Breakaway roping

The calves are moved one at a time through narrow runs leading to a chute with spring-loaded doors.

The horse and rider wait in a box next to the chute that has a spring-loaded rope, known as the barrier, stretched in front.

Once the barrier has released, the horse runs out of the box while the roper attempts to throw a lasso around the neck of the calf.

Once the rope is around the calf's neck, the roper signals the horse to stop suddenly.

The most common penalty in breakaway roping is the 10 seconds added when a roper breaks the barrier, failing to give the calf the appropriate head start.