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 greats without copying them. The focus: how holding position, controlling width, and staying off the steer through the turn can create better angles, cleaner heel shots, and fewer mistakes—especially under pressure.
They also cover how younger ropers often crowd the corner, why “racing to the turn” backfires, and how to hold your lane until the steer commits. Whether you’re trying to level up your horsemanship or sharpen your mental game, this is a must-watch on how to build roping that holds up anywhere—from jackpots to Vegas.
Up Next in Heeling Corner
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The Figure Eight Drill: Wesley Thorp’...
Wesley Thorp demonstrates one of his foundational exercises: the Figure Eight Drill—a controlled, progressive dummy drill designed to build collection, drive, and consistent tracking in heel horses. Whether it's a green colt or a rodeo-seasoned horse, this drill is a staple in Thorp’s program.
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Slowing Down the Run
How do you work on your horse and your roping at the same time? World Champion Matt Sherwood talks about how he approaches the corner on a horse that needs help through the turn and how he still is able to heel fast in the process.
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Bumping Your Horse Through the Corner
Kolton Schmidt explains how he's using his bridle reins to help his green horse get a hold of the steer through the corner.
