Apparatus and method for practicing calf-roping

摘要

An apparatus and method for practicing calf-roping on live calves without the use of a roping horse. The novel calf-roping practice apparatus of the present invention comprises a rectangular chute which may be connected to the cattle chute of a stockyard or corral. The chute of the apparatus has a spring-loaded forward gate, which may be opened by pulling on a lever. The apparatus further comprises a take-up mechanism which is connected to the roping rope and which removes the slack in the rope after a calf has been roped. The apparatus is surmounted by a surface which simulates a horse's back, such that the user may secure his saddle thereon. The apparatus of the present invention may also include a spring-loaded neck mechanism which simulates a horse's neck and head. PPIn use, the user ties his saddle on the apparatus and ties a string between one of the stirrups of the saddle and the lever which triggers the spring-loaded forward gate. The user then connects his rope to the take-up device of the apparatus. Following these preliminary preparations, a calf is placed in the chute of the apparatus and the roper climbs on the apparatus and sits in the saddle. When the roper is ready to rope the calf, he kicks his stirrup to the rear, thereby pulling on the string and lever so as to trigger the spring mechanism which opens the forward gate. As the calf runs out of the chute, the roper throws the rope around the neck of the calf. The take-up device of the apparatus thereafter removes any slack in the rope, and the roper may dismount the saddle in the same manner he would a horse during an actual calf-roping competition.