If there's a trademark cowboy characteristic, it's that they are always roping something. In the past for me, it's either been a shovel handle or a truck mirror. But now I have an official roping dummy.
It's just hard to beat laying a loop over an old set of horns attached to a bale of hay. That's ranchy.
Anytime I move to a new town, I get settled at the church and then I check out the local feed store. MTR has got all the essentials. Horse tack, feed, and basic vet supplies. I came in for some fly spray.
And left with a new rope too. Typical cowboy candy store. To my credit, I was in need. I left my last rope at a branding. This new guy will suit me fine. 3/8"x35'. I hate to admit it, but I'm an extra soft cowboy. XS ropes are light but still have life.
So I brought in a hay bale from Suzie and Galen's place.
And fit it with my homemade dummy head.
Lee Isenberger built this bad boy. Made from real Corriente roping steer horns. He mounted them onto a block of wood, wrapped it in casting material, and put a horn wrap on it. Cool. With some spikes coming out the back, it stabs right in a bale and is rope ready.
I like to start out with about a five foot loop. If you're handy enough, you can feed the loop as you swing and make it bigger or smaller. I also like about 18"-24" of spoke, which is the distance between your hand and the hondo. Make sure you always keep the loop on the outside of the live part of your rope, then it swings inline. Some guys will even put their pinkie finger in between the two lines to keep them from overlapping.
The biggest mistake most new ropers make, and even us old guys, is not letting enough coils out of your free hand when you turn your loop loose. Once you let her fly, just open your free hand and let her take what she needs.
Giddy up.
I've solved a lot of the world's problems with a rope in my hand. I think this new set up will serve me and the parish well. If you can't find me in the church, check the backyard. I'll likely be roping my new dummy.
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