In this in-depth session, Wesley Thorp and Ryan Motes get real about what makes a clean, powerful heel shot—from tip control and timing to release mechanics and rope angles. They share insights on what happens when you hold too long, release too early, or swing past your target—and how small technical changes can make or break a run. From wrist position and elbow movement to the myth of “swinging over the back,” this is a high-level breakdown of loop control, power through the corner, and what really creates consistency at the catch.
Whether you're fine-tuning your delivery or trying to fix front leg hangs and power loss in your shot, this video delivers some of the sharpest insight available. Learn why both Thorp and Motes keep their focus on the right hock, how they think about tip-first delivery, and why staying behind the steer often beats swinging over it.
Up Next in Locked In with Wesley Thorp
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Building a Rope Horse: Day Back on a ...
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 men...
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Holding Position: Wesley Thorp Tunes ...
Wesley Thorp is back on a new heel horse, working through the early stages of building consistency and control—starting on the dummy. This horse has been passed between riders, recently heeled on left-handed, and shows signs of drifting out of position after the turn. The focus today: drive to th...
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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...
