Kody Ward highlights the importance of gate work in the ranch sorting pen, explaining how much “draw” exists within the gate. He demonstrates how to work it like a “V” in the middle, showing how to position and guide the horse effectively. This lesson gives riders the tools to handle one of the most critical areas of the sorting pen with confidence and control.
Up Next in Ranch Sorting Masterclass
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Cattle Strategy in Ranch Sorting
Kody Ward breaks down cattle strategy, explaining how the type of cattle you’ll encounter varies depending on where you are in the U.S. He shares insight on how to read and sort different kinds of cattle, giving riders the tools to adapt their approach and succeed in any ranch sorting situation.
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Teaching Your Horse to Work a Cow
After flag work, Kody Ward takes the next step by working a horse on a live cow. He focuses on shadowing the cow—just like on the flag—before moving into the sorting pen. This exercise helps the horse build confidence, improve timing, and make a smooth transition from dry work to real cattle.
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Accepting the "Pull"
In ranch sorting, pulling is key for quick movements in the pen. In this session, Kody Ward works with a horse that doesn’t take the pull easily—dropping too low and getting extended, which makes it difficult to move him across a cow. Ward demonstrates how to correct this issue, showing riders ho...
