Q. I’m having a hard time setting up a good shot on the first and second hop off the corner, do you have any tips or drills I can practice?

A. It’s important to be close enough to rope in the corner, but not too close. Maintain the distance where you’re comfortable roping throughout the corner until you rope. I recommend using a roping machine to do this drill.

Ryan Motes
NFR Qualifier

Ask a Pro

Q.  I just started heading and am wondering of the entire line of ropes, which, including the lay, would be best for a beginner to start off using.

A.  Al Benson suggests an XS Natural (if you prefer a four-strand) or a Grabber (if you prefer a three-strand). Both of these ropes have enough weight so you can easily feel the tip. As you progress and get more comfortable handling your rope you will probably end up with a lighter rope. Using a four-strand or three-strand rope is a personal preference that you will eventually figure out. Good luck!!

Dear Al,

Are Fast Back head ropes and heel ropes made the same? If i ordered a S(soft) Mach 4 head rope, is it the same rope apart from the length, as a S (soft) Mach 4 heel rope?

No. All heel ropes will be slightly larger in diameter than the head ropes. As for the lay, a S (soft) heel rope will be about the same lay as a MS (medium-soft) head rope.

Al Benson
General Manager, Fast Back Ropes

Dear Speed,

What is the best ground practice heading dummy? The Heel-O-Matic Bones, Jake Steer or a bale of hay with a head in it?

All the dummies will give you the opportunity to learn to handle your rope and get your slack. The Bones is very life like, but I don’t know if there’s enough difference in them to pick one over the other. I’ve always preferred a bale of hay with the Mojo horns.

Speed Williams
8-Time Consecutive World Champion Team Roper

Dear Patrick,

I have a heel horse with a lot of run, but he tends to ride too tight for me. Should I change the horse or change my style to fit the horse?

First I would spend a little time in the practice pen pulling your horse to a stop in the corner when he gets strong. If you can teach your horse to stay in your hand, this should fix your problem.

Patrick Smith
World Champion Team Roper

Dear Speed,

I’m a #5 heeler and have always been taught when you are training a heel horse and cue him to stop he should not take another step. I have seen video where people let their horse step forward after they throw. Why are they doing that?

I like a horse to stop and peddle in the front because it allows more time to get your dally and make a smooth stop. Some people like a horse to stop all at once, but it really depends on how fast you’re going. If you’re running wide open you can’t take a sudden whoa.

Speed Williams
8-Time Consecutive World Champion Team Roper

Dear Patrick,

I was always told your top strand should be delivered first and that was working okay for me. But I talked to a #9 heeler and he said to throw your bottom strand first. It seems now that I can’t rope a steer unless my timing is perfect. I don’t really have the timing down prefect yet so my catch percentage went down. What can I do to help myself.

It’s all about the bottom strand. Compare it to jumping rope – your timing must be perfect and your bottom strand on the ground when the legs are up. I don’t even think about my top strand. If I get the bottom strand on the ground, the top strand will take care of itself.

Patrick Smith
World Champion Team Roper

Dear Clay,

I have a 8 year old mare that I want to start heading on but wanted to know if that’s too old to start? Where can I learn more about roping and techniques. I’ve always been a barrel racer.

No, that’s a great age to start your mare, especially if she’s broke. Find a roping school put on by a professional to learn more.

Clay Tryan
World Champion Team Roper

Dear Speed,

What kind of rope do you recommend?

My personal preference is the Mach III by Fast Back. Al Benson and I designed that rope and it’s worked well for me.

Speed Williams
8-Time Consecutive World Champion Team Roper

Dear Patrick,

How do you get into rodeoing? I am 13 years old.

Practice hard and always remember you reap what you sow. You are the only one who stands in the way of where you want to go.

Patrick Smith
World Champion Team Roper