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.
Wesley focuses on keeping the horse’s shoulders elevated through the corner, maintaining drive from the hind end, and avoiding common issues like shouldering in—especially on steers that roll left. He breaks down how to use consistent contact without over-pulling, and how to cue a stop that happens after the rope lands, not before.
This is a real-world tune-up on a broke heel horse: no overcorrection, just refining position, timing, and responsiveness. For ropers with finished horses that occasionally get lazy or anticipate the throw, this video shows how to keep things dialed in without overdoing it.
Up Next in Heeling Fundamentals
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Wesley Thorp: Tuning Up a Heel Horse ...
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...
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Heel Loop Angles
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.
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On Heeling and Baseball | Loop Placement
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.
