Ryan Motes’ Indoor Arena Tour: A Team Roper’s Dream Setup
Practice Smarter: Roping Drills, Horsework & Strategy
•
7m 23s
Step inside Ryan Motes’ brand-new indoor training facility for a full behind-the-scenes tour. Built for function, flow, and horses in mind, this arena is more than just a place to rope—it’s a smart, intentional setup designed to make daily training smoother and more efficient.
Ryan walks us through every corner of the facility, explaining how small layout decisions—like chute placement, box spacing, and alley width—make a huge difference in how horses work, steers flow, and runs stay consistent. From thoughtful steer handling to rider-friendly access points, this is a blueprint for anyone looking to build or improve their own space.
What you’ll see:
• 140' x 270' roof with ideal chute and box positioning
• An 8' return alley and extra lead-up space to reduce tension
• A 10' rider alley for seamless flow from barn to arena
• Smart steer handling with adjustable sorting pens and dual exit gates
• Tips for keeping young horses calm and confident in the box
• Why not skimping on front-end space is the best design decision they made
• Future plans: viewing deck, pro shop, and kitchen area
Whether you’re planning your own build or just want a peek at a top-tier setup, this tour is packed with insight. Think of it as “MTV Cribs: Roper Edition.”
Up Next in Practice Smarter: Roping Drills, Horsework & Strategy
-
Why Header Angles Matter: Controlling...
Ryan Motes breaks down one of the most critical but overlooked parts of a team roping run: how the header’s angle, positioning, and facing directly affect the heeler’s ability to catch clean. From avoiding downstream pulls to maintaining control through the face, this video is packed with technic...
-
Right-to-Left vs. Both Horns: Ground ...
What’s the right way to rope the horns—right to left or both at the same time? Brock Hanson and Ryan Motes get real about one of the most misunderstood concepts in heading. In this grounded roping session, they walk through how distance, body position, and your swing affect which method works—and...
-
Head Rope Mechanics with Brock Hanson
Brock Hanson breaks down his approach to head roping mechanics—from swing shape and rope firmness to avoiding common misses and maximizing your first swing. He explains how rope stiffness affects curl, why he prefers a firmer head rope, and how your horse’s lead and body position can impact every...
