Ranch Sorting Drills For a Dull Horse

Some horses are born eager to hunt a cow, while others—no matter how broke—would rather conserve energy and hang back. A horse that's dull to your leg or slow to react can make working a cow frustrating and unproductive. The goal isn't just to get through the run—it's to teach your horse to drive up into a cow with purpose and maintain forward momentum without constant kicking or nagging from you.

- BY KODY WARD, WITH NICHOLE CHIRICO

In this exercise, you'll learn how to wake up a horse that's slow or reluctant to engage by using the cow itself to create energy and accountability. The focus is on making your horse push forward, follow through each stop and turn, and close the gap between stopping and reengaging. The result? A more responsive, forward-thinking partner that's ready to work a cow in the sorting pen, or through any working scenario that calls for quick reactions and forward motion.

Before you ever go to the cow, get your horse mentally and physically tuned in. A dull horse often means one that's mentally checked out and not connected through his body. Spend a few minutes in the dry work getting him collected, soft in the face, and responsive to your leg. Ask for transitions, stops, and rollbacks until he's willing to move forward when you ask, without you having to kick every stride.

One

It's important that you start your cow work practice in a good spot. Make sure your horse is nice and collected, and responding to your cues. He should be moving forward off your leg and be soft in the face when you go to your hand.

Once he's collected and focused, it's time to work a cow. Ride forward with purpose, and push your horse up into the cow, using your legs to encourage him to close the distance. The goal here isn't to chase or scare the cow—it's to build confidence and momentum in your horse.