Fast Back Focus with Denny Watkins - June 2009

Correct Position and Target for Heelers

In my intermediate to beginner heeling schools one the most important things I teach is proper position and how to read a steer.

As I’m leaving the box I’m watching the steer’s head while I get my horse into position. As my horse’s head becomes even with the steer’s tailbone, ten or twelve feet to my left, my eyes immediately drop to the area from the right hip down to the hock.

Maintaining this position through the corner and keeping my eyes on the target allows me to read the steer and be able to tell what he’s going to do. What a steer does during the corner gives me a good indication of what he’s likely to do once he’s turned:

1. Hips drop slightly; he should lead off perfectly
2. Squats or drops; he’s going to get heavy and possibly drag
3. Elevates or dances; there’s a chance he will run up the rope

In correct position, as described above, we can be prepared for any of these scenarios. If your horse runs too high, with his head past the tailbone, you will end up directly behind the steer and unable to see your target. If your horse runs too far back you will end up cutting the corner and be too far inside to see your target.

Maintaining correct position keeps everything in front of you where you can tell what’s happening. This allows you to rope faster and make any adjustments you need to once you read your steer.

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