JD Yates
"Enjoy the competition. But the most important thing is if you treat people right and do the right thing, you’ll be successful."
- JD Yates
JD Yates is no stranger to the rodeo industry. He team roped at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 21 times between 1975 and 2002, the first when he was just 15 years old heeling for his dad, Dick and has been recently inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. In the video featuring JD Yates shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the sport, emphasizing key techniques and strategies for success. Yates highlights the importance of consistent practice and preparation, which are essential for mastering the nuances of team roping. He also discusses the significance of building a strong partnership with one’s horse, noting that effective communication and trust can greatly enhance performance in the arena. Throughout the video, Yates provides practical tips for aspiring ropers, focusing on elements such as timing, technique, and mental focus. His expertise and passion for the sport make this video a valuable resource for both novice and experienced ropers.
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Scoring and Facing Work on a 5-Year-Old Race-Bred Gelding
JD Yates is getting a 5-year-old, racing-bred gelding ready for a futurity. In this video, Yates works on getting him facing and scoring properly.
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Practice Runs on 2022 BBSF Champ Peppys Stylin Lena
In this video, Trey Yates makes some practice runs on their 6-year-old gelding Peppys Stylin Lena. JD and Peppys Stylin Lena won the 2022 Badlands Bits & Spurs Futurity 5-6-year-old division.
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How the Pros Learn
JD Yates is practically team roping royalty. Though he's seen much success on the rodeo and futurity scenes, he has never stopped learning. Yates explains that he continues to watch and learn from other trainers even today.
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Directing Your Head Horse with Your Swing
Opening up your head swing dictates your horse's action and gives you more coverage. JD Yates explains how to open up you head swing for more coverage and to help your horse understand their job.
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Controlling a Young, Agressive Horse
Being in total control when roping is crucial. JD Yates explains how he gets total control over a more aggressive young horse by using the reins.
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Futurity Heeling Practice on a 5-Year-Old that Heads, Too
As he prepares for a futurity, Trey Yates practices on a 5-year-old mare he heels on and his dad, JD, heads on.
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Lining Lane Story
In 1984, when Dick and JD Yates noticed their steers were getting worn out fast, Dick created the lining lane. In this video, JD explains the backstory on the lane.
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Dick Yates' Team Roping Wisdom
Dick Yates qualified for 13 Wrangler National Finals Rodeos, and in his 85 years he’s seen team roping go from a second-class, amateur sport to the richest event in all of the Western performance world. He’s led his family—late wife Jan, son J.D., daughter Kelly, and grandson Trey—to become one o...
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Let Your Horse Make this Decision
JD Yates explains how it's better to end on a good note in terms of your horse's performance, not ju
