How to Learn Ranch Roping

1). Practice handling the rope on the ground. Make a loop and practice swinging it around, swinging it backward and forward. Do not get discouraged as at first you will likely get the rope tangled around you. Keep trying to become familiar with the lasso.
2). Attempt to throw it over a dummy steer. This can be made of anything and does not have to look like a steer, but it should have something sticking out at an angle similar to a steer's head. Practice and familiarize yourself with the motion. Throw the loop in a way that works best for you.
3). Familiarize your horse with the rope. From the ground, carefully take the dallied rope in your hand and wave it slowly around. Some horses may be afraid of the rope at first so exercise great care. Allow the horse to sniff the rope if it shows fear. Move the rope around from side to side and from front to back. Once your horse is not afraid of it, gently stroke the horse with the rope all over and gently tap each side of it with the rope. Once it is totally at ease with the rope you can start swinging it from the ground. Be patient as this stage can take time.
4). Mount your horse. Allow it to become accustomed to the rope on its back. Move it around over the horse until you feel it relax. Practice swinging the rope from your horse's back. Try roping the dummy. Practice until the horse learns to respond to your legs and perform turns on the forehand and quarters without you yanking on the reins.
5). Rope a log or hay bale that you can drag. Learn to dally the rope around your saddle horn and to release the dallies. This will train the horse to pull against something that is resisting. Some horses spook at things dragging behind them so take all the time it needs at a standstill and walk until the horse is completely at ease with the process.
6). Familiarize your horse with cows. Try roping a calf once you are certain your horse is comfortable around cows. Do not give up if it does not work out the way you had intended at first. Patience is extremely necessary and will be amply rewarded.