In The Opinion of The Lion
Technology is the master of method. It is the way of all
advancement, plain and simple, and there is absolutely no
way that a roper today can make it to the top and survive using
the methods of yesteryear. In my 50 some years of competitive
roping, I have been to the wall and back, so to speak, and
when I compare what I have seen to what I see now in the way
of progression, I’m
astounded.
As with all sports, the finesse and athleticism of our youth
appears magical. Our young, up-and-coming, athletes are the
perpetual energy that keeps the game alive. Their unbridled
creativity is an exchange for our original ideas. |
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Although the wonders of youth’s cunning invincibility
can be intimidating, even bewildering, it is not something to estrange,
but rather to accept, open your mind to and feed on it. Don’t
hide from it. Seek it! Discover it! Capture it! Experiment with
it, learn and grow young. Adapting to new and improved methods is
far more practical than trying to compete against them with primeval
ways.
It frustrates me to see the masses of earlier-generation
ropers in the arena today who choose not to understand and go towards
the progressive, modern-day method of roping, especially when
it is as easy (or EASIER!) as any method previous.
“Time-honored” ropers
justify their complacency by claiming they’re
too old to change. Resigning to their habitual methods they struggle
and strive to keep up with advanced, revolutionized ropers who
dominate the competitions. Their chance of survival in the new-aged
roping arena is comparable to getting on the Autobahn in a model
A.
The young guys who make it to the top today rope a whole new
generation. They don’t even think about yesterday’s
roping heroes and their obsolete methods. Instead they focus on
proficient dynamics with no reservation and the outcome is phenomenal.
My greatest pleasure is to share an enthusiastic practice session
with the young guns. Their unrestricted gusto and ungoverned motives
not only awaken and prompt my reflexes, but also invigorate my
desire to improve.
I have always felt an inner drive towards progression,
and in the past intently progressed on mere instinct. Today, however,
competitive roping styles have been so revolutionized that innovation
now prods my intuitive creativity. I investigate newfound ingenuity,
mull it over in my mind, then the practice pen, and soon have it
working. Roping becomes new and exciting again, just like using
a new and improved tool or driving a better car, and the benefits
are extraordinary.
When modifying roping methods it is my determined
willingness to take a risk and trust the unfamiliar that continuously
propels me to greater skill. I feel better, stronger, faster and
more insightful in the arena today than I ever have before, and
I guarantee you will too.
Don’t be shy or embarrassed to enquire
the ideas of a roper capable of exhibiting the method you’re
trying to understand. Do be sure any instruction makes sense and
feels safe. If you are unable to find adequate instruction, call
me.
Until
next time, rope smart!
The Lion
rodeolion@yahoo.com
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