Join us at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds for the Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse (YCMSP) May Roping events. These activities feature high-energy, skilled athletes – human and horse — in an open-air facility and best of all, the events are free to the public!
The YCMSP will hold its 70th annual May Roping event, Friday and Saturday, May 10th and 11th; this a significant fundraiser for the organization with the goal of raising money for the 2025 scholarships. The YCMSP has raised over $600,000 since 1958, awarding scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Yavapai County.
The event begins on Friday, May 10, with the Breakaway Roping competition starting at 6:00 pm. There will be two full rounds and a Short Round Top Ten Average. Breakaway roping features a calf followed closely by one cowgirl on her horse. Just like in tie-down roping, the calf must be given an advantage, or a 10-second penalty is added. The roper must throw the rope in a loop around calf’s neck. The rope is tied to the saddle horn with a string. When the calf hits the end of the rope, the rope is pulled tight and the string breaks. The breaking of the string marks the end of the run. The fastest run wins.
Saturday, May 11, showcases the Team Roping competition and it starts at 9:00 am, with four events planned for the day. For team roping, two cowboys work together for a shared time. The first cowboy (header) ropes the steer by either the horn, around the neck or “half head” which is one horn and the neck. After this catch is made the header wraps his rope around the saddle horn, commonly known as dallying, and turns the steer to the left. The second cowboy, or heeler, rides beside the steer until the header turns the steer, then moves in behind the steer and attempts to rope the back feet. If he only manages one hind foot, the team receives a five-second penalty. Time is stopped when both cowboys’ horses are facing each other.
The 70th annual May Roping event will be held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Dr, on Friday and Saturday, May 10th and 11th.
For more information, please call Everett Sharp at 928-713-7184.
