Calf Roping has evolved directly from the cowboy's work on the range. It is a timed event in which the calf gets a head start on the cowboy and his horse. At the ready sign (a nod of the head) from the cowboy, the calf is released from a narrow shotgun chute which enters directly into the arena. once the calf crosses the barrier, starting the clock, the cowboy can also cross it. The best riders time their start so that they hit the barrier at the same exact second that the calf does. if a cowboy jumps ahead of the calf, a l0 second penalty is assessed.

The cowboy's partner is a good roping horse which is fast enough to stay behind the calf at the proper interval, as well as off to one side even if the calf turns and ducks. As soon as the rope is on the calf, the horse comes to a sudden stop, the rider dismounts while holding on to the rope and runs to the calf. The horse keeps the rope taunt as the cowboy throws the calf down and ties 3 of his legs with a "pigging string," approximately 6 feet long. The clock will only stop when the cowboy throws his hands up in the air. He then remounts and rides forward to slacken the rope. The calf must remain tied for 6 seconds or the cowboy's score reads "no time."

The cowboy with the fastest time wins as there is no judging for form of either the calf or the cowboy. However, the calf leg tie must include one wrap and a halfhitch and must be completed within 35 seconds although under 9 seconds is considered a very good time.

Cody Nite Rodeo and Cody Stampede Program 1996, page 57