BACK UP TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE SORTING PEN

Logan Wolfe’s drills have you start backward to move forward with precision, collection, and body control in the sorting pen.

- BY LOGAN WOLFE, WITH DEVIN CONLEY

You might not spend much time backing up during an actual ranch sorting run, but the foundation you build through backing drills can dramatically improve how your horse performs when the pressure is on. Backing up isn't about going in reverse—it's about building softness, sharpening your cues, and improving body control so that when you do move forward, your horse is balanced, responsive, and ready to go where you point him.

One of the biggest challenges in ranch sorting is maintaining control of your horse's body, especially when the pace picks up. Without a horse that's collected, supple, and able to shift his weight with ease, you're at a disadvantage the moment you ride in the gate. That's why the work you do outside the pen is just as important as working cattle.

In this article, we'll walk through a few backing drills that go beyond simply asking your horse to move in reverse. We'll focus on how to engage the hind end, round the back, and gain control over the hips and shoulders, all while building collection.

And even if you don't compete in ranch sorting, these drills can elevate your everyday riding. Whether you're preparing for another discipline or just want a better experience on the trail, a horse that's soft, collected, and attentive in reverse is more likely to be balanced and responsive going forward.

START STRAIGHT

You can't effectively work cattle without a horse that's soft, supple, and responsive. By improving your backup, you're suppling your horse up and causing him to frame up his body in a controlled environment with fewer variables to distract or confuse him.