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 ability to adjust to any horse and find the shot, they explain how the best in the game manage momentum, control the turn, and stay patient under pressure.
They also dive into the most common mistake they see—getting too close in the corner—and how learning to hold your lane, ride to the tracks, and wait for the steer’s move changes everything. Whether you’re building your style or trying to fix timing and positioning issues, this is a masterclass in what really wins—not just roping fast, but roping right.
Up Next in Heeling Position
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Building Your Style and Mastering Pos...
In this candid conversation, Wesley Thorp and Ryan Motes talk through the ropers who shaped their styles—and the lessons they still rely on to this day. From Rich Skelton’s flawless position and patience to Corey Petska’s rope angles and Clif Cooper’s footwork, they break down how to study the gr...
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Holding Position: Wesley Thorp Tunes ...
Wesley Thorp is back on a new heel horse, working through the early stages of building consistency and control—starting on the dummy. This horse has been passed between riders, recently heeled on left-handed, and shows signs of drifting out of position after the turn. The focus today: drive to th...
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Horse and Body Position in a Heel Shot
Patrick Smith breaks down horse position with a student in a heel shot.
