On the most basic level, the job of a head horse is fundamentally the same no matter who is in the saddle—score, rate, take hold of the steer, move off the corner and face.
But are there certain traits that can make that horse a better fit for lowered-numbered ropers? Ask both those ropers themselves or the folks who teach and you'll get a resounding yes.
For experts Ryan Motes and Travis Woodard—both horse trainers, clinicians and veterans of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo—there are just two key things to look for when in the market to buy: gentle and seasoned.
For more traits to consider, low-numbered ropers Frank McCarthy and Liz Hirdes threw their preferences into the conversation with Motes and Woodard to make our top 10.
1) CALM DISPOSITION
Or as Ryan Motes puts it, “Gentle. Period.”
This is the most critical trait in both Motes' and Woodard's opinion.
“Most of your lower-numbered ropers are businessmen or people with
