The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: an animal assembly that provides an up and down motion and simulates a hopping motion by the animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame wherein the leg members are movable with respect to the frame and simulate a running motion; an actuation assembly to move the leg members from a forward position to a rear position; and one or more indicia that indicates to the user when the leg members are in an optimal position for roping, and then they are not accessible for roping and then the legs are accessible for roping.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a team roping assembly for assisting a heeler to practice team roping without a header. The assembly includes a track having a curved portion located between a first straight portion and a second straight portion, a barrier coupled along the track, a trolley coupled to the track wherein the trolley is permitted to translate along the track, and a tether that couples a horn wrap of a steer to the trolley. Other embodiments include a drive motor assembly coupled proximately to an end of the track that pulls the trolley along the track.

A system for practicing roping of a steer may include a towing apparatus configured to tow a steer roping practice apparatus across a ground surface, a central anchor device configured to define a fixed anchor point with respect to the ground surface, an elongated guide member attachable at a first end to the central anchor device and attachable at a second end to the towing apparatus to guide the towing apparatus along a circular path about the central anchor device, and a turning device configured to engage the elongated guide member between the central anchor device and the towing apparatus in a manner causing the towing apparatus to make a turn on the ground surface from the circular path. The system may also include a mechanical steer roping practice apparatus movable across the ground surface and removably hitched to the towing apparatus.

An apparatus for use in roping skills training and practice provides a practical, effective, lightweight, and economical alternative to using live animals for heeling practice, which involves the roping of the hind legs of the animal. This apparatus includes a simulated animal torso and a pair of simulated hind legs. The apparatus includes a support frame and a drive system. The drive system includes mechanical links that provide interconnection between the pair of simulated hind legs and the drive system, thus providing for lifelike and coordinated leg and torso movement.

The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, including an animal assembly an animal assembly, a leg assembly, one or more indicia, and an indicia actuation assembly. The present invention also includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for animal roping, including an animal assembly, a leg assembly, and a leg actuation assembly. The present invention also includes an arena float including a float arm and a leveler configured to be used with a mechanical roping apparatus.

The present invention is a motor driven tournament steer that comprises a front frame and a back frame. The front frame incorporates a steer head with protruding horns suitable for roping. The rear frame incorporates roping legs and is hinged to the front frame. When two ropers catch the steer head and legs, the heeler roper lifts the rear frame, a switch is activated, and the motor stops. A timer simultaneously stops. The motor is started by a remote controlled switch.

The present disclosure is directed to foldable roping dummy assemblies and systems. In a first illustrative embodiment, a central support portion may have right and left leg assemblies and an upper body chamber generally formed as tube. A body cylinder slidable in the upper body chamber may be connected to a head assembly via a linkage at a front end. In a folded position, the head assembly resides between the leg assemblies. As the head assembly is lifted into position, the body cylinder slides rearward and the linkage rotates the head assembly into position at the front of the upper body chamber. In a second illustrative embodiment, the central support portion may be formed as a set of stairs which includes a central cavity open on at least one side, such that in a folded position, the head assembly resides in the central cavity.

The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: an animal assembly including a front, a rear, a frame, and a pivot that provides an up and down motion and simulates a hopping motion by an animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame wherein the leg members are movable with respect to the frame and simulate a running motion; and an actuation assembly to move the leg members from a forward position when the leg members touch the ground, during a stride such that the leg members are in contact with the ground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg members are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are off the ground from the rear position to the front position.

The present invention is a guide mat having guide indicia thereon for use in particular for guiding proper positioning of a person engaged in roping an animal, including heading (roping all or a portion of the head of the animal) and heeling (roping all or a portion of the rear legs of the animal). The guide may also be useful in properly positioning a participant in other sporting activities.

The instant disclosure is directed to a roping simulator (sometimes referred to as a roping or practice dummy or sled) that is designed to mimic the natural movements and anatomy of roping cattle. Embodiments of the instant disclosure mimic the anatomy and movement of a roping cattle when the animal washes out, meaning that its back end slips and pivots during a turn. In various embodiments, the disclosed roping simulator also includes a feature whereby the head portion of the dummy rotates and pivots downward when a force is applied by a rope, simulating head movement of a live animal. In one embodiment, a sled assembly and a body assembly are connected to one another to form the roping simulator. The sled assembly is the component that makes contact with the ground. The body assembly is the component that provides roping targets, and that simulates the movement of live cattle.