In this video brought to you by Professional’s Choice, Patrick Smith and Tanner Tomlinson transition from the fast-paced short score at Austin into getting ready for the legendary BFI, where longer scores reign supreme. The 2022 NFR average champions explain how to keep your horse focused and engaged—whether making a run or when you’re scoring.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see in scoring with lower-numbered ropers is they get everything ready, their legs are tense, and they’re pulling on the reins when they’re actually making a run—and then when they score, they’ll just sit completely quiet, loose reins, relaxed legs.”

Watch Making the Most of Scoring Drills:

About Patrick Smith:

Patrick Smith is a two-time team roping World Champion heeler and 12-time NFR qualifier. Smith has deep ties in West Texas’s oilfield business, meaning he understands as much as the everyday roper how critical it is to balance day-to-day life with time in the arena. His easy-to-understand teaching style will improve your roping at every level, from horsemanship basics to heeling fast. Smith also brings with him his DVD collection, including Driven, Driven 2.0 and Legend, streaming exclusively on Roping.com. 

About Tanner Tomlinson:

In 2020, the Angleton, Texas, header was crowned the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Rookie of the Year and finished out the season in the top 40 of the PRCA world standings. In 2021, he joined up with two-time World Hhampion heeler Patrick Smith and finished out the year ranked 30th. In 2022, Tomlinson and Smith finished as the average champions at the NFR and overall reserve champions.