| When it comes to weekends at the rodeo, | | | | similar settings - should have a calm |
| riders and their horses must be equally | | | | disposition, and they should be able to |
| athletic. Particularly when it comes to | | | | respond quickly to their riders and the |
| the rodeo's timed events - barrel | | | | situation where they are used. As with |
| racing, steer wrestling and calf roping | | | | shopping for most products, when you are |
| - athleticism is essential. The success | | | | looking at any horse, you'll want to |
| of the rodeo cowboy is measured as much | | | | determine how you will be using the |
| by having the right horse, as it is by | | | | horse. Those who are going to be riding |
| the cowboy's athletic skills and timing. | | | | in rodeo events on a regular basis - in |
| In timed events, horses must be willing | | | | other words, a rider who will be taking |
| and able to respond well to their | | | | his calf roping horses from one rodeo to |
| riders, make quick turns and be able to | | | | another and competing as a professional |
| burst forward at full speed, when it is | | | | athlete - will probably be looking at a |
| necessary to do so. Because of their | | | | horse differently than someone who |
| strong hind legs and muscular power, it | | | | intends to compete in only a few events |
| is most often the American Quarter Horse | | | | during the year. In other words, those |
| that is used in rodeo events. Given that | | | | who will be training their horses for a |
| the American Quarter Horse got its name | | | | few weekend rodeos are more likely to be |
| because the breed clocks the fastest | | | | looking at American Quarter Horses that |
| quarter mile runs, it's little wonder | | | | are not only adept in the rodeo ring, |
| that, when it comes to timed events in | | | | but that also are comfortable working |
| the rodeo ring, Quarter Horses are used | | | | throughout the week at the ranch. Of |
| for barrel racing and steer wrestling | | | | course, other individuals may be looking |
| and are considered to be great calf | | | | at calf roping horses that they have |
| roping horses as well. Calf roping | | | | seen during rodeo events and may decide |
| horses aren't just in the rodeo ring for | | | | to choose a Quarter Horse as a cattle |
| their speed and precision; they play a | | | | horse, solely for use on their own ranch |
| greater role in the event as well. For | | | | without the intention of competing. Many |
| those who are unfamiliar with calf | | | | ranchers find that the calf roping horse |
| roping, the event involves the calf | | | | is well-trained and well-suited for |
| roping horse, his rider and a calf. The | | | | average, everyday activities in the |
| roping horses are brought up to a full | | | | ranching business. Of course, the right |
| gallop; the rider throws the lasso | | | | calf roping horse for one rider isn't |
| around the calf and dismounts. The horse | | | | always going to be the right horse for |
| then backs up enough to keep tension on | | | | another. When looking at horses for |
| the rope while the rider ties the calf. | | | | sale, if you are looking at Quarter |
| When he returns to the horse, the rider | | | | Horses particularly for calf roping, |
| mounts and the tension on the lasso rope | | | | it's important to choose a horse that a |
| is eased to determine whether or not the | | | | good fit. In some cases, that will mean |
| calf will remain tied. Calf roping | | | | choosing a horse that's solid and gentle |
| horses, therefore, not only need to be | | | | and will be great for those who are |
| trained and athletic in order to work | | | | learning the sport. In other cases, it |
| with the bursts of speed and sudden | | | | will mean a taller horse, for others it |
| stops, but also they need to be able to | | | | will mean a shorter horse: it's a matter |
| respond well to their riders. The | | | | of personal comfort and preference. As |
| relationship that calf roping horses | | | | always, you'll want to be sure that the |
| have with their riders is essential to | | | | horse is in good health, that its legs |
| the success that will be had during this | | | | and back are strong enough to carry your |
| exciting competitive event. Therefore, | | | | weight, and that the horse you choose |
| when most riders look to buy a horse as | | | | either is already in great shape or can |
| a calf roping horse, temperament and | | | | easily be conditioned for your chosen |
| intelligence are characteristics that | | | | competitive sport or other use. |
| most horse buyers are looking to find in | | | | Phil Wiskell is a writer for |
| a horse. Calf roping horses - as well as | | | | HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of |
| all American Quarter Horses that are | | | | horses for sale, horse property and |
| going to be used on a ranch and in | | | | trailers for sale. |