Despite first appearances, goat tying requires considerable skill and athletic ability. Starting line will be 70 feet from the goat. The goat should be tied to a stake with a rope at least 8 feet long and the stake should not be visible from the ground. The contestant must ride her horse to the goat, dismount and throw the goat by hand. If the goat is down when contestant reaches the goat, it must be stood up and re-thrown . The rider must then tie any three legs together with a "piggin string" and stand clear. The goat's legs must remain crossed and secured for 6 seconds after completion of the tie. Same rules apply for Tail Tying except the contestant dismounts, straddles the goat and ties a ribbon around the Tail.