If only one hind leg is caught, the team receives a five-second penalty. Women's breakaway roping is a modification and adaption of the men's calf roping. The horse must leave the box with a great burst of speed to catch the calf a short distance outside the gate. The loop is dabbed around the escaping calf's head and the rope, which is tied to the saddlehorn, breaks away from the saddle when the slack is pulled tight. A handkerchief is tied to the end of the rope to signal when time should stop.
Goat tying is the only woman's event that requires fast footwork and agile dexterity on the ground.
With a goat tied at the end of the arena, the cowgirl's time begins when she crosses the starting line at the other side on a full run on her horse. The cowgirl dismounts running, catches the squirming goat, throws him down, and ties any three legs. The time stops when she signals the end of her tie by throwing her hands in the air. The goat must stay tied for six seconds. Barrel racing is the oldest and most competitive girl's college rodeo event.