Wesley Thorp puts a 4-year-old gelding back to work after a break from live steers. This is a young horse he’s had since two, started himself, and carefully brought along. Today, the goal is to reintroduce pressure, score a few, rope some slow and medium steers, and see where the horse stands mentally and physically.
Thorp shares his philosophy on balancing progress and patience—pushing just enough to move forward without blowing up confidence. He focuses on controlling the first few strides out of the box, keeping the horse soft through the turn, and relaxing into position. When the pressure goes up mid-session, the horse responds well, showing he’s ready for the next step—while also reminding Wesley not to overdo it.
For ropers bringing up young horses, this is a clear, detailed look at how a pro reads a horse, adjusts pressure, and keeps the end goal in sight: a confident, solid, long-term prospect.
Up Next in Locked In with Wesley Thorp
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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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Wesley Thorp: Keeping a Finished Heel...
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.
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Wesley Thorp Trying a New Heel Horse
Wesley Thorp is giving a new heel horse a shot — a 12-year-old gelding with solid breeding, a gentle mind, and a few good years of jackpot wins behind him. It’s day one, and Thorp’s approach is simple: don’t assume anything, and let the horse show what he's got.
This session is all about evaluat...
