chase, followed by an accurate throw. If you want to do all that while riding on four hooves, welcome to breakaway roping!<\/p>\n

In this post we\u2019ll explain what breakaway roping is, competition rules, different types of ropes, which horses make the best roping partners, and more. Plus, we have tips from Jackie Crawford who is a nineteen-time Women\u2019s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion and has a lot of valuable information to offer about breakaway roping.<\/p>\n

What is Breakaway Roping?<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s the short version: a person ropes a calf around the neck while on horseback. The rope \u201cbreaks\u201d away from where it\u2019s tied to the saddle when the calf reaches a certain distance.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the rest of the story: the calf begins in a roping chute. The roper is in a box on the heeler\u2019s side (right side) of the roping chute. Once the roper positions their horse in the corner facing straight ahead and gives the nod, the calf is released. Most times, the calf has a small rope around its neck. This rope is connected to the barrier that the roper and their horse cannot cross until the calf has a head start. The connecting rope breaks when the calf reaches the right distance, and the roping can begin!<\/p>\n

The goal is to throw a bell collar catch around the calf\u2019s neck. Immediately upon snagging the calf, the roper\u2019s horse slams on the brakes, cinching the rope taut. When this happens, the string that ties the rope to the saddlehorn breaks and this signals the end of the run. When the string breaks, the clock stops.<\/p>\n

Rules of Breakaway Roping<\/h2>\n

This event only lasts a few seconds and there aren\u2019t many rules associated with it. First, the horse cannot cross the barrier. If this happens, 10 seconds are added to their time. Another rule is that a catch besides a bell collar (perfectly around the calf\u2019s neck) is a disqualification. This is also known as \u201cflagging out\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Afternoon<\/p>\n

Types of Ropes and How to Care for Them<\/h2>\n

Breakaway ropes are anywhere from 24 feet to 29 feet long. They are the shortest ropes used in events, and most ropers will cut them to the best length.<\/p>\n

Breakaway ropes are poly or nylon\/poly blend in nature. The hallmark twisting ensures maximum control of the rope tip because it\u2019s needed for accurate placement around the calf\u2019s neck. Many ropers joke that they need to own stock in talcum powder. That\u2019s because the more humid and sticky the air is, the more powder they need on the rope. You don\u2019t want your fingers to meet resistance as you launch your lariat.<\/p>\n

What Kind of Horse is Good for Breakaway Roping?<\/h2>\n

A breakaway horse needs to start and stop on a dime, and are generally stocky and muscular to handle the pace. If your goal is to learn the sport, you and your horse can learn it together. However, if your goal is to compete then it\u2019s best to have a horse with experience under their belt.<\/p>\n

In addition to practice, your roping horse should have ample exercise, a good diet with supplements, and lots of TLC.<\/p>\n

What Does a Breakaway Roping Run Look Like?<\/h2>\n

Even though the event is over in mere seconds, both horse and rider have to get many things right. Here\u2019s what the event involves:<\/p>\n

Throwing<\/strong><\/p>\n

The roper prepares the throw as soon as the horse leaves the box. Most focus on a spot near the base of the calf\u2019s neck. If the calf gets too much of a head start, the roper will have to throw more rope than is comfortable. This can mess up a perfect throw.<\/p>\n

Running<\/strong><\/p>\n

The horses know to give it their all as soon as they get the signal from their rider. Then they have to put just as much effort into stopping as quickly as possible. Some ropers throw a bell collar in as little as 2 seconds! The world record is an incredible 1.67 seconds.<\/p>\n

Stopping<\/strong><\/p>\n

The horse transfers energy to stopping as soon as the rope is thrown. Repetition ensures it happens simultaneously.<\/p>\n

Pulling<\/strong><\/p>\n

Slack is pulled from the rope after the throw lands around the calf\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

Sitting<\/strong><\/p>\n

When the roper gathers the slack, she immediately sits down in the saddle. Pushing into the stirrups helps to brace against the horse\u2019s sudden and powerful stop.<\/p>\n

\"Roping<\/p>\n

Breakaway Roping Tips From Jackie Crawford<\/h2>\n

Jackie Crawford is a World Champion and has mastered the sport of breakaway roping. Click here<\/a> to watch her discuss tips and tricks for becoming the best roper you can possibly be. But in the meantime, here are a few of the tips she discusses in the videos available by clicking the link:<\/p>\n

Building the Perfect Loop<\/h3>\n