Stationary roping practice target apparatus

Abstract

A stationary roping practice target apparatus that simulates at least a portion of a running animal to serve as a roping practice target can comprise a frame configured to rest on a substantially flat surface during use, a motor that is attached to that frame, and first and second leg appendages that are pivotally attached to the frame and that are operably coupled to the motor. When the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus, these leg appendages move cyclically between forward positions and rearward positions to thereby imitate the rear legs of a running animal and thereby provide a realistic roping practice target.

1 . A stationary roping practice target apparatus that simulates at least a portion of a running animal to serve as a roping practice target, the stationary roping practice target apparatus comprising:
 a frame configured to rest on a flat surface during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus;   a motor attached to the frame;   a first and a second leg appendage pivotally attached to the frame and being operably coupled to the motor, such that when the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus, the first and second leg appendages move cyclically between a forward position and a rearward position to thereby imitate rear legs of a running animal and provide a roping practice target.   
     
     
         2 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the stationary roping practice target apparatus weighs at least fifty pounds. 
     
     
         3 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one spring configured to bias the first and second leg appendage towards the forward position. 
     
     
         4 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the motor operates at between 35 and 55 revolutions per minute. 
     
     
         5 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the motor operates at about 45 revolutions per minute, such that the first and second leg appendages move cyclically between the forward position and the rearward position at a rate of about 45 cycles per minute. 
     
     
         6 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a portable power supply supported by the frame and which is selectively connectable to the motor to provide operating power to the motor. 
 
     
     
         7 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 6  further comprising:
 a switch supported by the frame and operably connected between the motor and the portable power supply to thereby selectively control provision of power from the portable power supply to the motor. 
 
     
     
         8 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second leg appendage each have an overall shape that resembles hind legs of a quadruped. 
     
     
         9 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the first and second leg appendage each have a size that matches the hind legs of the quadruped. 
     
     
         10 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the quadruped comprises a steer. 
     
     
         11 . The stationary roping practice target apparatus of  claim 1  wherein neither the first nor the second leg appendage touch the flat surface when the motor is operating during use of the stationary roping practice target apparatus.