Team roping is one of the most exciting and skillful events in rodeo, requiring precision, speed, and teamwork. The sport involves two riders, the header and the heeler, working together to rope a steer. Safely immobilizing the steer takes extensive training and specialized team roping supplies, such as dally wraps and rope brushes.
Team roping is an exciting sport with a rich history. If you’re new to this event, knowing the lingo can help you enjoy the rodeo better. Learn these nine roping terms that every cowboy should know to understand what folks in the crowd and ring are talking about.
Breaking the Barrier
The “barrier” is a rope stretched across the roping box and connected to a rope tied around the steer’s neck. Before the rider and horse can leave the roping box, the steer must “break the barrier” to give the steer a head start. If a rider leaves the box too early and doesn’t allow the steer to break the barrier, their team is penalized 10 seconds, which can make a substantial difference in a timed event.
Breaking the barrier is all about discipline and timing. This high-stakes moment showcases the rider’s focus and the horse’s training.
Header
The header is the first team member to engage the steer and is responsible for roping the head. The header must skillfully throw a loop around the steer's horns, neck, or a combination of both, using precise timing and technique to ensure a secure catch.
Headers use head ropes, which are typically shorter and have a softer lay than heel ropes. Quality brands, such as Cactus ropes, have the strength and flexibility to withstand the force of the steer while maintaining a firm grip.
Heeler
The heeler’s job is to rope the hind legs of the steer, a task that requires impeccable timing and skill. Heeling techniques involve precise throws aimed at both hind legs. If the steer drags its hind legs (known as being a “dragger”), the task becomes more challenging.
To deliver a precise throw, the heeler must read the steer's movements and position their horse accordingly. They use a blend of quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and seamless coordination with the header to rope the steer.
Crossfire
A crossfire happens when the heeler attempts to rope the steer’s hind legs before the header has successfully turned and redirected the steer. This action results in an immediate disqualification, leaving the team without a score for that run.
Avoiding a crossfire is all about communication and patience. Heelers must wait for the header to do their job, ensuring the steer is in the correct position before making their throw.
Dally
The dally is when the header wraps the rope around the saddle horn after catching the steer. This action is crucial for allowing the horse to help control the steer. Without a good dally, the rope could slip, making it hard to keep the steer in check and potentially causing a miss.
A proper dally is vital for maintaining control of the steer, but it comes with its risks. If done incorrectly, it can result in severe injuries to the rider’s fingers or hand. To keep the dally from slipping, roping saddles are built exceptionally strong. Specialized features, such as fortified saddle horns, help the rider maintain control.
Eliminator
An eliminator is a steer that’s especially tough to rope because of how unpredictable, fast, or evasive it is. These steers test the ropers’ coordination and timing. Tackling an eliminator can really push a team to its limits, leading to frustration and increasing the chances of making mistakes.
Dealing with an eliminator can seriously impact how a team performs and what strategies they use during a competition. A tricky steer might cause missed throws, penalties, or broken barriers, all of which can knock a team out of the running for top spots. Teams often have to adjust on the fly, showing not just their roping skills but also their ability to stay calm and make smart choices under pressure.
Flagman
A flagman is the official who signals when a run is finished and checks for any rule-breaking during the event. They stay in the arena and carefully watch how the header and heeler complete their runs, making sure everything follows the competition rules. Once the run is done, the flagman waves their flag to record the time or points out any mistakes, such as breaking the barrier or an incorrect catch.
What the flagman decides can have a big impact on the results. They work to ensure every team is judged fairly and everyone plays by the same rules.
Fishing
Fishing is a term used when a roper misses their first throw but ends up catching the steer by flipping the rope or through sheer luck. The roper can flip the rope by flicking their wrist or adjusting the rope’s angle. Fishing is not an ideal strategy, but when it happens, it can still get the job done.
One way that ropers work on their accuracy is by practicing with roping dummies, which allows them to perfect their swing and loop placement without the pressure of live cattle. They also focus on drills that emphasize consistency, such as throwing multiple loops in a row under timed conditions to simulate real runs.
Legged
Legged is a term used when a heeler manages to rope only one hind leg of the steer instead of both. While the team won’t be disqualified for this, they will be charged with a 5-second penalty.
Heelers must focus on maintaining accuracy in their throws and adjusting for the steer’s movements. Even experienced ropers can get legged occasionally, making it a challenge that demands continuous improvement and practice to overcome.
Learning these nine roping terms that every cowboy should know is just the beginning for anyone looking to excel in team roping. At Frontier Trailers and Roping Supply, we have the equipment you need to enhance your performance. You’ll find team ropes, roping dummies, saddles, and more essential items for headers and heelers. Improve your timing and accuracy with well-crafted rodeo equipment for practice sessions and competitions.
