Sorting Smart with Kody Ward
Step into the sorting pen with Kody Ward as he shares his proven program for building responsive, confident, and competitive ranch-sorting horses. From dry work and flag drills to live-cow strategy and advanced maneuvers, Kody breaks down every step with clear instruction and real-world insight. Learn how to develop control, timing, and feel—plus the mindset it takes to win at any level.
-
Sorting Smart with Kody Ward Workbook
2.04 MB
Step into the sorting pen with Kody Ward as he shares his proven program for building responsive, confident, and competitive ranch-sorting horses. From dry work and flag drills to live-cow strategy and advanced maneuvers, Kody breaks down every step with clear instruction and real-world insight. ...
-
Dry Work on Futurity Ranch Sorting Horse
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...
-
Working on Transitions on a 4-Year-Old
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...
-
Flag Work on Ranch Sorting Horses
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...
-
Drill For Stiffness
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.
-
Warm Up Session on a 4-Year-Old
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.
-
Dry Work on a Dull Gelding
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.
-
Flag Work on a 4-Year-Old
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...