This event goes back to the days of the Old West when ranch hands used to rope and tie sick calves that needed medical treatment.  Success in this event today depends on cooperation between the cowboy and his horse, and the luck of the draw.  A feisty calf that runs fast or kicks hard can ruin a very fine effort by the cowboy.

The calf is given a head start and the horse and rider give chase.  The contestant then throws a loop and ropes the calf, dismounts his horse and runs to the animal.  After catching and flanking the calf, the cowboy ties any three of the animal's legs together using a "pigging string."  The calf must be standing when the cowboy reaches it and then he can flank it.

When he has completed his tie, he throws his hands in the air to signal the judge to stop the clock.  He then remounts his horse and rides forward to allow some slack in the rope.  The calf must remain tied for six seconds to be a legal catch.  A ten second penalty is added if the calf roper breaks the barrier at the beginning of the run.  This barrier gives the calf a predetermined head start.