4-H Ropin'

 

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Hoenwald, Lewis County

 

Video Transcript

Chuck Denney (UT Institute of Agriculture)
When somebody is really good at something, they make it look easy. Trust me folks - this ain’t easy This 4-H roping clinic in Hohenwald drew two dozen kids from five counties. Kelle Sampson was trying her hand at lasso-tossing.

Kelle Sampson (Decatur County 4-H'er)
““If you’re 15 feet away, how many times out of ten would you get it?  Maybe one.”

Chuck Denney
Roping is a lot like putting in golf.  The closer you are, the easier it is. But Kelle says no matter what distance you’re tossing from, she’d recommend this to kids.

Kelle Sampson
“Yeah, it’s really fun. As long as they’ve got patience. They’ve got to work at it.”

Chuck Denney
Lewis County 4-H agent Jason Morris helped set up this clinic. He says there are valuable lessons taught here like responsibility and teamwork, and nobody has to be roped into this.

Jason Morris (UT Extension-Lewis County)
“It’s something educational, it’s a learning experience, but the kicker to it is they’re having fun.”

Trinity Humphries (Lewis County 4-H'er)
“It’s like you’re pretending to be a cowgirl. You’re back in the old western days, and you know how they did it. I’ve never swung a lasso before, so it’s really great.

Chuck Denney
As these 4-H’ers learn the ropes of roping, they quickly figure out this requires discipline. You must learn to do this correctly.  There are no shortcuts in roping. The first ropes were made in ancient civilizations, but it was the American cowboy who perfected the art of tossing a lasso.  They used rope to catch horses or cattle - and 4-H leaders say this skill can have some very practical uses.

Jason Morris
“If they’ve got a heifer that’s hard to catch, hard to get up, she’s about to calve - well, they can take this practical experience, use it to rope the heifer. Tie her off to a fence post or whatever it may be in the barn.”

Chuck Denney
But practical uses aside, these kids aren’t preparing for their livelihood, but rather enjoying something cool and new.  Roping is for all ages.

Brian White (UT Extension)
“When you do this sport, usually it’s a family affair. Mom and Dad are out there helping. Even Mom and Dad can participate with the kids.  How many sports do we have nowadays that a 12-year-old boy can participate with his dad?"

Chuck Denney
Sometimes in life, you have to have a few misses before you experience success. This mix of tradition with modern times teaches that lesson. And when your toss is true, you corral a lot of satisfaction from that. 

END

NOTE: Roping is part of the 4-H Horse program. Contact the UT Extension office in your county for more information.