This go round I would like to share about developing a neck rope. The theory of rear end under, front end across will still apply to the horse. I'm simply going to change things up a bit and sack him out real good in the process.
In this article the horse is under saddle as I rope him. It wouldn't have to be under saddle. I use this procedure with my weaners and yearlings.
A few things about the rope for a second. The rope I use for this job is a 60' xxx soft 5/16 nylon with a metal honda. The reason for the metal honda is it won't grip itself once I throw slack in the rope. This will prevent accidental choking of the horse. The xxx soft won't come as near burning as other lay of rope. The 60' foot leaves several coils in my hand, and slack for mistake if a wreck starts. You figure if I'm in the center of a 60' foot pen, a throw will take up at least 36 'of rope. 30' for distance and 6' for my loop and slack.
Push your horse off by swinging your loop.The rope has replaced the flag we used last go round. Move your horse off in any direction you please. In this case the horse is moving to the right as in picture #1. When your horse is moving from your left to right, you will want to throw a houlihan shot. The houlihan shot is basically a right hand man throwing a left hand loop. When throwing the shot your thumb will be turned down as you rotate you loop from left to right. The faster your stock is traveling the more you will want to stand the loop up when delivered. The reason for the houlihan shot is to have the honda land correctly on the horse as it travels left to right, preventing the honda from striking the horse's eye.
After you have thrown your shot and you catch, pull on your horses eye just as we did in round pen at liberty. If the horse continues to run, allow it, and pickup gradually and firmly on the slack in your rope helping the horse turn in to you. You will be bringing your horse's rear end under as he faces up to you. (see picture #2) Work your way up to the horse give them great praise and gestures and remove the rope. You want roping to be a good thing. This is not about roping and choking.
Send your horse off say to the left this time. You will want to throw a overhand shot. Your loop will be rotating right to left. The more speed in the stock the more you would tilt your loop down over your left shoulder in your delivery.
As you throw these shots, eventually the horse will know that being roped is a place of rest and they will stand still and allow you to rope them. (see picture #3) Your end result will be to have your horse hook up on you when you hold up a loop for him to place his head in.
If you miss, and you will,after you have thrown your shot forget about the rope so much and pull on an eye and let the horse hook up on you, sack them out and give them great praise any way, you are the one who missed. Remember make roping a good thing for the horse. They will learn even if you pick up a loop they will recognize that as a place of rest and hook up on you.
The benefits of this are unlimited. Your horse will not think a thing of you throwing a loop from him. Also you can start introducing some logging to your horse once they are sacked out all over their body with the lariat. (see picture #4) The rope should become part of their life.
Well I hope you see roping as another part of rear end under, front end across. When you develop your neck rope it can be used just as a halter is used.The horse can learn to give to pressure on his neck same as on it's face.
Until next time may the good Lord bless you, your family, and your livestock, and always remember "There is one bit that works on all horses, a bit of knowledge".
God bless, Pat
To get more tips from Pat Hooks, visit the HorseCity.com Store to order '101 Ranch Horse Tips':
horsecitystore.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to comment about this story send an email to charmain.vaughn@morris.com.
