Rope FAQs

Lariat Ropes & Roping Supplies for Every Cowboy

A roper is only as good as their equipment, which is why NRS is proud to offer the best roping ropes for sale in various styles, including calf, team, kids' and ranch ropes. With several types of cowboy rope and accessories, you'll surely find all the equipment you need. When choosing ropes for roping, it's important to consider how you'll use them. Below are a few types of ropes we offer and their uses:

Lasso Rope: Also known as lariat rope, this sturdy rope has a loop at one end that works as a restraint.
Rodeo Rope: This standard cowboy rope is used in team roping and tie-down roping events at rodeos, with the goal being to rope the cattle as fast as possible.
Head Rope: Typically found in team roping events, the head rope is used to catch a steer's horns.
Heel Rope: The heel rope captures both hind feet of a steer during team roping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roping Supplies

Learn more about cowboy rope in our FAQ section below.

How Do You Aim a Lariat Rope?

When figuring out how to aim a lariat rope, you should start with the basics. Find out the length of your rope, the lay of the lariat, and your rope's material. Next, set up your target (a post, roping dummy, or box). Then, stand 15-20 feet away from your target. This distance will give you enough room to swing your lasso rope without any issues. You will then create your loop, twirl it overhead in your dominant hand, and decide when to throw your rope.

What Is Cowboy Rope Made Of?

Roping ropes come in several different sizes, colors and materials, including polyester, nylon, hemp and leather – although most of the cowboy rope you see at rodeo events is made of braided nylon and ranges from 30 to 35 feet. You'll choose the type of rope and size of your rope based on your needs, skill level and discipline.

How to Throw a Lasso Rope

Learning how to throw a lasso rope takes practice and patience, but here are a few simple steps to help you get started.

Make a loop in your lariat and hold it in your dominant hand.
Move your hand away from the eye of the loop and hold some of the slack to keep the loop open.
Hold the rest of the rope coils in your other hand.
Raise your arm holding the loop overhead, and start twirling your wrist. Twirl the loop fast enough to keep it in the air and control the direction.
Time it up, throw the lariat, fully extending your arm and releasing the loop.
Once your rope lands on the target, pull it tight toward your body.

Breaking in a New Rodeo Rope

How flexible you want your new rodeo rope to be will depend on how you plan to use it. For example, a head rope should be stiff enough to catch an animal, while a heel rope should be flexible enough to throw between the ground and the animal's feet.

Once you know how flexible you want your lasso rope to be, the next step is to give your rope a few practice throws at a dummy or fence post to see how much you need to work it. To increase its flexibility, attach one end of your cowboy rope to your saddle horn and the other to a post. Back up your horse until the rope is taut and keep it there for a few minutes. Test the rope to see if it's as flexible as you want it to be, and repeat this step as necessary until you get the flexibility you want.

As a final step, coat your rope in baby powder. Be sure to rub it into all the crevices of your roping ropes to keep them slick and enhance their performance.

Roping Lessons With Riley Minor

Learn how to use your roping ropes with 10X WNFR Qualifying Header, Riley Minor. In this video, Riley will give you some tips and tricks that will help you elevate your roping game. Watch now to learn how to use cowboy rope and become a better roper today!