Making the right ot left hip shot

Thanks for taking the time to read along. This article was written on Memorial weekend, so many thanks to the brave men and women who have served our country.

This go round I'll give my spin on one of two handy heel trap shots. I call them "Over the Hip." Which defines the target area of the shot. These shots will work good if you caught a yearling waiting in line at the water trough or if your partner has the steer held with a head loop. They're kind of a surprising sneaky shot. Keep in mind the heel trap that is set won't work unless the livestock moves forward after the trap is set. So in the real world be ready to push on the livestock's eye a little after the trap is set. This will help move them forward rather than backwards or away to the side.

In the right to left hip shot--the livestock is moving from your right to your left. The position to the dummy that I'm pictured in photo: Left to Right Hip Shot, the loop is swung as a forward sidearm loop. Keep the tip slightly angled up to your left hand side. Out at your stirrup, in at your head. The further to the left and shoulder of the livestock you would be positioned in, the steeper the sidearm angle would be. The more you position yourself straight away to the livestock's flank, the flatter the overhead swing would need to be. If you are positioned to the extreme rear of the livestock, the tip would need to be tilted as a conventional heel shot over the left shoulder of the roper. So depending on your position to the far side hip, there is actually about three different shots in one here.

For the position to the dummy that I'm pictured in, the release will be open handed with your arm extended out. Toss the loop up and out so to speak and allow it to land coming down onto the outside hip. (See picture: Right to Left Target.) When positioned more to the right in the flank area, the release would be more of a calf roping release. And when positioned to the rear corner, more of a conventional heel shot release as a hand shaking motion.

No matter the position to the livestock or dummy, as the loop lands on the far hip pull back ever so lightly on your spoke. This will ask the tip to travel back through and in front of the hind feet. (Notice photo: Right to Left Hip Trap.)

After the trap is set keep in mind to hold onto your spoke, this will help the metal honda hold its bite on the top strand and prevent it from sliding down too close to the ground. The idea is to have the loop land on the far side hip allowing the tail set of the livestock to help hold the base of the loop onto the livestock.

These shots will take around a 6 to 7 foot loop. Best percentage shot is about 15 feet away, this gives the loop a chance to find its height before coming flat down over the hip. I would suggest using at least a 50 foot poly and a swiveled metal or traditional rawhide honda for these shots. It has been my experience the rawhide burners onto nylon bite too much onto the top strand and won't allow the tip to be pulled in front of the heels when you pull on the spoke for tip retrieval. Also a conventional team roping rope doesn't have enough length to build a big enough loop and reach over the hip from 15 to 20 feet away. And before my team roping partners go into shock, I do like the heeling side of the box and I wouldn't use a 50-foot poly with a metal honda to team rope with either.

Next go, I will cover the Left to Right Hip Shot. It is the mate to the one you just learned. It will require a Houlihan swing. Later this summer I would like to share how the same loops can be put to work as horse exercises. So get practiced up and join in on the fun, ranch roping is growing. Oh, by the way, I happen to know where there will be a DVD on Ranch Roping Basics to be released later this summer.

I have met several High Plains Journal readers out and about lately. I have enjoyed visiting with you. It makes me feel good that you're reading and searching. I appreciate the kind words also from the e-mails I have received. Until next go round, I hope the good Lord blesses you, your family, and your livestock. And always remember " there's one bit that works on all horses, a bit of knowledge."

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: 5/29/09