Buying the first Rope

[Weebonilass]

While at the Joe Wolter clinic a couple of weekends ago, at the end of the day, those that were left and wanted to, got a chance to do a wee bit of roping.

I can twirl a whistling rope on the ground on all four sides of my horse and he trusts me enough to stand patiently for it. But never tried anything from saddle and thought I might like too, but no rope, so I just watched the others.

Well, today the new Smith Brothers catelog came and I opened it up to find myself looking a wide variety of ropes to be bought. And I have no idea where to even start.

Looking for helpful hints from the group here :)

[RockinCircleC]

http://houlihanhorsegear.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=164

[lmullen]

Try an XXsoft 5/16th inch first. Any stiffer rope and it may be too hard to start with. 50 foot may be too long to start, but you won't have to trade to longer, later. 30-35' is O.K. Rope buckets, posts, a sawhorse is real good to mess with. Don't be tempted to rope your dog. Never try to catch anyone around the head. Feet are O.K. Don't dally. Never leave your rope on your horse unattended. Drop it on the ground or carry it. Probably have a break-away honda when you start messing around with your horse. Lots and lots to do with your horse and a rope. .
Try us at HPS.

The only difference between a rope and a gun, a gun goes off and a rope goes on.

[BuckarooMan]

also something to ponder is sure your cayuse will stand calmly with you using your rope but i would get the horse in a round pen and take some soft cotton rope and work with him having stuff around his feet kind of like a scotch hobble but not around his neck but constricting it around his ankles and picking his feet up with it and running it around his tail and under if you can. Things happen and I have seen my share of horses in a branding corral go though the roof when some one else's rope or you your self double hock or single hock your horse. If you thinking you want to drag something like a calf you should find something with good weight and be able to log with your horse all over the country side and not have him worry too much about it.

[el vaquero]

I agree with BuckarooMan. REally get your horse used to that rope being everywhere ('cause if you're doing ranch roping, it will be everywhere!!). Most horses will stand good to throw a rope, but things can change pretty quick when you ask them to move. Just take you time. Lots' of dragging is good.
I would get a 50' xxx-soft King Rope. They are the best. Good luck with your rping, and if you have any questions, theres alot of good ropers on this forum who would be glad to try and help!

[red]

AND....there is an old saying, that says of someone skilled... "they really know the ropes"..it used to apply in a nautical sense, but it is no where more applicable to life, then here, you and your pony need to KNOW the ropes.. the swing, the drape, the reach, how it coils..the life the rope brings...When you start roping, do not be a mental wreck, if you rope yourself, your hat, your horses head, a front foot, a hind hoof... Every rope has a life, and sometimes a mind of it's own..If you happen to rope and the rope gets under his tail..do not pull...let the rope relax, let him relax, and it will fall out..the last place you need a rope burn, is that tender under the tail skin..
The kindest thing you can do for yourself, and your pony is to rope him in the round pen..I would say, ALL of his body you need to address...including the neck, shoulder, barrel, flank and all four feet..anyplace you might expect to find a brace, in the natural, is a place you want to address..at first it will be western..after a while, it will be no big deal. You are waiting for yeild, and softness thru his body..if you have never done this before..it would be a really really good idea to get get some help with this. You are trying to build a partner, not just throw a rope. If you are hesitant about this, he will figure it is something to be afraid of, so if you need help, this is the time to get some..ANYBODY..(even me) can throw a loop..your pony has no idea of how to use his body, when you first attempt roping, and dragging..this is your preparation for excellence..as with everything, the time you invest, at the beginning, will pay off BIG...when you get going, and get good...you will be so glad you did.
lmullen says breakaway hondo. I say that is a great thing..invest in one or more..it works two ways...for one thing, it announces that you are a beginner...something all of us have been, and some of us still are...and it tips off silently..to the great hands, that you could use a few tips...lol..and if you work it right, the wealth of information will be offered, the second thing is every thing you rope can get away...sorta like a date..it is not a lifetime commitment..just fun, and something to do..you are gonna have so much fun!!
I take my rope to work, and try and rope my trailer hitch..you can practice that stuff anywhere. Any chance you have access to a horse that has been around cattle and roping? Those old wise souls can teach you more than anyone..
let us know how you do.

love
red