Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Animal/Equine
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Shea Porr
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Goat tying is a very competitive college rodeo event. In this competition, the rider gallops toward a goat staked in the arena, dismounts as the horse continues to gallop, sprints to the goat, flips the goat onto its side (flanking), and ties three legs together. Successful and fast runs require consistency and accuracy of various movements during the run, and there are several flanking styles goat tyers can use. This study evaluated goat tying runs within the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), Ozark Region. The objectives were to determine 1) if the method of flanking affected performance consistency, and 2) where errors most often occurred during a run. It was predicted that if goat tyers practiced and competed using the flank and gather style, they would have more consistent runs. It was hypothesized that most errors would occur while tying the goat’s legs. Goat tyers were asked to participate in the study, which included responding to a survey and allowing videotapes of runs during collegiate rodeos throughout the study period. Surveys collected information on tying experience, preferred flanking style, and practice habits. Videos were evaluated for errors and flanking success, with a successful flank defined as the rider flanking the goat using the style they reported in their survey. Preliminary results from four rodeos showed that there were only 9 successful flanks out of 24 runs completed. The 9 successful flanks included 4 different styles. Of the nine, no single rider had successful flanks at all four rodeos. Also, most errors occurred during the flank, while errors in tying the goat’s legs was a close second. Results from this study may help goat tyers improve performances in the future, however, more data needs to be collected to clarify preliminary results.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Other (Please write in)
Other Scholars Week Event
Presentation to take place during an Honors College panel
GOAT TYING STYLES IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE CONSISTENCY IN RODEO COMPETITORS
Goat tying is a very competitive college rodeo event. In this competition, the rider gallops toward a goat staked in the arena, dismounts as the horse continues to gallop, sprints to the goat, flips the goat onto its side (flanking), and ties three legs together. Successful and fast runs require consistency and accuracy of various movements during the run, and there are several flanking styles goat tyers can use. This study evaluated goat tying runs within the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), Ozark Region. The objectives were to determine 1) if the method of flanking affected performance consistency, and 2) where errors most often occurred during a run. It was predicted that if goat tyers practiced and competed using the flank and gather style, they would have more consistent runs. It was hypothesized that most errors would occur while tying the goat’s legs. Goat tyers were asked to participate in the study, which included responding to a survey and allowing videotapes of runs during collegiate rodeos throughout the study period. Surveys collected information on tying experience, preferred flanking style, and practice habits. Videos were evaluated for errors and flanking success, with a successful flank defined as the rider flanking the goat using the style they reported in their survey. Preliminary results from four rodeos showed that there were only 9 successful flanks out of 24 runs completed. The 9 successful flanks included 4 different styles. Of the nine, no single rider had successful flanks at all four rodeos. Also, most errors occurred during the flank, while errors in tying the goat’s legs was a close second. Results from this study may help goat tyers improve performances in the future, however, more data needs to be collected to clarify preliminary results.