Team Roping

Team Roping was also born in the American west as a tool in everyday ranch life.  In rodeo, two ropers enter the roping boxes.  The animal is released when the header (the cowboy roping the head of the animal) nods his head.  As in the other timed events, he must wait on the barrier to release.  If he does not, a ten second penalty is assesed against the team.  The header ropes the animal, then turns back to the left as the heeler (the cowboy roping the rear legs or heels of the animal) rides into position to rope.  Time stops when both ropers are facing the animal, both ropes are tight and the "v" is out.  If the heeler catches only one heel, a five second penalty is charged.