The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: a animal assembly that provides an up and down motion and simulates a hopping motion by the animal； a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame wherein the leg members are movable with respect to the frame and stimulate a running motion； an actuation assembly to move the leg members from a forward position to a rear position； and one or more indicia that indicates to the user when the leg members are in an optimal position for roping, and then they are not accessible for roping and then the legs are accessible for roping.
