🐴 Beginning Ranch Roping Workshop: Sled Work
Learn how to rope cattle from your horse — safely, confidently, and with expert instruction!
Ready to start roping off your horse but not sure where to begin? This hands-on workshop is the perfect introduction for you and your horse.
What You’ll Learn
In this workshop, we’ll work with a sled steer — a roping dummy towed behind a four-wheeler that simulates live cattle movement. The sled steer is an excellent, low-stress training tool for new ropers. You’ll build confidence and control while learning how to track, position, and rope — without the pressure of live cattle.
You’ll learn:
How to swing and handle a rope from horseback
Proper rider and hand positioning
How to track and follow a sled steer
How to aim and catch effectively
Cow work horsemanship fundamentals
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 second 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 do not need to have attended the first workshop to join this one, but you should already be comfortable swinging and throwing a rope.
Details
Price: $250 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!