Ride TV’s newest ranch sorting training series Sorting Smart with Kody Ward, gives riders an in-depth look at ranch sorting training, cattle strategy, and the horsemanship behind building confident, competitive sorting horses.
Throughout the series, Ward shares the same program he uses to develop responsive ranch sorting horses, covering everything from dry work and flag drills to live-cattle exercises and advanced ranch sorting maneuvers.
The series includes lessons on transitions, stiffness drills, confidence-building exercises, gate work, cow work, and competition preparation. Ward also explains how softness, timing, positioning, and communication between horse and rider directly impact success in the ranch sorting pen.
Learn more about Kody Ward and how he got involved in ranch sorting on The Ride Podcast.
Rather than working only with finished horses, Ward demonstrates exercises on futurity prospects, younger horses, dull horses, and cutting horses transitioning into ranch sorting. The variety of horses gives viewers practical insight into common training challenges and how to create more responsive, confident horses.
Videos like Teaching Your Horse to Work a Cow, Cattle Strategy in Ranch Sorting, and Advanced Ranch Sorting Movements focus on the skills needed for competition, while sessions like Dry Work on a Dull Gelding and Schooling Confidence highlight the importance of foundation work outside the herd.
In addition to training exercises, the series also covers ranch sorting futurities, draw ride etiquette, sportsmanship, bit selection, and advice for new ranch sorting competitors.
The training program also includes a downloadable workbook to help riders apply the drills and concepts at home.
Whether you’re new to ranch sorting or looking to improve your competitive edge, Sorting Smart with Kody Ward offers practical ranch sorting training exercises and cattle-work strategies riders can apply both at home and in the show pen.