Roping instructor offers lessons, TV show based at Little Bear Ranch
By DAVID LOWE Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY GABE WOLF Magnus Equine Unlimited employee Ruben Gonzales charges through a practice run as a header while roping instructor Tyler Magnus watches. Magnus and his sister Leah, partner in Magnus Equine, offer roping schools, horse boarding and trail rides at Little Bear Ranch north of Lampasas and will be organizing a slate of 10 to 12 ropings a year at the facility.

Tyler Magnus, nine-time National Finals Rodeo competitor and host of "The Roping Show" on RFD-TV, has moved his program to Little Bear Ranch.

Magnus Equine Unlimited conducts team roping schools and films "The Roping Show," which airs Thursdays at noon and 10 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., at the 1,400- acre ranch north of Lampasas. Little Bear's stables, office space and covered, 285-by-125-foot arena convinced Magnus and his sister, Leah -- his partner in Magnus Equine Unlimited -- to move their operation from Llano to Lampasas County.

"It was a good fit for our business and our customers," Magnus said. "There's no other place like this that has all these opportunities."

Tyler Magnus shows Whitefish, Mont., resident Donna Harrison where to aim during a heeling drill at Little Bear Ranch. Mrs. Harrison's recent practice session served as her first experience in roping.

The roping coach has instructed clients from Brazil, Australia, Canada and Mexico. Magnus Equine began offering lessons in December and already has customers booked from Florida, Montana and Canada.

"It's not so much a Western sport anymore," he said. "People from all over are discovering they can get involved."

Magnus' clients have included professional athletes -- from pitchers to basketball players and golfers -- country musicians and numerous beginning team ropers.

"The Roping Show," a 30-minute program featuring roping tips, rodeo highlights, interviews, clips from Magnus Equine's schools and a peak at life on the rodeo circuit, has helped introduce beginners to team roping, Leah Magnus said.

"The beginner level is growing really fast," she said of the sport. "The show kind of cuts down the intimidation factor."

Magnus Equine began filming "The Roping Show," which attracts about 500,000 viewers a week, about two and a half years ago. By showing footage from lessons as well as from professional rodeos, the program offers viewers just learning the sport a close look at the tricks of successful roping, Magnus said. While many magazines offer hints, video highlights of ropings allow fans a visual comparison of various styles.

"There are lots of magazines where people read about it," Magnus said. "With a TV show you can actually see why it works, and why it doesn't."

As much as 75 percent of Magnus Equine's customers compete as amateur or hobby ropers, Ms. Magnus said.

Some develop their interest in the sport after gaining experience in cutting, reigning or trail riding, she added.

With skill-level handicaps, supportive fans at events and slow calves in competitions designed specifically for beginners, team roping can be a true "family sport," Tyler Magnus said. The 1995 NFR winner travels to 50 or 60 ropings per year and will join up with Charly Crawford in team roping during the 2008 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit.

Family time means just as much to Magnus as buckles, though. His wife and children typically travel with him to rodeos, and Magnus' eight-year-old son Truman is starting to rope.

"That's more fun for me than going (to rodeos) just for myself," Magnus said.

Magnus Equine will organize 10 to 12 ropings annually, and Little Bear Ranch will play host to barrel racing competitions and the Riata Roundup, he said.

Along with organizing and entering rodeo contests, the roper enjoys selling, training and competing with a variety of horses. Those interested in roping should buy a horse that fits their life, Magnus said, meaning a buyer who doesn't have much time to ride should not buy a horse that requires a substantial amount of training.

He also advises buyers to seek advice from several successful horse owners they respect before purchasing an animal.

With the expanding viewership of "The Roping Show" and with thousands of visits per day to www.theropingshow.com, Magnus Equine will continue to offer advice and highlights from its new Lampasas County location.

"We provide a learning service for people and let them see what roping is really like," he said.