Dry Work on Futurity Ranch Sorting Horse
Sorting Smart with Kody Ward
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15m
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, focusing on collection and teaching the horse to stay soft and behind his hands—laying the foundation for success in the sorting pen.
Up Next in Sorting Smart with Kody Ward
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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...
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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...
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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.
