Why Header Angles Matter: Controlling the Steer for Cleaner Finishes Pt. 2
Practice Smarter: Roping Drills, Horsework & Strategy
•
7m 20s
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 technical insight on what separates a strong run from a sloppy finish.
In this session:
• What “downstreaming a steer” means—and why it’s a problem
• How header angle and width influence the steer’s hips
• The right way to face without giving the steer’s head back
• Why forward momentum is key to keeping heel loops on
• Real examples from pro-level roping (Trevor Brazile, Patrick Smith)
If you’ve ever lost a leg at the end of what felt like a perfect shot, this is the video that explains why. Perfect for headers and heelers looking to tighten up their runs and understand the “why” behind great facing and rope control.
Up Next in Practice Smarter: Roping Drills, Horsework & Strategy
-
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...
-
Green Horse Progress: Staying Free, M...
Ryan Motes and Brock Hanson saddle up two greener horses for a focused practice session built around freedom, feel, and spacing. Ryan rides “Baller,” a 6-year-old CD Lights gelding he's developing into a solid jackpot horse, while Brock helps on a talented but slightly green gelding from Shank Ed...
