Laughter, friendly competition, and agility define this fast-paced rodeo side event. Discover the fun, accessible sport that sharpens skills and brings families together.
Goat roping is the event that keeps adults and kids alike laughing and enjoying friendly competition. Commonly found as a side event for anyone interested at big rodeos, it has evolved into a standalone event as well, sanctioned by the American Goat Roping Association, which hosts the United States Goat Roping Association Championships every winter.
Countless other groups host goat ropings nationwide. Some more formal, such as Goat Daddy Roping, an Arizona based group that holds goat ropings frequently and offers apparel and culture around the event, or the Dickens Old Settlers Reunion. Many less formal groups exist as well, posting on Facebook or town tack store flyers about their local ropings.
The concept of goat roping is simple and accessible as no real equipment aside from a rope is needed for competitors. Two competitors stand on either side of a chute, similar to a team roping setup with a header and a heeler. The goat is released, and the two ropers pursue it on foot, attempting to successfully head and heel the goat in the fastest time of the day.
Some goat ropings at big rodeos will last long into the night with the number of entries. These playful ropings are held in small towns nationwide and have also attracted big names like Trevor Brazile, enjoying the comradery and laidback environment. Entry fees are lower, the event allows families to all compete together, and it’s great practice for other roping events. In fact, several NFR ropers say they grew up roping goats.
The ropes of choice vary. Some ropers stick with the ropes they use for their team roping or calf roping events, whereas others prefer to use kids ropes. Cactus Ropes has a special line known as the Hooey Goat Ropes. Shorter ropes suffice as the arenas are generally smaller pens and the ropes are often roped closer to the chute since they have to be chased on foot, and most people don’t want to have to run them down the length of the arena. Having a softer rope protects the goat's neck and smaller loops prevent them from stepping right through the loop and going on their way uncaught.
Despite the fun atmosphere, the competition is real, and it can be a genuinely beneficial practice arena. Roping.com’s coaching videos includes some from famous team roper Cesar de La Cruz specifically on goat roping and how to master the timing and loop placement. Heeling on goats can be particularly tricky but heading is also no easy feat–-goats are agile and move quickly, with their more compact body size making it easier for them to make quick turns.
Some organizations that host goat roping jackpots out west offer saddles and buckles to winners, as well as prize money, making it as lucrative a competition as some sanctioned rodeo events.
The majority of goat roping competitors are all-around ropers. Whether they are young ropers just developing their skills, older ropers wanting to stay in the game, or currently competitive ropers wanting to sharpen their skills and blow off some steam, goat roping attracts them all. It’s also a way to expose newcomers to the rodeo world with an event that doesn’t require a horse.
If you’ve never tried goat roping, explore the offerings near you. It’s as fun to participate in as it is to watch.