b'From the Back OF THE BOXBy John SamsillYou can contact me directly at johnsamsillteamroping@gmail.com if you have any questionsor would like to schedule a clinic or a lesson.I t is now December inor not be prepared and hurt the teams chances ofof how to cash some of those big checks that they are Arizona and that meanswinning. Sometimes I think this can be detrimental it is roping season. Theto the team. If we do not try new things, it is hardhanding out in Vegas.ropings are in full swing hereto improve. Being a team roper most of my life, I in Wickenburg, Buckeye, andhave learned to talk to my partner about things IUntil next time I hope to see you at the back ofCave Creek. The big buzzwould like to try or change. Most of the time theythe box. before Christmas is the World Series of Team Ropingwill be willing to at least try it. If not, then possibly Finale and of course the National Finals Rodeo. Isomeone else that you rope with may be more mentioned that I had qualified for the Finale thiswilling to make a change and see if it works. In myI would like thank my sponsors: year and I am no different than anyone else who iscase, we talked about an equipment change but thisUsher Brand Silver and Saddlery, going. I have been getting prepared for it in everyscenario could be about anything. As an example, way that I can. If you own a horse, you know thatwhen I was rodeoing, I had a few good head horses.Omega Fields Supplements,they are constantly needing attention in one wayI usually talked with my partner about which horseSaddle Right Saddle Pads, or another. We make sure they have good feed, anythey thought may work better in certain setups.Hassayampa Veterinary Servicesmedications that they may need, and of course, weUsually, they would defer to me as to which horse I try to use the best equipment that we can afford.thought would work best, but sometimes they wouldand of course Fastback Ropes.While preparing for the World Series Finale I havehave an opinion so it was important to talk about made a few changes to my equipment.it. Another topic that I had many conversations with partners about was the handles that I was giving them. A lot of ropers believe that heelers like different handles just because they like a certain handle. What I have learned is that heel horses work better on certain handles. Which in turn, makes the heeler like it better, but it teamropingjournal.comreally depends on what type of horse they ride. Communicate with your partner about anything you would like to try.I have started using a hackamore on my rope horseYou will find that you instead of a bit. I have had a horse or two that I havewill have a stronger and used a hackamore on in my life, but it has been fortybetter team because of it.years since I have used one. I was hesitant about trying one on my mare and since I did not ownRemember that not one, I put it off for a few months. One day, before aeverything you try practice session with my partner, I mentioned thatwill work. That is not I may try a hackamore on my mare, and he told methe goal. The goal is to that he had one and to try it that night. He alreadyimprove yourself, your had a headstall and reins on it, so I tried it. My horsepartner, and your team. I worked very well in it. He told me to keep it and ifknow that I have learned I thought it would work, I could have it. This wasa lot from everyone on a Wednesday night, and we were roping at thethat I have roped with World Series Qualifier that weekend. I may haveas a partner. I owe each been apprehensive about using the hackamore,of them a great deal of but my horse liked it better than wearing a bit, so Igratitude. used it at the qualifier that very weekend and that is where we qualified for the Finale. Thank you, RyanCongratulations to Pratt, for giving me not only the hackamore but theeveryone who made it confidence that it would work out.to the Finale! Hopefully, you and your partner Being a team roper is not much different than everyor partners can other team sport in the sense that if you are a goodcommunicate what one team member you never want to hurt the team. Iexpects from the other know that I do not want to let my partner downand produce a game plan ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2023 11'