Mix It Up

Roping practice can become routine, and often ropers who do well in the practice arena don't perform well in rodeo's and jackpots. Many agree that it's a whole different experience with the competion factor. One way to liven up your practice sessions is to throw in a practice-arena jackpot. A few bucks, drinks or some other nominal prize sets the stage for a little friendly competion. The photos shows a recent Sunday jackpot at the Camarillo's arena in Oakdale, minus hundreds of spectators and other competitors. (Jerold Camarillo is kneeling). There were pros, young, old, novice alike in the mix. A round robin draw let everyone rope together and there was enough competition to rattle a few ropers, but in a good way. Jerold says he has often seen individuals really shine in the practice pen that have a hard time transitioning to a performance. This can be a good way to bring that experience into the mix. Jerold also described a story from a few years ago when brother Leo roped 50 head a day for 3 straight days, under a stop watch relentlessly practicing in 100 degree heat. He did everything he could to put self-induced pressure on himself to get tuned up for his next competition. Treating a practice session like a real performance benefits the weekend jackpot roper too. Rather than just going to the arena again today, roping a few, give an impromptu jackpot a try. Put a couple of bucks in the hat and see if it make you step up your practice session to the next level. You'll be better prepared for real competition the next time.