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 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 m...

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...

Kody Ward runs through a ranch sorting drill on a 9-year-old proven cutting horse, fresh out of the cutting pen just two weeks prior. He demonstrates how to tune her up, helping her settle into the sorting gate and pen while keeping her confident and responsive in her new role.

Kody Ward demonstrates advanced movements in the ranch sorting pen designed for riders who already have the fundamentals in place. He breaks down key maneuvers that can help save valuable time, giving both horse and rider an edge when every second counts.

Kody Ward works a duller-minded horse on a live cow to sharpen his responsiveness. He demonstrates how to cut the cow, push it into the fence, then turn back quickly while driving the horse off his hind end. This drill builds power, quick reactions, and the push needed to excel in the ranch sorti...

Kody Ward demonstrates a figure-eight drill through cattle to help riders and horses move in and out of the herd more smoothly. This exercise builds control, timing, and confidence—key elements for handling cattle efficiently in the ranch sorting pen.

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.

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.

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...

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.