Kody Ward introduces “Old Yeller,” a promising young horse in training for ranch sorting. In this session, Ward walks through the equipment he chooses for this horse and explains why each piece is important for building responsiveness and control. He then demonstrates key dry work drills, focusin...

Kody Ward works with a 4-year-old horse on improving transitions during dry work. Ward wants the horse to trot or lope off, stop, back-up and then have a smooth turnaraound which is a big move in the ranch sorting pen. He focuses on keeping the horse collected and responsive while breaking down s...

Kody Ward works “Old Yeller” on the flag, teaching him to frame up and follow the cow’s movements. Ward explains that a ranch sorting horse almost needs to be a cutting horse first, and he demonstrates how flag work helps prepare a horse to “do what the cow does.” This session highlights the impo...

Kody Ward explains the bit he’s using to address stiffness in this horse and why it suits her needs. He then demonstrates a drill designed to improve her overall body shape, encouraging softness, balance, and better responsiveness to the rider’s hands.

Kody Ward demonstrates a simple yet effective drill for a dull gelding, focusing on getting him to move his feet and stay responsive. By encouraging more energy and reaction, Ward shows how to sharpen a horse’s attentiveness and prepare him for better performance in the sorting pen.

Kody Ward demonstrates how to use the flag to simulate movements in the sorting pen with a more seasoned 4-year-old horse. Before working live cattle, Ward shows how incorporating flag work helps sharpen timing, control, and responsiveness—building a horse’s confidence and preparing them for real...

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.

This talented mare, who earned money as a 3-year-old in cutting, is now transitioning into a ranch sorting career. Kody Ward demonstrates how he warms her up, focusing on responsiveness, body control, and setting the foundation for success in the sorting pen.