Wesley Thorp: Keeping a Finished Heel Horse Sharp and Tuned
Team Roping Practice Sessions
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9m 39s
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.
Wesley focuses on keeping the horse’s shoulders elevated through the corner, maintaining drive from the hind end, and avoiding common issues like shouldering in—especially on steers that roll left. He breaks down how to use consistent contact without over-pulling, and how to cue a stop that happens after the rope lands, not before.
This is a real-world tune-up on a broke heel horse: no overcorrection, just refining position, timing, and responsiveness. For ropers with finished horses that occasionally get lazy or anticipate the throw, this video shows how to keep things dialed in without overdoing it.
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