Rocky Mountain Ranch Roping &
Stock Horse Association

Ranch roping is the art of "la reata" with its roots deep in the vaquero/long rope/dally style rope use. It is now enjoying a revival with renewed interest not only from cowboys and livestock raisers but from recreational horse folks too.

Ranch roping is the practical application of roping livestock, whether the intent is to catch a stray animal, brand cattle, or treat sick stock. This practical approach to roping is gaining popularity among working ranch cowboys and horse owners that are interested in learning new livestock handling skills.

Riders of any skill level and age can compete in this sport provided that they are on a horse that has a little "cow savvy" and responds to signals using one hand on the rein and leg cues.

Ranch Roping Tradition

The California cowboys, traditionally referred to as vaqueros, used reata ropes and the dally method of roping livestock. In 1927, artist Charlie Russell described the differences between the Texas cowboy and the vaquero. He noted that the vaquero carried a 60 to 65 foot rawhide reata and swung a big loop and that these people "were strong on pretty, using plenty of hoss jewelry, silver mounted spurs, bits and conchas."

The method of the vaquero included extra long rawhide braided ropes and soft shots that did not cause the cattle to scatter when they needed to be roped and doctored. The vaquero's methods were different from the cowboys of Texas who's gear Charlie Russell described as being less fancy, with a rope seldom over 40-ft in length due to working in a lot of bush country and being forced to swing a smaller loop. This style is similar to the team roping seen in the rodeo arena today.