In this episode, Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper focus on details that separate good practice from great preparation. Jake rides a seasoned 17-year-old horse—one he admits he almost overlooked in the past—and shares how this horse has become one of his best yet. From Ariat World Series of Team Roping runs to ProRodeo, Jake reminds ropers that you’re only as good as your horse.

In this video, they explain:

Jake’s advice on finding—and appreciating—the right horse for your program

Why even veteran horses still have something to teach you every run

Clay’s insights on rope care—how not dallying correctly or not at all while practicing can damage your coils and affect your timing

How headers missing slack can throw off heelers’ timing, and what partners can do to stay in sync

Why Clay adds extra swings in practice to change the pattern and keep his horse mentally sharp

Jake’s take on roping different types of steers to prepare for anything you’ll face in jackpots or rodeos

Real-time critiques from both Jake and Clay as they analyze each run and what they’d adjust next time

Part of the Barnes & Cooper: Inside the Practice Pen series, this episode digs into the fine points of partnership, horse selection, and practice habits that build long-term success in and out of the arena.