A system for roping practice by horse mounted individuals uses a wheel mounted target simulating a live animal and a spring driven tow cable arrangement to impart movement to the target. The system includes means to restrain the target against movement until released by a latch actuated by a hand line held by the horse mounted person or an assistant. The target rolls freely on wheels and includes a brake that causes the target to stop quickly when the tow cable tension is relieved. Construction of the target frame is such that various commonly available molded plastic steer heads can be attached.