Ranch roping is a rebirth of the roots of cowboy culture. This rebirth honours the Spanish traditions of excellence in horsemanship and livestock handling practices. The sport of ranch roping is gaining popularity.

The roping of livestock, whether to catch a stray, brand cattle or treat sick stock, has been a method used for centuries. Ranch roping mirrors this practical approach to roping and is gaining recognition among ranch cowboys and “pastime” horse owners alike interested in learning better livestock handling skills.

Riders of any skill level and age can compete in this sport provided that they are on a horse that has a little “cow savvy” and is responsive to signals using one hand on the rein in combination with leg and body cues.

The California cowboys, traditionally referred to as Vaqueros, used reata (braided rawhide) ropes and the dally method of roping livestock. In 1927, artist Charlie Russell described the differences between the Texas cowboy and the Vaquero. He noted that the Vaquero carried a 60 (and longer) foot rawhide reata and swung a big loop. He also said that these people “were strong on pretty, using plenty of ‘hoss’ jewelry, silver mounted spurs, bits and conchas.”

The method of Vaquero included extra long rawhide braided ropes and soft shots that did not cause the cattle to scatter when they needed to be roped. The Vaquero’s methods were different from the cowboys of Texas whose gear Charlie Russell described as being less fancy, with a rope seldom over 40 feet in length due to working in a lot of bush country and being forced to swing a smaller loop. This style is similar to the team roping seen in the rodeo arena today.

In 2005, the Canadian Ranch Roping Association (CRRA) was founded by a group of like-minded and enthusiastic ranchers and ropers from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Using the Northern Ranch Roping rules as a guideline, the CRRA (as a not-for-profit association) appointed a board of directors, established a set of rules and began sanctioning ranch ropings to qualify for annual finals.

The CRRA’s mandate is to promote traditional ranch roping that encourages low-stress livestock handling, participant safety with a focus on excellence in horsemanship using both functional and fancy loops. Each CRRA’s sanctioned roping event must use the rules and regulations of the CRRA and include a novice event to encourage new participates.

If you are interested in learning more about ranch roping or the CRRA list of upcoming events please visit www.canadianranchroping.ca

Thank you to Denice Stewart from the Key Ranch for the article (www.keithstewart.ca or email denice@keithstewart.ca )

2010 RANCH ROPING COMPETITIONS

• Feb. 13: Fort Macleod, AB, contact Gerry Karchuk at (403) 553-3781. • Feb. 15: Lumsden, SK, contact Barry Clemens at (306) 731-2943.

• March 13: Fort Macleod, AB, contact Gerry Karchuk at (403) 553-3781.

• April 16: Lakeland College/ Vermilion, AB, contact Ron Hoffman at (780) 853-8598 or (780) 744-2291.

UPCOMING RANCH ROPING CLINICS

• Feb. 13-14: Lumsden, SK, contact Barry Clemens at (306) 731-2943 or Scott Sapergia at (403) 725-0002.