Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? What are their lifetime earnings? I am going to be taking my 6-year-old mare Blessings Little Nic aka Nikki Sixx to the finals this year! Her lifetime earnings are probably close to $20,000. I did qualify to the finals on Matt Gutierrez’s horse named Bubba Guns aka Gump (2017 dun gelding by Colonels Shining Gun x Toriana Dun It by Mr Tori Kid, Texas bred), I can’t leave him out.
What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths? Both horses have huge and fun personalities! Nikki is so personable, loves kids, and she’s also not even 14 hands. Gump is great at his job and he acts like it, but he’s also very kind and great to be around.
When did you start competing in breakaway? I started breakaway roping around age 10 or so. My dad made me stop heading for a while to get the breakaway figured out, I’m sure glad he did!
Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? I do a little bit of both, but both Nikki and Gump were purchased with a really nice start on them when they were 3. After that, they were started in the breakaway and the tie-down. If I find something I like in bloodlines I’ll look for it, but I’m not picky either. I have rode quite a few Doc Bar horses that I liked!
What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? I like to be in the gym a couple days a week, and I just try to keep horses in good shape and good minded while also being flexible to adjusting with how much traveling they’re doing, how many runs
they’re getting, etc.
When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? I love all three.
I think my three favorite audio books this summer were Green Lights (again), Redeeming Love, and Atomic Habits. I love Zach Bryan’s music.
And I listened to many Phil Haugen Horse Training Podcasts this summer! I would highly recommend those.
Do you have a rodeo idol and reasons why? My rodeo idol is probably Cadee Williams, it’s been really cool getting to see all her success this year. She’s also an amazing mom and a great friend of mine.
Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road? I just love when I have some down time between rodeos or we go to a rodeo somewhere that I have friends! It’s such a treat when you’re on the road and the stars align to spend time with people you don’t usually get to see!
Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? This summer it was Matt and I usually! Which could include 2 horses, 2 dogs, an occasional hitch-hiker, and 6 puppies: a real life circus.
What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2022 circuit finals? Seasoning young horses is always hard and that was a challenge that I got to work through, and learn through this summer. There’s always ups and downs in rodeo, but I just tried to focus on enjoying the journey.
How do you juggle family life while on the road? I try to be very intentional in spending time with people I care about when I get the opportunity to.
What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in? I really enjoy playing cards and traveling whenever I can!
The Run Down
Saddle: Crates All-Around
Pad: Best Ever Pad
Leg Gear: Cactus
Bits: Small low port
Rope: Cactus Tsunami
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Alfalfa/Grass Mix and a 14% feed, as well as a mare care supplement.
Additional Care: Chiropractic or massages.
Sponsors: Cactus Ropes,
Hillman’s, Callahan Corner Store