Cow Roping
📘 Overview
Cow roping, also known as calf roping or team roping, is a traditional Western rodeo event where riders use speed, timing, and roping skills to “capture” a cow or calf. On EquinoxMC, cow roping is currently a non-functional roleplay discipline — meaning it does not yet feature active AI or movement-based plugin support for roping livestock. However, competitions can still be held in a simulated format, using pre-positioned cows and scoring based on timing and accuracy.
Once plugins or systems are implemented in the future, gameplay will evolve to include live cow movement, penalties for missed throws, and more advanced mechanics.
📊 Breed Regulations & Stats
Any agile Western-type horse may compete, though smaller, nimble horses tend to perform best due to tight turns and acceleration. Recommended stats:
Speed: 20–35 mph
Jump: 0.00–6.99 ft
Division: D6, D5, D4
Popular traditional cow roping breeds:
American Quarter Horse
Appaloosa
American Paint Horse
Mustang
Appendix
AQH × TB or AQH × APH crosses
🎯 Scoring System
Until cow movement is implemented, roping events can be judged by accuracy, timing, and showmanship.
Example Roleplay Events:
Timed Head & Heel: Players must “rope” a cow by riding past and lassoing the designated head or heel target (ex: a cow NPC or marker).
Solo Roping: Fastest rider to reach the cow, dismount, simulate a tie (roleplay), and remount.
Tag-style Roping: Players must ride to touch (or simulate a tag with string or item) a marked cow.
Scoring is based on:
Time to complete task
Accuracy (hitting correct target zone)
Smoothness of approach
Rider control & realism
Penalty seconds may be added for:
Missed roping target
Overrunning the cow
Dismounting incorrectly
Unsafe riding behaviour
❌ Disqualifications
Unsafe or reckless riding
Leaving the designated course boundary
Using incorrect tack
Showing up late to your run
Interfering with another rider
⚠️ Penalties
+5 seconds for missed rope or incorrect technique
+10 seconds for breaking roleplay or unsafe simulation
+2 seconds for improper attire or saddle setup
👗 Attire & Equipment
Rider:
Cowboy hat or helmet
Western shirt (tucked)
Jeans or chaps
Western boots
Gloves (optional)
Spurs & whip (optional)
Horse:
Western saddle
Bridle (rope or split reins)
Saddle pad
Optional: horn wrap, bell boots, leg wraps
🧱 Course Building
While cows can’t move yet, you can create an exciting roleplay arena by setting up:
Pen start: Riders begin in a holding box or chute
Release zone: Cow (marker/NPC) is placed 10–20 blocks ahead
Run zone: The rider must reach the cow and simulate roping
Tie zone (optional): A small pen or area for players to "tie" and finish
🪧 Use signs, markers, or banners to simulate where a head/heel catch should occur. 📸 You may assign staff or a judge to monitor and record roping attempts.
🎁 Prize Pot & Entry Fees
Local
$15
$1,000
Top 3
Regional
$50
$5,000
Top 5
Championship
$100
$10,000
Top 8
🚫 All fees must use in-game currency or item equivalents only. Real-world money is prohibited and will result in permanent bans.
📢 Hosting Requirements
Hosting does not require a roping license.
All hosts must clearly explain the rules and expectations before the event starts.
One or more staff/judges must be present to record times and enforce scoring.
Courses must be safe, fenced, and clearly marked.
Be creative with builds, roleplay scripting, and prizes!
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