A miniaturized steer roping practice apparatus may comprise a mobile base comprising a frame, an axle rotatably mounted on the frame to rotate about a rotation axis in a forward rotational direction for forward movement and a rearward rotational direction for rearward movement, and at least one drive wheel mounted on the axle. The apparatus may further comprise at least one leg movable with respect to the base, a leg actuation assembly configured to move the at least one leg in conjunction with rotation of the drive wheel, a cover mounted on the mobile base and having an exterior surface with a resemblance to a steer, and a motivating assembly configured to drive the axle in the forward rotational direction using stored energy. The motivating assembly may be configured to store energy by rotation of the axle in the rearward rotational direction.