Training a rope horse that the average roper can comfortably ride involves specific techniques that go beyond the methods used by elite professionals. While extensive time is dedicated to preparing these horses for competition, a key aspect of our program focuses on making them accessible and rideable for a wider range of skill levels. This approach emphasizes practicality and consistency, ensuring that horses are not only well-patterned but also forgiving for riders who may not possess the precise hand control of top NFR competitors. We believe that by adapting training methods to reflect the riding style of the everyday roper, we can develop horses that are both effective and approachable.
Riding Like the Average Joe
A significant difference in our training philosophy lies in how we ride the horses, aiming to mirror the style of everyday ropers rather than elite trainers. While top-level trainers often minimize left-hand use, many lower-numbered ropers utilize the reins more consistently throughout the run. Our goal is to pattern the horse and ensure they are moving correctly, while simultaneously teaching them to accept rein pressure. This allows the horse to maintain a good position and perform its job effectively, even when the rider’s hand is not perfectly positioned. We focus on building a horse that is comfortable with a roper on the reins, rather than one that only responds to subtle cues.
Horse Selection: The Quiet Competitor
The selection of a rope horse is crucial, with a primary focus on a horse’s inherent desire to remain calm and composed. We are more inclined to select a horse that might be a bit more spirited initially, as we can condition them through repetition. The ability to continue running steers until the horse settles and demonstrates a quiet demeanor is a key indicator. If a horse consistently shows a willingness to be calm, even after several runs, it becomes a much easier prospect to work with and prepare for the box. Horses that naturally exhibit this quietness are the easiest to score and manage.
Mastering the Corner: Part 1
In modern roping, many horses do not need to drag a hind leg or sidepass extensively out of the turn. The sport has evolved, and horses are trained to react dynamically. When a roper reaches and ducks, the horse naturally turns its head left, positioning its ribs and hips towards the steer. Athletic horses can maintain this position and face effectively. It’s rare to see a horse that stands up abruptly, drags a leg, and steps in front of the roper after a throw.
Mastering the Corner: Part 2
Our ideal scenario involves the horse running to the designated spot, holding its position, allowing the roper to throw, dally, and then turn off smoothly. We aim to avoid horses that excessively swing their hips and ribs under the rope. Instead, a smooth, rounded turn is preferred, where the horse maintains its leg position and widens slightly. The emphasis is on a fluid roll with the head and front end elevated. Many riders mistakenly believe a fancy, “butt-dragging” corner is essential, but this can be significantly more challenging for the average rider to manage.
Training a horse to execute a demanding butt-dragging, sidepassing corner is a time-consuming process. It is far more efficient to train a horse to simply rope and turn off cleanly. Horses ridden by top professionals like Trevor Brazile and Miles Baker are often larger and stronger, enabling them to control the steer through these intricate maneuvers. Their rigorous training programs produce exceptionally broke horses, but this level of training takes considerable time and investment. In contrast, a horse that runs to the spot, turns off smoothly, and remains controlled is developed much faster and is more accessible to the average roper who may not be able to handle a highly sensitive or overly broke animal.
Smooth Patterning for Heel Horses
Heel horses generally present fewer challenges in the box as they don’t require the same level of precise cornering as head horses. We rarely use a butt bar for either head or heel horses, preventing them from learning to lean on it. Our training focuses on having the horse run down the pen, hold a position when cued, and then turn loose around the corner. They are trained to stay in that position for a few strides before the heel is thrown, keeping the process simple and fluid.
The critical element for heel horses is to avoid throwing too fast, unless the horse is too free and doesn’t anticipate the throw. In such cases, we might throw fast for a short period to encourage anticipation, then gradually return to a more standard throw. We often rope the horse at separation as they move away, requiring the horse to read our body language to initiate that separation. Ideally, the steer should drag the horse through the corner. This consistent patterning and repetition are key. We also introduce different riders, including a young rider like my son Haze, to truly test the horse’s training. If Haze can rope on them, we know the horse is progressing well.
