Heels were kicking and dust was flying as riders in cowboy hats and tight jeans made their way into the arena on a sunny Shafter day.
The eighth annual Team Roping and BBQ on April 7 at Thunderhead Ranch raised money for Optimal Hospice Care.
The top winners of the day, Craig Wilson and Tom Mullins, won gift buckles, saddles and money. “Two weeks ago I won a saddle plus cash prizes on my horse Rosie, a 5-year-old mare from the Pursley Ranch, this is a good benefit roping event. I’m out here taking part and supporting it,” said team roper Marurice Howard.
“I’ve been team roping for three years, I like it because its thrilling and fast speed,” said 16 year old team roper Taylor Ward.
To compete in this team roping event, ropers had to pay 25 dollars each or 50 dollars for a team. “I’ve been team roping for 20 years, I’m a sponsor and been a sponsor almost every year this event was held,” said team roper Gayle Pederson. Food included deep pit, pork, nachos, hot dogs, ice cream and soda.
Never watched team roping before? Well here are the basics:
A run begins with the steer being released from the chute and given a head start down the arena (known as the barrier distance, about 10-15 feet), after which the ropers may give chase.
The first roper (the header) comes up on the steer’s left side throwing his loop, roping the steer around the horns or neck.
Next, the header secures the steer by wrapping the rope remaining in his hand around the saddle-horn (called dallying). After making his dallies, the header will then steer his horse to the left across the arena, pulling the steer behind him.
It is now up to the header’s partner (the heeler) to follow with the steer, approaching it from behind, and skillfully throwing the loop so that it encircles both of the steer’s hind feet.
The heeler will finish the run by stopping his horse while simultaneously dallying his rope around his saddle-horn.
Penalties can be added to the team’s total elapsed time. If a team begins chasing before the steer has traveled the length of his allotted head start (called breaking the barrier or breaking-out) ten extra seconds will be added to the team’s time. If the heeler is able to rope only one hind foot, the penalty is five seconds. And, of course, if either roper misses his target, the team receives no score for the run (a no-time).
“This is my first time out here, but I go to the rodeo every year, I admire these men and women. It takes a lot of practice and skill to do this,” said Betty Philips, a spectator.