Rope Like a Champion

Enlarge Image Image Gallery David Key, National Rodeo Finals champion, and Tarter Equipment offer roping tips. courtesy Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment

Dunnville, Kentucky — Winning is fun. Catching is fun. No matter what level you are at, success is fun. Whether you are a professional team roper or if you rope recreationally, most folks will agree that you enjoy your sport most when you’re on top of your game. Here at Tarter Farm and Ranch, we recently had a chance to catch up with one of our sponsored ropers, David Key. David is a 9-times National Rodeo Finals Champion and a Million Dollar PRCA Earnings Cowboy.

David let us in on a few of his secrets on how to maximize your chances of success in the roping arena by following these five straightforward practice tips:

1. Practice with a Good Roping Chute 

In order to maximize your practice time, use a high-quality roping chute. Your time is valuable and if you only have a few hours to practice, you don’t want to spend all your time loading steers. Having a chute like Tarter’s roping chute along with a lead up alley that doesn’t allow the steers to turn around, eliminates a lot of frustration. Just think, no more steers that are backwards or sideways!

While fully automatic chutes are most efficient, semi-automatic chutes are also a cost effective option that allow you to spend more time on your horse. This prevents the need for someone having to turn the steers out. One of the keys to good practice is that you enjoy it. Using a well-designed chute will mean less time fighting steers and more time doing what you love to do.

2. Don’t Scrimp on Your Rope 

Don’t under estimate the importance of your rope. As David says, “You can’t expect success with a low quality tool in your hand.” Rope is an essential part of your success and your most important tool. Invest in a high quality, reputable brand of rope. Companies offer full product lines to meet the needs of all ropers at all levels and are committed to continually improving their products to make a more durable rope that is perfect for the sport. The ropes will last longer and work better. Importantly by using a high quality rope, you’ll help cut down the risk of back swing. You might be interested to know that David uses the Cactus Hypnotic Rope (Extra Soft or Super Soft) and the Cactus Mini Mag Rope (Extra Soft or Super Soft).