At the signal, a running steer bolts out of the chute, with two riders in pursuit. The horse handlers acting in concert with each other as well as their mounts, anticipating the movement of the steer and seeking to guide it. At the right moment, the riders cast their ropes, in an attempt to bring the steer under control. The action is timed, so the horsemen must act against the clock as well as the unpredictable steer. When all the variables work out, that's how you get champions.
X-Treme Team Roping put on the events that took place Saturday and continue today. They produce about 32 events every year, which are hosted in various locations in Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
"We run roughly 50,000 teams a season," said Ben Clements, owner of X-Treme Team Roping. "By the time we get down to the finals, 1,500 to 1,800 teams remain to compete for the top, where over $1 million in cash and prizes is at stake."
The finals take place in August, in Stephenville, Texas, the home of X-Treme Team Roping. The top finishers in the previous events are the ones who get a chance at the big prizes in August.
Clements describes his organization as a place where team hobby ropers compete.
"You don't have to be a top professional, but you do have to be a dedicated competitor," he said.
Among the top placers Saturday were Latham Dickson of Stamps, Arkansas, and Garret Golden of Paris, Texas, who took top team in the "11" event on Saturday. Displaying their buckles proudly, they talkeda bit about what makes a champion roper.
"Hard work, working with coaches who know the sport, who know what they are doing," said Dickson, who is just one of the two ropers he knows of out of Stamps.
Golden credits their accomplishment to teamwork.
"We knew what we had to do," he said. "If I don't handle, he can't catch."
On their team, Dickson is a heeler, who aims his rope at the rear legs of the steer. Garret, as header, aims for the head, as well as attempting to direct where the steer runs.
This team, as well as the other top finishers, will compete at the August season finals in Stephenville.
Go to xtremeroping.com for more information on the sport and league.