Clay O'Brien Cooper
5 Seasons
"Be a student of the game." - Clay O'Brien Cooper. Clay O'Brien Cooper has competed in 29 National Finals Rodeos in his career bringing home 7 World Titles and has earned just over $3 million in career earnings. Cooper, a renowned figure in team roping, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his instructional series on Roping.com. As a multi-time World Champion Header, he shares essential techniques and strategies to enhance roping skills. Cooper's videos cover various aspects of heeling, mental preparation, and competition tactics, making them invaluable for ropers at all skill levels. His expertise, paired with practical insights, ensures that viewers gain the tools needed for success in the arena.
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Settling the Great Heel Loop Delivery Debate Once and For All
Episode 1
Trap or scoop? Handshake? Thumbs in? How exactly does The Champ view the heel loop delivery? This video breaks down Clay O’Brien Cooper’s theory on delivering the heel loop, with Jake Barnes’ take, too.
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07:15Episode 2
Why Heelers Miss
Episode 2
There are two common misses in heeling, and Clay O'Brien Cooper breaks them down.
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07:49Episode 3
Trap Vs. Scoop
Episode 3
Trap vs. scoop: What's the difference? Clay O'Brien Cooper explains the difference and the perfect combination of the two.
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01:36Episode 4
A Heeler's Rein Length
Episode 4
The difference between the tension on the left and right rein can affect the way a heel horse works through the corner. Seven-time World Champion Clay O'Brien Cooper talks about how he balances the feel in the bridle reins on each horse
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Heel Horses: Leaving in the Left or Right Lead?
Episode 5
Does it actually matter which lead your heel horse leaves in?
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02:09Episode 6
The Heeler's Grip
Episode 6
The way the heeler holds the rope in his or her hand affects the ability to swing fast and hard and control the tip.
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01:41Episode 7
Distance Between Your Hands
Episode 7
How much distance do you need between your hands and why? Clay O'Brien Cooper explains how the balance between his hands affects his roping.
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02:58Episode 8
Loop and Coil Size
Episode 8
How do you measure out your loop and coil size? Clay O'Brien Cooper has mastered the heel loop with these sizing suggestions.
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02:49Episode 9
Dally Safety
Episode 9
What's the best way to dally to keep your fingers safe when heeling? Clay O'Brien Cooper talks about how not to cut your fingers off when dallying.
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Scoring on Head Horses vs. Scoring on Heel Horses
Episode 10
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01:58Episode 11
Managing Heel Horses in the Box
Episode 11
A horse's experience in the box can depend on whether he's heading or heeling, but it doesn't have to. Clay O'Brien Cooper explains how to release your heel horse's anxiety as you wait for the header to nod.
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01:50Episode 12
Breaking the Heeling Barrier
Episode 12
There's little worse in team roping than breaking the heeling barrier. How do you avoid this huge mistake? Clay O'Brien Cooper explains.
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05:36Episode 13
The Bottom Strand
Episode 13
The key to a heel loop that catches two feet is the delivery of the bottom strand. Clay O'Brien Cooper explains the importance of using the bottom strand of your rope.
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Yes, Your Heel Horse Needs to Break at the Poll. Here's How.
Episode 14
How your heel horse responds to pressure from the bridle reins can make or break your run. In this video, Clay O'Brien Cooper talks through how he teaches his heel horses to break at the poll and how that affects the rest of his run.
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03:51Episode 15
Warmup for Big Stops
Episode 15
Each horse has unique needs in a warmup. Heel horses need a great stop, so building some stopping practice into your warmup is key.
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02:26Episode 16
Backing a Horse Off the Bridle
Episode 16
Too much run and try in your heel horse? Clay O'Brien Cooper talks about how he addresses that challenge and how he isolates the problem and makes a correction and a change.
