Team roping is the only true team event in rodeo, comprised of a header and a heeler. The steer is given a 30-foot head start. If the header leaves the box before then the team is assessed a 10 second penalty. The header's job is to rope the animal around the horns or head and change the animal’s direction so that the heeler can attempt to rope both hind feet. If the heeler ropes only one hind foot a 5-second penalty will be assessed. If the heeler tosses his loop before the header has changed the direction of the steer and has the animal moving forward, it's called a "cross-fire," and results in disqualification. This event takes precise timing and great team work.
The team roping best typifies how sick or injured animals are treated on the open range today. It is a very safe and effective method for keeping herds of cattle healthy.
Team roping is the only true team event in rodeo, comprised of a header and a heeler. The steer is given a 30-foot head start. If the header leaves the box before then the team is assessed a 10 second penalty. The header's job is to rope the animal around the horns or head and change the animal’s direction so that the heeler can attempt to rope both hind feet. If the heeler ropes only one hind foot a 5-second penalty will be assessed. If the heeler tosses his loop before the header has changed the direction of the steer and has the animal moving forward, it's called a "cross-fire," and results in disqualification. This event takes precise timing and great team work.