Scoring is one of the most crucial aspects of heading. When scoring your horse should “leave off your hand” which means that when you release tension on the bridle reins, your horse needs to be moving forward smoothly. Scoring well is the biggest separation between low numbered and high numbered headers.
In the practice pen don’t nod when the steer is looking forward. This is a good test to see how well you score because both you and your horse have to react to the cow. It’s very embarrassing when you take off and the cow doesn’t leave the chute. This happens more than you know to high numbered headers.
This was the number one thing I worked on when I was roping and practicing all the time. Having the ability to react instantly is such a mental deal and happens so fast you have to be really focused. One of the biggest drawbacks to rodeo is how the all night drives affect your reaction time. Likewise, if you’re at an all day jackpot it’s difficult to stay focused and to react quickly when the steer leaves the chute.
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