American Cowboy Lost Skills of the Branding Pen Though practiced for over 150 years, the subtle techniques and etiquette of the branding pen aren’t always honored. Here are a few of the most important. BOB WELCH MAR 17, 2014 [NO LOPING] Sometimes, slow is fast. Most rope-and-drag brandings prefer the work be done smoothly and efficiently. A horse loping will likely stir up the herd unnecessarily. [STICK TO YOUR SIDE] Although it depends on the corral setup, often just two ropers will be in the h