Ranch roping broken down

Backhand loop Houlihan loop Side arm facing loop Scoop loop

I'm glad to see that ranch roping seems to be picking up a little interest in the region. Whether you're a beginner at ranch roping or working in the branding pen where calves are headed and heeled rather than drug, the following look at these four head shots should help. Especially if you can't position yourself behind your calf for a conventional overhead swing.

First, let's take a look at a couple of head shots where your cattle are traveling left to right. To begin I'll touch on the Houlihan shot. Notice the angle that is formed between my position and the dummy. The opportunity of this shot is taken just as the animal would be in line with your left shoulder or has just passed by you traveling left to right. For a right handed roper the Houlihan is rotated clock wise. Keep in mind the term, "thumbs down." That describes the position that your hand (thumb) should be in as you make the downward motion or delivery of your swing. Another tip would be to consider the speed of the animal. The faster the animal is traveling the straighter the loop would be standing up vertically on your right hand side. The slower the animal is traveling the more the loop would be rotated flat over your head. The delivery and release should be as though you have thrown a baseball. Keep in mind the loop is to be thrown just in front of the calf's head and allow the calf or animal to enter into the loop. (Lead your targets forward motion) See photo Houlihan.

Next is another shot where animals would be moving left to right. I call it a Side Arm Facing shot. The loop is rotated counter clockwise just as a conventional overhead shot only during rotation keep the loop angled out at your feet and in at your head. This loop is also a leading shot to be thrown in front of the animal allowing it to enter in the loop. Notice the angle formed between my position and the dummy. This angle determines the angle of the loop. This loop should be thrown before the animal moves past your left shoulder. The side arm loop is delivered and released much like an underhand softball throw or pitching a horse shoe. Another tip would be to make a slight roll to the left with your roping hand as the loop is released. This will help the loop stand up and allow the top strand to travel over the calf's head. The further to the right and faster the animal travels, the more the loop will have to stand up vertically to your right side. Notice the picture Side Arm Facing shot.

Take a look now at a couple of head shots that can be taken as the animal is moving right to left. First look at the Back Hand. The window of opportunity on this shot is taken looking over or just in front of your right shoulder. I personally like to take the shot as the calf or horse is traveling or has just stopped behind and to my right. The loop is rotated counter clockwise. The slogan to remember with this shot is "thumbs up." As the loop is rotated over your right shoulder, it is flipped/flopped over with your roping hand, this motion requires your thumb to be turned up. You will notice the honda starts out on your left side but as you turn your loop over before release or continue in rotation it will be on the right. The delivery and release of this shot is much like you would flip your wrist to throw a Frisbee, or toss an object backhanded to someone. Take a peek at the Back Hand shot.

The next head shot is a Scoop Loop. In my personal opinion it is the most difficult head shot of all, most especially from a foot. The loop is easier to throw if horseback and the target is moving forward. The forward motion from horseback gives the loop more momentum. This shot is for animals traveling right to left. It is very handy shot if the animal is hugging the fence or panel on its right side traveling left. This loop is rotated clockwise. As the loop rotates the tip of the loop should travel in at your stirrup and move out at your head, just the opposite of a side arm swing. You will probably find yourself having your elbow elevated up even with your head in order to make this swing. Your arm is used more so than your shoulder. The release is most important. As you release and deliver the loop, reach/toss way out and make a twist to the right with your roping hand. This motion will help the top strand go over the calf's head. See Scoop Loop.

I hope this sparked a little interest in your roping. Always remember "there's one bit that works on all horses, a bit of knowledge." Until we meet next time, I hope the good Lord blesses you, your family , and your livestock.

God bless, Pat

Pat Hooks is a day working cowboy from Texhoma, Okla. Hooks has taught clinics at national horse expo's and private ranches since 1989, and writes how-to articles for various national magazines, websites and is a published author. For more information on his books, DVD's, and clinics please go to www.hookshorseranch.com or call 580-423-7482.

Date: 4/15/09