468. BREAKAWAY ROPING. Available only in the amateur and

youth divisions, this is a timed event with a one-minute time limit.

(a) This event shall be performed following the same general

rules as youth calf roping.

(b) Horse must start from behind a barrier. A 10-second penalty

will be added to the time for breaking the barrier. Calves must be used.

(c) Two loops will be permitted. One or two ropes are to be tied

to the saddle horn by a heavy string, in such a manner as to allow the

rope to be released from the horn when the calf reaches the end of the

rope. A visible cloth or flag must be attached to the end of the rope

tied to the horn to make it easier for the flagger to see it break free.

(d) Should the roper desire to use a second loop, he may either

recoil if carrying only one rope or use a second rope tied to the saddle

horn. If the second loop falls loose, it cannot be rebuilt.

(e) The contestant may free his first rope from the horn after a

miss, before getting his second loop ready if he wishes.

(f) The contestant shall receive no time should he break the

rope from the horn by hand or touch the rope or string after the

catch is made. If the rope dallies or will not break free when the calf

reaches the end of it, the contestant will receive no time.

(g) Time will be called from drop of flag at barrier to the break

of rope string from the saddle horn. A legal catch is a clean bell collar

loop that causes the string to break away from the saddle horn. A

bell collar catch is defined as the loop passing over the head of the

calf, ahead of the tail and no feet or legs in the loop. Roping the calf

without releasing the loop from the hand is not permitted.

(h) The contestant shall not attempt to rope the animal until the

barrier flag has been dropped. Any attempt by a contestant to position

his horse behind the barrier, enabling the contestant to rope the calf

without leaving the barrier or box, shall be considered a disqualification.

(i)Rope may not pass through bridle, tie-down, neck rope or any other device.

(j) A judge may, at his discretion, use the ring steward, other

show officials or approved AQHA judges to assist as barrier judges

and to help determine legal catches or any rule infractions.

(k) It is recommended, whenever possible, the judge be on

horseback and flag the class.