Rodeo Goat Tying: Terminology and Facts

Goat tying is an event that is competed in by boys and girls in junior rodeo, and high school, college, amateur and semi-pro women. In this event, a goat is staked by a standardized 100 feet from the flager but can sometimes vary depending on the association and the arena on a ten-foot rope. The times in the goat tying can be of a large range depending on the age and experience of the competitors. Universally, good times range from long five- to eight-second runs.

In jargon or lingo of many rodeo events are unique and can be confusing to people who are not familiar to the sport of rodeo. There are several words that are used to describe the event of goat tying. The language can be easily learned by having a basic understanding of the parts of the event and how it is competed in. First, a competitor enters the arena at a run mounted on their horse. They pass a flagger who drops the flag when the horse's nose passes them, this is when the time starts. Then, the rider swings of the side of the horse, while the horse is still running and runs to the goat. Once, to the goat the competitor flanks the goat, or placing the goat on its side on the ground. At this point the competitor ties one front leg and two back legs together. This is done with a piece of rope that can be leather, nylon or cotton and is fairly long. The competitor can put one wrap (going one time), most commonly two wraps or even three if the goats are struggling, which is finished by crossing the ends of the string into a knot like how one starts to tie their shoes. The goat must stay tied down for six seconds after the time is stopped. The time is stopped when the individual removes their hands from their string by throwing their hands in the air. This event does not hurt the goat or the horse.

Goat tying is becoming a more popular event is becoming an event within many amateur associations throughout the country, but is most common and popular in the high school and college ranks. Many goat tiers experience knee and ankle injuries because of the impact of stepping of a horse that is running at full speed. Goat tying is a fun and exciting event to watch and compete in.