We live in a society where salesman exist everywhere, and promises are made that often hold little value. It seems as though even guarantees often have fine text that makes them null unless a laundry list of qualifying conditions is met. Despite the onslaught of money-making tactics, there are still some people, companies, and products worth the money and the time.
I found one of these, and have been impressed enough with it to want to share in case it can help someone else “level up” their roping and horsemanship. The No Limits Program, started by World Champion Tie-Down Roper Tyson Durfey, provides virtual mentorship and community focused on calf roping in both tie-down and breakaway forms. A small monthly subscription fee provides you with access to Tyson’s input on your roping as well as input from the other members who are top competitors (and wonderfully kind and supportive individuals) from all across the United States. There are video modules that can be conveniently accessed through an app and range from mechanics of the swing to horsemanship and sports psychology. In addition, other top rodeo competitors come in and do live interviews and question and answer sessions. As an added bonus, the amazing Jackie Crawford is now a part of the community, partnering with Tyson to provide even more insight into breakaway roping.
I follow pro rodeo pretty regularly and kept seeing advertisements for the No Limits Program. I admire the integrity and dedication of both Durfey and Crawford and was curious about what they were doing. Plus, I needed some help on the mechanics of my swing and had recently become interested in breakaway. Since dummy roping is a good place to start and something I could do after work in the yard, I decided to give it a go, although I was admittedly skeptical and read their cancellation policy before I signed up.
I’m writing this to say I am SO impressed. I use Pivo to record my practice on the ground and then upload the video to the private Facebook group asking specific questions. The feedback I have received is encouraging and insightful and made me much more cognizant of all the factors that go into the catch beyond just the actual catch. For example, I sometimes wind up with a figure eight in my loop during my swing, and can catch like that, but because my loop isn’t staying open, my percentage of success/catch rate is not going to be very good long term. I am not slowing my swing down and really learning what it takes to be correct, dynamic, and adaptable. Plus, as Tyson points out in his Biblical reference of “iron sharpens iron” it is helpful to be surrounded by folks who are working hard at something they are passionate about.
I’ve loved roping since I was eight years old and saw it at a rodeo in Black Creek, NC. I still remember the two guys team roping and the neon green rope cutting through the dust. I thought to myself “I’m going to learn how to do that one day.” When I finally did get my hands on a rope, I was not disappointed. There’s something calming about it to me; the methodical rhythm and yet the excitement of the catch. It was middle school when I first got some roping lesson, as a heeler, after my exhausted parents had made a million phone calls to potential instructors having to repeat over and over “no, she is not willing to ride English, and she wants somebody to teach her to rope.” It seemed like nobody in the eastern part of the state was available for that at the time. We eventually found the right fit, and I made a little progress, before life got in the way.
In the coming years I swung a rope based on what I had learned and what felt right, roping the post on our front porch endlessly. I got to accompany my mother on a business trip to Utah and met some folks on a local ranch who gave me an intro to goat tying, but again, life went on.
I went to a million rodeos and when I found my person, Keith, I was delighted that he too had a special love for rodeo and appreciation for roping. While living in SC, I took some roping lessons again, this time learning how to head, and tracking steers. They say don’t ever sell your saddle, but I’ve always been one to cling tighter to my rope, and now am thrilled to be surrounded by a community of folks who share a similar passion, even if it is virtual.
If you’re looking for some great sports psychology tips or want to start or improve your roping, come join me in the No Limits Mentorship Program.
It is absolutely worth it.
