This lightning-fast event begins with the roper and horse on the heeler’s side (right side) of the chute. At the roper’s nod, the calf is released into the arena, breaking the barrier once it runs far enough from the chute. If the roper leaves the box early and breaks the barrier, 10 seconds are added to their time. The roper’s horse then chases behind the calf in position to rope the calf in a bell-collar catch.
Once caught, the roper’s horse suddenly stops, pulling the rope taut and breaking the small string that ties the rope to the saddle’s horn. The string breaking marks the end of the run and stops the clock. It’s a lot that happens incredibly fast – Blink, and you’ll miss it!
