Fourteen-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Ricky Canton broke the world tie-down roping record, Thursday, July 28, during the second round of the Strathmore (Alberta) Stampede.

“It was a fast setup, it looked like you could be six fairly easily—if anything,” Canton said. “But getting down that low is a little different.”

That low was 6.3 seconds—but don’t look for it to change the Navasota, Texas, cowboy.

“I’m pretty laid-back so it’s no great big thing, but it does mean something to get to my age and tie one that fast.” Canton turned 40 in September.

The previous record was 6.5 seconds, held jointly by five-time world champion Cody Ohl at the 2003 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Clint Robinson last year in Amarillo, Texas.

Canton roped and tied the black and white spotted calf, using three swings and a wrap and hooey. Canton’s previous personal best time was 6.9 seconds.

“I kind of figured I was six, the day before I had seen them tie them in 7 flat, and I felt like my run came together a little quicker than that, but I didn’t know it was quite that fast,” he added.

In our latest Web survey, we asked respondents about home schooling for the purpose of attending more rodeos and ropings. Only about 2 percent of respondents have either been home schooled or home school their children. However, the comments regarding the overall philosophy of home schooling varied widely. About half of the respondents are parents and the other half aren’t. Here is what some of our readers had to say about the idea.

It gives them better opportunities for rodeo competing. They have more time to practice.

I believe it’s a good thing but that’s just me. As long as they’re gettin’ their schoolin’ then its alright.

Home schooling could be a real timesaver for the education that IS required today. Junior Rodeo is also an educator, but a different kind. Learning to participate and compete with others and experience both the excitement and self-accomplishment in winning and by showing good sportsmanship when others win. A good rodeo is one of the best educators you can receive from both the participants and the livestock!

That seems an excessive measure in order to compete in rodeos. Home schooling, if practiced, should be for academic reasons only. I believe there are benefits for children attending school.

If a kid really loves rodeo, let them, but keeping them motivated due to the lack of friends or other sports is going to be hard.

I don’t believe a child should be home schooled for the purpose of attending more rodeos or ropings.

I don’t have any kids at this point, but, a child’s education is the most important developmental stage in their life. On the other hand, rodeoing can instill characteristics that are needed in today’s society. Rodeoing can teach children to keep their head up, even if things aren’t going the way they want them to. It can also teach them strategy, which can be a valuable asset as they enter the business world. I hope ya’ll write about this subject.

I really agree with home schooling, my kids just aren’t old enough to attend junior rodeos yet.

Education MUST be a priority. Not many people get to make a living with a rope in hand.

It is easier to go to rodeos and rope at home when you are home schooled.

If the parents can school the kids well, then O.K., but if they keep them out of school just so the kids can rodeo and do a poor job on the schooling, shame on them.

I think that they should make home schooling a have-to for attending more junior rodeos. STW