Chute Help

What Chute Help does

Chute Help, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned manufacturer of team roping and cattle equipment headquartered in Granbury, Texas, founded in 2011 by inventor Tom Gipson and his grandson Austin Laramore around a patented Fully Automatic Roping Chute. The company's flagship product is a US- and Canadian-patented gravity-powered roping chute that requires no electricity or compressed air, operated by a three-button LiftMaster remote or by hand, with an onboard 12V battery maintained by a solar panel. The mechanism is inspired by a self-winding Rolex watch and uses the weight of the animal itself to trigger back-gate cycling, enabling self-loading and single-person operation. Following Tom Gipson's passing in April 2022, ownership and operations passed to Carol Gipson and Austin Laramore (President), who now runs the business with his wife Katherine.

The product portfolio spans five categories: roping arena equipment (automatic and manual chutes, adjustable roping boxes, stripping chutes, sweeps, lead-ups, alley stops), arena accessories (Dirteater arena drags, water wagons, adjustable bale feeders), panels and gates (cattle guards), a full trailer line launched in 2024 (dump trailers, flatbed goosenecks, water wagons, horse trailers, stock trailers), and cattle equipment including a forthcoming squeeze chute. Pricing spans $50 replacement parts to $23,799.99 horse trailers, with flagship hardware in the $3,200–$5,200 range. Distribution is exclusively through an authorized retailer network spanning 16 western US states, with no direct-to-consumer channel. Go-to-market combines event sponsorships at major rodeos (Greeley Stampede, National Finals Rodeo, American Rope Horse Futurity), brand ambassadorships with NFR qualifiers, and content marketing across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The business model is hardware sales through independent retailers with family-controlled operations, no institutional capital, and an explicit target customer profile of ranch and property owners with 5–20 acres plus professional team ropers. Revenue, headcount within the 11–50 range, and detailed financial metrics are not publicly disclosed. Strategic direction is signaled through continued IP filings (a pending Fully Hydraulic Cattle Chute patent) and product line extensions, particularly the 2024–2025 trailer and cattle chute launches.

Name

Chute Help

Legal name

Chute Help, Inc.

Website

https://chutehelp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chute Help, Inc. is a Granbury, Texas-based, family-owned manufacturer of patented team roping and cattle equipment — including the Fully Automatic Roping Chute — sold exclusively through authorized retailers across 16 western US states, serving professional ropers, ranch owners, and rodeo event operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Granbury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Roping Equipment: Sale of proprietary roping chutes, roping boxes, lead-ups, sweeps, and related arena equipment. Products sold through authorized retailer network. Includes both automatic and manual chute models.
2. Trailers: Sale of CH trailer line including dump trailers, water wagons, flatbed gooseneck trailers, horse trailers, and stock trailers. Products sold through authorized retailers with freight quoted separately.
3. Cattle Equipment: Sale of cattle equipment including bale feeders, alley stops, calf inserts, and cattle guards. Also includes arena accessories like water wagons and arena drags.
4. Replacement Parts & Accessories: Sale of replacement components including solenoids, relays, remotes, receivers, solar panels, and circuit breakers for existing equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Chute Help manufactures and sells team roping, cattle handling, and arena equipment for individual ranchers, professional team ropers, and rodeo event operators. Its flagship offering is a patented Fully Automatic Roping Chute that operates without electricity or compressed air using a gravity-powered mechanism and a solar-assisted 12V battery system. The broader lineup covers roping arena accessories, cattle equipment, panels and gates, arena maintenance products, and a full trailer line, sold exclusively through authorized retailers across the western United States.

Product overview

Chute Help is a Texas-based manufacturer of team roping and cattle equipment offering a comprehensive product portfolio centered on its patented Fully Automatic Roping Chute. The core product line includes roping arena equipment (automatic and manual chutes, adjustable roping boxes, stripping chutes, sweeps, lead-ups, and alley stops), arena accessories (Dirteater arena drags, water wagons, bale feeders), a full trailer line (dump trailers, flatbed goosenecks, horse trailers, stock trailers), panels and gates, and replacement parts and accessories. The flagship Fully Automatic Roping Chute (US Patent & Canadian Utility Patented) operates without electricity or compressed air, using a gravity-inspired mechanism with solar panel for battery power, operated via three-button remote. Products are designed for properties of 5-20 acres and marketed as making properties 'Simply Awesome.'

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dirteater: Arena drag product line including hydraulic drags and ATV drags for arena maintenance

Products and services

• Fully Automatic Roping Chute (CH-1) Patent-protected flagship team roping chute requiring no electricity or compressed air, featuring self-loading ability operated by a three-button remote or by hand, with solar panel extending 12V battery life. Specifications: 89"L x 33"W x 74"H, 750 lbs, powder coated 14 gauge steel, 28" chute opening. Priced at $5,200 per unit and targeted at professional team ropers, serious amateurs, rodeo events, and ranch owners building home arenas.
• Fully Manual Roping Chute (CH-2A) Manual operation chute for team ropers demanding consistent runs, giving the operator full control over steer release timing. Built with heavy-duty steel and ranch-grade hardware with fast-opening front gates. Priced at $3,200 per unit.
• Pivoting Adjustable Roping Box Set (CHBX-1) Heavy-built 4" pipe roping boxes with adjustable pivoting Chute Help technology, adjustable at 18', 16', 14' and 12' lengths. Features pivoting leg for easy clean out and leveling, powder coated with premium coating. Priced at $3,600 per set.
• Easy Exit Stripping Chute with Ramp (CH-5) Advancement in roping arena technology with adjustable dual alley stops preventing animals from backing out. Features Chute Help Steer Guides to prevent lateral movements and keep horns elevated for easy rope removal. Priced at $2,700 per unit.
• Open Sweep (CHOS-1) Helps steers and calves transition easily from return alley into Straight Lead Ups. Features 10' gate latching in three positions, easily operated while on horseback. Ships in 4 pieces with powder coated finish. Priced at $2,800 per unit.
• No Stop 90 (CH-8) Guides steers and calves allowing direction changes without seeing an endpoint. Built from 14-gauge steel with larger space between top and second rail for easy horn wrapping. Specifications: 60"L x 30"W x 60"H, 350 lbs, 20" chute opening. Priced at $1,900 per unit.
• Collapsible Lead Up Kit (CH-7-8KIT) Innovative collapsible design in 8', 10' and 12' sizes with removable dual alley stops. Assembly takes less than 5 minutes. Priced at $1,000.
• Straight Lead Up with Dual Alley Stops (CH-7) Transitions roping cattle into single file line preventing double loading with larger space between top and second rail for horn wrapping. Equipped with dual alley stops preventing backing out. Priced at $1,400 per unit.
• Fully Automatic Breakaway Calf Chute (CH-9) Innovative automatic calf chute requiring no electricity or compressed air, featuring self-loading ability operated by one button remote or by hand. Low maintenance with solar panel extending 12V battery life. Priced at $4,800.
• Dirteater Arena Drag (CHDE-1, CHDE-2) 6' and 8' hydraulic arena drags with easy 3-point hook up system, 4 hydraulic hose hookups, and adjustable wheel kit. Multiple manual and hydraulic adjustment points with visual measuring benchmarks for ripping, granulating, and leveling. Built of grade 50 hardened steel. Priced at $3,600.
• Dirteater ATV Drag (CHDE-3) 5' ATV arena drag easily connected to ATV with at least 50hp. Features leveler, tines, and granulator for home arena setup.
• Water Wagon (CHWW) Holds 500, 1000 or 1,500 gallons with 2-7K axles, 14ply tires (235/80R16), Honda WL20XM pump (45 Max PSI), 50ft 1" fire hose and 30ft 2" suction hose. Used for fire prevention, arena soaking, and dust control. Not for potable water. Priced at $10,000.
• Adjustable Bale Feeder (CHBF-1) Ships flat with two height adjustments for horses and cattle, 1" drain holes in feed pan. Holds round or square bales with optional retractable cover. Made to last up to 10 years. Specifications: 8'L x 5'W, 917 lbs. Priced at $2,100.
• Calf Insert (CH-3) Adds calf chute functionality to steer chute. Fits directly into Chute Help chute and some other brand chutes. Pivoting alley stop adjustable, installs/removes in 90 seconds. Specifications: 54"L x 18"W x 19"H, 40 lbs, 14 gauge steel. Priced at $500.
• No Cross Cattle Guard (CHCG-1) Available in 16', 14', 12' and 10' lengths with 2-3/8" pipe surface and 19# x 12" I-beam frame. Sturdy enough to mount a gate.
• Dump Trailer (CHGDT) Gooseneck and bumper pull models with 7ga floor on 3/16" frame. Standard features include mega toolbox, extra long control lead, industrial grade 5" bore double acting cylinder, combo gates, welded D-rings, and tarp with bungee chord hooks. Priced at $10,500.
• Flatbed Gooseneck Trailer (CHGNT) Deckover trailer with heavy 14lb I-beam frame and neck, 4" torsion tube for flex mediation. Features mega tool box, available in various axle configurations with options for heavier axles, sliding ratchets, and mega ramps.
• Easy Rider Horse Trailer (CHER) Available in 3 and 4 horse sizes with gooseneck and bumper pull options. Features steel frame and body on 6k torsion axles, double hinged tack room door with swing out saddle rack, drop down windows, welded D-rings, slant dividers with rumber board floor. Available in multiple powder coat colors. Priced at $23,799.99.
• Ranch Rig Stock Trailer (CHRR) Stock-combination trailer for hauling cattle, horses, and livestock. Available in 20', 24', 28', 30', 32', 36', and 40' lengths with or without tack room. Features Shelby livestock plank board flooring or upgraded cleated LUG flooring, two 4' escape gates, cut gate with sliding alley gate.

Quantifiable outcome

• Self-loading ability eliminates need for additional personnel to load cattle
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• TechFWminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Nonprofit organization helping entrepreneurs launch and grow emerging technology companies. Austin Laramore is a member and has spoken on panels and participated in interviews through TechFW to further grow his network and business connections. Hayden Blackburn at TechFW helped introduce Laramore to key experts.
• American Rope Horse FuturitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe largest and most prestigious horse futurity event utilizes Chute Help products. All team roping athletes competing at the event rope out of Chute Help products twice per year. This event serves as a major showcase for the brand among professional competitors.
• Cesar de la CruzcoreOthers9-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier who serves as a brand ambassador. Uses Chute Help products at his personal arena and creates content for the company. Credited as team roping heeler and influential voice in the professional roping community.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pearson Ranch Equipment: Pearson (often sold under Pearson Ranch Equipment) builds roping arena systems, boxes, and cattle equipment. It competes directly with Chute Help in adjustable roping boxes, lead-ups, and arena packages marketed to team ropers and ranchers.
• Priefert: Priefert is one of the largest US manufacturers of roping chutes, cattle handling equipment, and ranch infrastructure. It directly competes with Chute Help in automatic and manual roping chutes, alley equipment, and arena products, with a much broader catalog and deeper distribution.
• Classic Equine: Classic Equine designs and sells performance horse equipment, including training and arena products used by team ropers. It targets the same professional and amateur team roping customer base as Chute Help with complementary (and partially overlapping) arena equipment.
• Heel-O-Matic: Heel-O-Matic specializes in automatic team roping chutes and is the closest direct competitor to Chute Help's flagship product. It competes head-to-head in the professional and amateur team roping market for self-loading chute mechanisms.
• Martin Saddlery: Martin Saddlery is a long-standing maker of ropes, tack, and roping-related equipment used by team ropers. While primarily a tack brand, it competes for share of wallet among the same professional and amateur team roping customer base that buys Chute Help chutes and boxes.
• Arrowhead Equipment: Arrowhead builds portable roping arenas, roping chutes, and arena accessories marketed to team ropers and property owners. It is a direct competitor in the home-arena and portable-arena category that Chute Help targets with its 5-20 acre property positioning.
• Powder River: Powder River manufactures cattle handling equipment, panels, gates, and squeeze chutes used by ranchers and rodeo operators. It overlaps with Chute Help's cattle equipment line (alley stops, cattle guards, squeeze chute coming soon) and competes for the same ranch and property owner buyer.

Broad incumbents

• Tarter USA: Tarter is one of the largest US farm, ranch, and rodeo equipment manufacturers, producing gates, panels, chutes, and trailers. It competes with Chute Help across multiple categories (cattle equipment, arena accessories, trailer line) as a broad incumbent rather than a roping-chute specialist.
• Behlen Country: Behlen Country manufactures livestock equipment, gates, panels, feeders, and ranch products sold through farm-and-ranch retail channels. It overlaps with Chute Help's panels, gates, bale feeders, and cattle equipment lines as a broader agricultural equipment incumbent.

Others

• C-A-L Ranch Stores: C-A-L Ranch is a multi-state western US farm and ranch retail chain that is both a Chute Help authorized retailer and a competing seller of competing brands' roping and cattle equipment. It is comparable as the dominant shelf-space gatekeeper for the customer segment Chute Help targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TheChuteHelp
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChuteHelp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chute-help-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/chutehelpinc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chute Help