The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: an animal assembly including a front, a rear, a frame, and a pivot that provides an up and down motion and simulates a hopping motion by an animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame wherein the leg members are movable with respect to the frame and simulate a running motion; and an actuation assembly to move the leg members from a forward position when the leg members touch the ground, during a stride such that the leg members are in contact with the ground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg members are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are off the ground from the rear position to the front position.
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