Locked In with Wesley Thorp
The Figure Eight Drill: Wesley Thorp’s Go-To for Control Through the Corner
11m
Wesley Thorp demonstrates one of his foundational exercises: the Figure Eight Drill—a controlled, progressive dummy drill designed to build collection, drive, and consistent tracking in heel horses. Whether it's a green colt or a rodeo-seasoned horse, this drill is a staple in Thorp’s program.
By increasing speed through each turn, the drill forces the horse to stay collected, follow the dummy off the hind end, and lock into position through pressure—without getting lazy or hollowed out. Wesley explains how he uses leg pressure, shoulder control, and release timing to build horses that are responsive without being robotic.
The key focus: don’t just find position—hold it. Thorp emphasizes the importance of making a horse stay under the rider, hold the left hip, and maintain a consistent lane for several hops before delivering a loop. It’s about having your shot when you want it—not when the horse or the steer dictates it.
If you’re trying to improve your horse’s handle through the corner or struggling with drifting, over-framing, or inconsistent positioning, this is a drill you can use daily.
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