In this practice session, Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper switch things up—Jake rides a 7-year-old who hasn’t had a full year of roping yet, while Clay’s on a 6-year-old green horse. Together, they break down each run, how the muleys handled, and how their horses responded to different cattle and pressure situations.

In this video, they explain:

Why roping slow to medium steers helps riders and horses learn better than relying on a machine

How beginner ropers can use live cattle to develop real timing and confidence

Clay’s approach to the mental side of roping—staying positive, grounded, and focused on long-term progress

Jake’s strategy for scoring head horses: using walk scores, avoiding over-scoring, and keeping horses sharp in the box

How to recognize when a horse needs a break during practice and why stopping at the right time matters

Managing fast-footed cattle and keeping control without overexposing green horses

Real talk from Clay on balancing life, competition, and staying motivated through the ups and downs of rodeo

Part of the Barnes & Cooper: Inside the Practice Pen series, this episode blends practical roping fundamentals with honest advice about mental toughness, horse management, and what it really takes to keep going in and out of the arena.