Breakaway Roping is a fast-moving event that is patterned

after the regular Calf Roping. However, time is flagged when

the calf hits the end of the lariat rope and pops it loose from

the saddle, where it is tied with light string.

This event is a judge’s nightmare as the field flag judge must

instantly decide if a breakaway catch is legal. If he drops the

flag and then realizes there is an infraction, he is already in

trouble. Many a professional rodeo cowboy would “rather go

rassle a bear than flag Breakaway Roping.”