New Video! Al Benson describes the Instinct
and tells why he developed this popular new rope

Fast Back Focus

Tips for the Long Haul by Keven Daniel

This time of year many of us are headed to a finals event where we have to haul our horses for many miles. When you drive many hours it’s a huge relief to get out periodically, walk around and stretch your legs, use the bathroom, etc. It’s certainly no different for your horses.

I like to unload my horses every five to eight hours to walk them around, give them a drink and make sure they go to the bathroom. Some horses are reluctant “to go” while on a trailer, especially if there are insufficient shavings. Be sure to use plenty of shavings in your trailer when hauling. Not only will deep shavings act as a shock absober for your horses, they will absorb ammonia from urine and protect your horse’s lungs.

Personally, I like to put salt in my horses’ feed so that they will drink and stay hydrated while on the road. However, some horses quit eating grain when traveling. If that’s the case ask your vet what kind and how much hay you should keep in front of them until you get where they will resume eating.

When you arrive at your destination don’t just throw your horse in the stall. Spend some time walking him around  to let him loosen up. Find a soft area and give him a chance to roll. Make sure he has access to plenty of clean, fresh water in his new stall. It’s important not to scrimp on shavings for their temporary stall, especially if the ground is asphalt or hard dirt. You want your horse to work his best and he can’t do that if he is stiff and sore from standing or lying in a hard stall.

Fast Back Focus

Life and Lays of Ropes by Clay Tryan

Often I’m asked about my ropes and what lay or stiffness I prefer. Actually the bigger the horns, the stiffer I like my rope to be. If the horns are small I will normally use a softer rope. For these reasons I keep a variety of lays in my rope bag. Normally when you’re at a rodeo or jackpot the steers and their horns will be fairly even.

 During competition I use a fairly new rope because they’re snappy and over a period of time as a rope wears they start feeling dead. At this point in the life of a rope, it becomes a practice rope for me.

My rope of choice is the Fast Back four-strand Ultimate 4. I like that Fast Back ropes are so consistent and I can count on them to feel the same every time.

Pushing the Barrier with Speed Williams – October 2009

Tips for Scoring

Scoring is one of the most crucial aspects of heading. When scoring your horse should “leave off your hand” which means that when you release tension on the bridle reins, your horse needs to be moving forward smoothly. Scoring well is the biggest separation between low numbered and high numbered headers.

In the practice pen don’t nod when the steer is looking forward. This is a good test to see how well you score because both you and your horse have to react to the cow. It’s very embarrassing when you take off and the cow doesn’t leave the chute. This happens more than you know to high numbered headers.

This was the number one thing I worked on when I was roping and practicing all the time. Having the ability to react instantly is such a mental deal and happens so fast you have to be really focused. One of the biggest drawbacks to rodeo is how the all night drives affect your reaction time. Likewise, if you’re at an all day jackpot it’s difficult to stay focused and to react quickly when the steer leaves the chute.

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Winners Circle

November 2009

October 2009