Joseph Harrison introduces Boujee, whose registered name is New One Time Blues. By One Time Pepto and out of New Baby Blues, Boujee has earned around $400,000 and was named the 2025 BFI Heel Horse. Harrison has had him for three years, and he belongs to Gucci Equine and stands at Outlaw Equine. S...

Joseph Harrison breaks down the fundamentals of building and delivering an effective heel loop. He explains the three parts of the loop: the tip for aim, the spoke for navigation and the bottom strand for the brakes. He also explains how each part affects the rope's movement. Harrison explains ho...

Clay O'Brien Cooper breaks down one of the fundamental dynamics of the swing: you are either a locker or a roller. He demonstrates both on the dummy, walking through the advantages and disadvantages of each and how rope speed factors into both styles. There is no right or wrong answer, just what ...

In this conversation, Wesley Thorp and Ryan Motes share the influences that shaped their styles—breaking down what they learned studying ropers like Rich Skelton, Cory Petska, and Clay Cooper. From Rich’s unmatched consistency in holding perfect position, to Cory’s elite swing angles, to Clay’s a...

In this video, Three-time World Champion Heeler Wesley Thorp works a seasoned 9-year-old gelding that’s seen plenty of runs—from amateur rodeos to World Series jackpots. This horse is solid, but after a few days off, it’s time to knock the rust off and get him sharp before the next jackpot.
Wesle...

Three-time World Champion Heeler Wesley Thorp shares a detailed, no-frills session bringing a 10-year-old mare back into form after time off. This video shows how he builds a horse’s confidence, balance, and timing from the back end—focusing on collection through the corner, holding position, and...

Clay O’Brien Cooper is the master of the heel loop, and in this video, he explains a common problem he sees with lower number heelers who come to his roping schools. Cooper explains how the angle of the heel loop stays consistent throughout the heeler’s delivery.

American Champion heeler Ryan Motes talks through heeling theory and loop placement in an exclusive clinic to Key Card members at the 2022 US Finals.

Two-time World Champion Patrick Smith spends a day fine-tuning a teenage 3 heeler, working on ground-fundamentals, position, timing, delivery and more. Smith addresses the often-overlooked horsemanship aspects of heeling, too, in order to get to the root of any issues. 

Are you slamming your rope down to dally? Matt Sherwood explains how you should finish your run with your heel rope. 

Keeping your tip down over the steer's back is critical for catching two feet. In this quick tip, Patrick Smith works with a student to emphasize sticking to fundamentals throughout the learning process.

A good heeling donkey can be a critical element to a heeler and horse trainer's program. Clay O'Brien Cooper has long kept a burro around his arena to heel. Here's why.

How should team ropers hold the reins and their coils? World Champion Matt Sherwood shows the right way to control your horse and your rope with your left hand.

Junior Nogueira breaks down sled roping runs at the Smarty Young Pro camp.

There are two common misses in heeling, and Clay O'Brien Cooper breaks them down.

Jake Barnes explains the fundamentals of bits and tie-downs and how to bridle a bit for a beginner.

The heeler’s first swing is critical. Here’s how to master it. 

Trap vs. scoop: What's the difference? Clay O'Brien Cooper explains the difference and the perfect combination of the two.

In this iconic Roping.com throwback, the late, legendary Rickey Green walks you through the fundamentals of heeling.

How should you heel a heeling donkey or burro? Clay O'Brien Cooper breaks down his practice plan on a heeling donkey based on what he's trying to accomplish on each horse.

Position is crucial when heeling. Walt Woodard breaks down why heelers struggle when heeling.

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.