Tie-Down Gear
Stay informed about the latest calf roping gear and equipment. Our videos offer insights into selecting, using and maintaining gear to optimize your roping experience.
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Caleb Smidt's Bit Collection
Caleb Smidt's bit collection consists of solid, ported bits as well as chain bits that have helped him have the best tie-down roping horses in the game, year after year.
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Tying Your Rope on Safely
Justin Maass discusses how to safely secure a rope to the saddle, and what gear he likes to use to k
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Tie-Down Roping Tack and Gear
Justin Maass covers the basics of roping gear from the neck rope to protective boots and saddle pads. He explains how he likes a saddle to fit a horse and why a horse's comfort is a top priority.
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The Jerk Line
Justin Maass shows how a jerk line should be secured and what ropers can do to correct horses that want to back up one direction or another.
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Essential Tie-Down Roping Gear
Caleb Smidt discusses his bits, keepers, strings, and why he doesn't like tight tie-downs on his horses. He gives the inside scoop on his library of jerk lines and the benefits of being able to play around with the jerk line on a horse. He also breaks down his reasoning on grass vs. poly ropes an...
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Understanding Calf Ropes and Strings
Justin Maass explains what he likes in ropes and his favorite brands. He goes over rope sizes, polygrass vs poly, rope care, weights and how different ropes suit certain roping styles. His strings haven't changed in more than 15 years, and he shows why he likes the 1/4" medium-hard string.
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Loop and Coil Size for Calf Roping
Justin Maass emphasizes preparation and the importance of keeping a loop, spoke and coil size consistent. He explains how he adjusts the sizes of each part to a roper and if he'd rather have a loop too big or too small. Then, Maass sets up an ideal roping situation with the rope tucked into his b...
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Calf Roping Bits
Justin Mass goes through his favorite bits for starting colts and moving them up. He explains his preferences for port and shank size along with which horses the bits help. He also brings out his "Come to Jesus" mouthpiece for harder-mouthed horses.
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Bits and Tie-Downs for all Stages of Training