Rodeo Event Lessons

Eric offers roping lessons (including with live calves) in calf roping, team roping, and breakaway roping as well as riding skills and horsemanship necessary for roping events. Pricing will depend on the number of people in the lesson (both individual and group lessons are available) and the skill level of the rider.

Riders can work on all aspects of roping such as entering and standing in the box,

getting behind the calf, and roping.

For more information, please text 616-862-9300.

Eric Schmitz

Eric is a lifelong horseman and accomplished roper with an extensive background in calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping. Growing up in the rodeo arena, Eric built an impressive resume of championships and accomplishments across multiple rodeo associations throughout Michigan and the Midwest.

Throughout his youth and high school rodeo career he consistently ranked among the top competitors in the state and region, earning numerous all-around titles and championship buckles.

Beyond competing Eric's true passion has always been helping others develop confidence and success in the roping pen. He enjoys both training horses and riders, working with everyone from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced competitors looking to improve their timing, horsemanship, and consistency. His approach focuses on building solid skills, producing dependable rope horses and helping students achieve their goals in and out the arena.

In 2023, Eric faced a major health challenge that required him to step away from training for a short period of time.

Now healthy and back to what he loves, Eric is excited to once again welcome new clients and horses to his training program at his facility in Alto, Michigan.

Today, Eric continues to share his lifelong experience, passion for rodeo, and dedication to the sport by helping the next generation of ropers and producing quality rope horses at Coldwater River Farm.

His achievements include:

National Little Britches Rodeo Association Champion in calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling
Top 3 National All-Around and multiple National Finals qualifications
Multiple Michigan Ropers Association Champion
Michigan High School Rodeo Association State Champion Team Roper, Calf Roper, and Steer Wrestler
High School Rodeo National Qualifier
Michigan Youth Timed Events All-Around Champion