ArizonaRealCountry.com 55 October 2018 Reprinted from @CraigSmithTeamRoping on InstaGram The quality of our scoring in the roping box will influence the overall result of our run, either positively or negatively. It’s important for our horse to be mentally connected and responsive to our body language rather than trying to anticipate the start of the run by focusing only on the steer (or something else entirely). I always want my horse looking straight ahead, while I apply just enough pressure with the bit so that he understands we are getting ready to make a run. I hold my left hand on his neck and when I nod, I release the pressure off the bit which is my horses cue to go. It’s faster to simply release this light tension, than it is to use our legs to ask a horse to go. I also want my horse all the way in the corner of the box standing up nice and square, but not squatting or leaning. This will allow my horse to leave the box in a way that’s balanced, quick and flat - allowing me to throw my rope sooner. When it comes to scoring, it’s important that we’re doing it in a way that will be most beneficial for our horses. Doing so is critical for maintaining responsiveness and mental focus, and can prevent problems in the box well before they start. I especially do a lot for more sensitive, anxiety-prone horses. I try to make scoring as realistic as possible by having a heeler in position, and my rope and reins held just as I would to make a run. I want my horse to anticipate and be ready, but NOT make assumptions (there’s a difference). They should be mentally hooked to the steer, but mentally hooked to my body language and cues just slightly more – meaning that if I don’t actually ask my horse to leave the box (even if the steer is released), that they don’t make that assumption. I will score as much as necessary (sometimes scoring many more steers than I rope, if that's what the horse needs) - and especially at the sign of any excess tension, anxiety, "brain freeze," or assumption-making. I want to be able to ride my horse up to the front of the box and back him up to help him relax and realize I’m not going to always jam him in the corner. In fact, I prefer my horse’s hind quarters to not quite be touching the back of the box so they are standing independently and balanced, which helps them leave flat and fast. It’s not really ideal to walk a horse out of the chute with a steer still in it, especially one that doesn’t tend to take enough responsibility for rating in a run. However, when I do leave the box, I want my horse to do so flat footed and relaxed. Whenever tension comes up, depending on the horse I might move their feet until they can focus and settle, or I might make light rein contact and simply wait a moment until they relax, then release. When you’re willing to put your horse’s needs before your own initially and make the most of your scoring, your horse will have the tools to meet your needs down the road, and your investment is likely to pay off in a big way. Q: Do you have any tips for a horse that is soft mouthed in general, but loses feel in the box? A: When horses are stiff in the box (or anywhere else) we want to look closely at their preparation and development in three primary areas: Physical, Mental and Emotional. First - does the horse have a legitimate physical reason to resist and be unresponsive? Such as soreness, ulcers or needing dentistry done, etc. This is always the first place to start when trouble shooting. Next, consider whether the horse’s education and understanding is really refined enough outside of the box? Most people start tracking cattle on horses before they have a thorough foundation. In fact, I’d say the majority of folks haven’t experienced what a truly soft, supple and responsive horse feels like. Go back and consider any instances – whether on the ground or under saddle, in the arena or out, that the horse shows any small delay in responsiveness. When we have high and consistent expectations, our horses will be better prepared to deliver that same level of respect in the box. Finally, some horses (often those introduced to roping too soon or with more intensity, repetition or speed than they were ready for) will become anxious and really start to mentally check out. There needs to be a baseline level of calmness in order for our horses to think, respond with quality to what we’re asking, and connect to the steer. To help a horse find calmness and confidence in the box, I would do quite a bit of scoring while also tuning up their level of responsiveness in general both in and around the box while putting roping on the back burner until you’ve achieved the feel you want and need to position your horse consistently with precision so you can get a reliable, fast start. ROPING TIPS: SCORING