NFR: Headers, heelers combine efforts

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003 | 1:21 a.m.

Heeling

Heading

Headers and heelers comprise the one true team event in the NFR.

Team ropers begin from three-fenced boxes on either side of a chute from which a steer enters the arena. As in tie-down roping and steer wrestling, the steer gets a head start. Failing to do so results in a 10-second penalty.

When the steer reaches the head-start distance, the header bolts after it with the heeler a pace or two behind. The header gets three chances to catch his rope around both horns, a horn and the head, or the neck of the steer -- any other catch results in disqualification.

After the header makes the catch, he turns the steer to the left to expose its hind legs to the heeler, who attempts to rope both legs. If the heeler catches only one leg, the team is assessed a five-second penalty.

The clock is stopped once there is no slack in either cowboy's rope and their horses face each other.

Among all timed-event competitors, the American quarter horse is the most popular breed used by cowboys. The header's horse is usually sturdier, using power to turn the steer after it is roped, while the heeler's horse is more agile, allowing it to follow and react to the steer.

Six-time world champions Speed Williams, 35, and Rich Skelton, 37, have dominated the event since 1997. However, Travis Tryan, 22, and Matt Zancanella, 27, are young bucks who will push the veterans this year.