In breakaway roping, a calf is loaded inside the roping chute, and the roper positions themselves on the right side (heeler’s side) of the chute. The breakaway roper waits in the box’s corner with the calf in the chute until their horse stands squarely facing forward. Once ready, the roper nods, and a chute operator opens the gate, allowing the calf to enter the arena.

A small rope is looped around the calf’s neck, connected to a rope barrier in front of the roper and their horse. This rope barrier breaks when the calf moves a sufficient distance from the chute, providing it with a head start over the horse and roper. As the force of the calf leaving the chute triggers the release of the neck rope, the roper is allowed to leave the box.

Once out of the box, the roper’s horse chases the calf from behind, positioning the roper to lasso the calf around the neck in a bell-collar catch. Upon catching the calf, the roper brings their horse to an abrupt stop, tightening the rope and breaking the small string connecting it to the saddle horn. This action marks the end of the run and stops the clock.