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