CUT STRINGS CUT TIME

WHY CUT YOUR GOAT TYING STRINGS?

To get a faster time in goat tying, your hands have to come off the string faster to get a flag. The shorter the string, the faster the tie. Just like in breakaway, I cut off the excess that slows down my time and that I do not use. I found cutting my strings made it easier to handle and I was less likely to bobble. Not every shoe fits every person, so you have to make your equipment fit to you and your style!

Store your new strings straight in a PVC pipe. This keeps them in shape and snappy. Break in your string by tying a goat or dummy a few times. You’ll notice the tail end you aren’t using will not be affected by tying (the crowns will not be roughing up).

Take into consideration how you carry your string; left or right side of your mouth, in your back pocket and/or through your belt loop(s), the distance you hold your head from the goats legs, and your arm length. The standard goat string is 56–58" in length. I am 5'9 and I like my strings cut to 49". The shortest I have tied with is 45". Only using strings for 10–12 competition runs, I’ll cut my older strings to different lengths to practice with.

HOW TO CUT YOUR STRINGS

Measure off where you want to cut your strings.

Wrap electric tape tightly around the end to prevent unraveling.

Cut 1/2–1" below the electric tape to remove the excess end off. I never burned the end- the tape holds and I liked the consistent end feel.

Always keeping fresh strings and having practice strings along with competition strings will take your goat tying to the next level. Make the investment to buy new strings!! I want to be consistent every time I make a run in the arena, and it starts my equipment and horse working.

You can check that you have the right length by making sure when you complete your tie that you have equal lengths coming out of either side of the knot.

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