Rope connecting device and method

A method of training for a rodeo event to retrieve a rope lassoed over a targeted object, said method comprising:

• (i) providing a breakaway device having a stem, a first hook formed at one end of the stem, and a second hook formed at an opposite end of the stem, each of the hooks having respective openings and respective gaps defined as spaces between ends of the hooks and abutting surfaces of the stem;
• (ii) providing a length of rope having a first end of the rope held by a user, a second end of the rope including a large loop of the rope and a knot formed adjacent the second end of the rope, the second end of the rope further having a short extension wrapped around the rope and routed back towards said knot, said device connected to the rope such that one hook receives a portion of the large loop adjacent the knot, and the other hook receives a portion of the rope adjacent the second end of the rope;
• (iii) throwing the rope over a targeted object such that the large loop lassoes the targeted object;
• (iv) tightening of the rope with adequate force such that tension causes the rope to break free from the device by opening of one of the hooks allowing the portion of rope captured by the hook to pass through the corresponding gap.