Ellensburg Rodeo Slack

The Slack is a time when there are so many contestants that the competition will not fit into the time allotted for the rodeo.  So what they do is have Slack where they do the events and anyone can come and watch for free.  There is never bull riding or broncos bucking; they save all of those for the rodeo.  Today they have lots of ropers.

 The cowboys warm up their horses.
Then clear the arena.

The order is announced, picked from a hat so it is random.

And the event begins.  This cowboy rode out with is partner who kept the calf running straight.  He jumped off his horse onto the calf and is attempting to pick it up and turn it on to its side.

Here we see a cowboy who is going over and over the steps of roping a calf.  They have to lasso the calf and that rope is attached to the cowboy's horse.  The horse steps back keeping the rope tight.  The cowboy then jumps off their horse and runs to the calf, picks it up and puts it on its side.  He then ties a rope around its three legs as fast as he can, throws his arms into the air to show he is done.  The calf has to remain in that downed position with his legs tied while the cowboy goes back to his horse, gets on and takes a step forward to give slack to the rope.  The calf still has to remain in the position for a time limit.  Let's watch:

Out the gate and ready to lasso the calf.

Horse keeps the rope tight.

Cowboy picks up the calf and lays him on his side.

The three feet are tied and arms go in the air.

It took Bradley ten point two seconds!

Done!

Check out this perspective.

Great time!

Great t
This goes on and on as each cowboy tires to best his previous time and his opponents time too.

Done!

The ropes are very special and each cowboy has a leather case they carry them in.

This was the best time we saw.