🐮 Ranch Roping: Cow Work Workshop
Ready to take the next step and rope live cattle? This workshop is designed for riders who have never tracked live cattle — or are newer to it — and want to hone their skills with coaching from championship team roper James Ferreira.
This is your opportunity to build confidence working real steers in a controlled, low-pressure setting.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn how to:
Read cattle movement
Track and rate a live steer
Properly position and maneuver your horse
Stay balanced and effective in the roping arena
Build confidence working cattle
We will be working with a small herd of quieter cattle to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
Each student will have a chance to maneuver a steer while James coaches you step-by-step, setting you up for success in the roping arena.
Students who already possess the skills to properly handle a rope will be given the opportunity to throw breakaway loops.
Our Approach
We prioritize:
A supportive, encouraging learning environment
Safety for both horse and rider
Repetition and practical drills
Clear, step-by-step coaching
Skills you can take home and apply immediately
By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel more comfortable in the box, more confident on your run, and better prepared to track and rope your cow.
Come ready to learn, ride, and rope!
What to Bring
You & your horse
Your own rope and gloves (extras available if needed)
A saddle with a horn (a roping saddle is not required)
Workshop Series Overview
This is the third workshop in our 4-part Ranch Roping Series:
Intro to Rope Handling — Learn to swing a rope from the ground
Intro to Sled Steer Roping — Learn to rope from horseback and track using a sled steer
Live Cattle Tracking and Roping — Learn to track, swing, and catch live cattle from horseback
Live Cattle out of the Roping Box — Learn to calmly and correctly position in and leave the box
You need to have attended the previous workshop to join this one.
Details
Price: $280 per rider/horse
Spots: Limited to ensure plenty of individual instruction and practice time
Ages: 12+ (minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian)
Rain Policy: Event will be postponed in case of rain
Sales Policy: All sales are final. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to the terms of service.
Liability: All participants must sign a release upon arrival and are responsible for ensuring they and their horses are safe and capable.
Meet Your Instructor — James Ferreira
James Ferreira is a renowned roping coach and professional horse trainer. A lifelong roper, James won a world championship in dummy roping at just 8 years old and went on to train reined cow horses and team roping horses professionally.
He has competed in countless jackpots and rodeos, winning as both a header (7) and a heeler (8), and has extensive experience cowboying and branding. His deep knowledge and passion for horsemanship make him an outstanding teacher for riders of all levels.
Attire
Please wear:
Long-sleeve shirt
Long pants/jeans
Closed-toe shoes
(Clothes that can get a little dusty are recommended.)
Location
Shingle Springs, California — approximately three miles from Lee's Feed.
Attendees will receive the ranch address and gate access code via email after purchasing a ticket.
How to Buy
Tickets are available in the merch store.
Come ready to learn, laugh, and throw some loops!