New Mechanical Steer Sharpens Roping Skills

New Mechanical Steer Sharpens Roping Skills LIVESTOCK Miscellaneous 7-3-35 Mechanical bulls have been the rage ever since cowboy life was glamorized in the movie "Urban Cowboy," but the twisting hulks served more as an excuse for bar room betting, rather than a useful training tool . . . such is not the case for the new Rhythm Roper, manufactured in Rapid City, S. Dak. Jim Roth, Sturgis, S. Dak. and Darrell Hoar, Rapid City, put their heads together several years ago and came up with the idea that a mechanical steer would be beneficial for training all types of ropers, from beginners to professionals. After "quite a little cutting and chopping," the men created a machine that they felt simulated the action of a live steer, and began using it for sharpening the roping skills of Stuart and Nancy Hoar, Darrell's children. The prototype is not retired, but its much improved successor is gaining popularity as a valid training tool for ropers. With the aid of stopwatches, tape measures and a bit of patience, Roth and Hoar drew up the plans for the Rhythm Roper as it sells today. Some of its special features include a 44 in. base, an adjustable head with 22 or 28-in. horns, an optional motor for solo practice, a front leg with coordinated movements and spring loaded hind legs for easy rope release. Made out of high strength steel pipe and tubing, the machine is durable, yet lightweight for easy handling. It requires a minimum of maintenance ù "just treat it with common sense and a little kindness," Hoar says, "and it will be nearly maintenance-free." According to Roth and Hoar, the advantages of a Rhythm Roper are many. "If you're going to be a top roper, you've got to practice several hours a day, and you have to start when you're young," Roth notes. "Many of the top ropers come out of the south and southwest these days because they have good weather to practice in. Now, here in the Midwest, with the indoor arenas, roping schools and the Rhythm Roper, I'm hoping we can get some top ropers from this area." Cattle ranching requires a lot of roping, especially when there is work to be done on critters in distant pastures. Hoar notes that the Rhythm Roper can hone a rancher's roping skills so that he can rope cattle on the range and treat them with a minimum amount of effort or strain. "Two cowboys can treat cattle very efficiently on the range," Hoar pointsout. "The Rhythm Roper also has its place in the roping arena, and/or roping clubs and schools." Scott McGinley, a professional roper from Rapid City, has used the Rhythm Roper, and is pleased with its action. "It's something consistent to watch and practice on, unlike a live steer. It teaches you to rope at the right time and in the correct way. If your rhythm is off a bit, it teaches you to adjust your timing. In addition, some roping machines are noted for being gaudy, with sharp edges. This machine is clean and as safe as you can get it," says McGinley. Roth and Hoar plan to market the machine, 50 of which have been made so far, throughout the U.S and Canada. It sells for $795, less the optional 6 hp. electric motor which sells for $184. Without the motor. the machine is towed and a ground-driven wheel provides mechanical action simulating the movements of a live steer. For more details. contact: FARM SHOW Followup. Rhythm Roper. Box 658-T, Rapid City. S. Dak. 57701 (ph 605 787-5872) (Reprinted from Tri-State Live-stock News)

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