Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? Puddles (TS Famous French Bug).

What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths? Puddles has a sassy personality! He actually bit my arm this fall when I was cinching him up. He doesn’t care too much about having friends around, and he can pick on some of the younger horses. However, at the rodeos, it is a blessing to have a horse that is not buddy sour. I actually just brought him by himself to the short round in Baker. He is also laidback, which helps with my nerves at the rodeo.

Puddles’ most notable strength is his ability to stop so hard. You can go a swing farther down the arena, but still be right in the money because he shuts it down. He has been a game-changer for my roping. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

How tall are they and what is their weight (thought it would be fun to compare)? Puddles is 14.2 hands tall and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2025 circuit finals? My favorite highlight from the 2025 season was winning the short round and average at Baker. At that time, I was on the bubble of the top 12 and desperately needed to win some money to secure a spot at the circuit finals. I was nervous going into the short round, but knew I had a good chance at some money if I caught and didn’t break out. I saw the start I wanted to, but couldn’t help but think in the back of my mind that this calf is not going as fast as I anticipated. I had a great shot, and Puddles stopped hard. I winced, looking back at the line, not knowing if I had broken the barrier or not. By the grace of God, I got out.

I was so grateful for each dollar won this year. I felt that I caught more calves than any year prior, but would often snag that last money spot or be just out of it. The Montana breakaway circuit was salty this year. It was mind-blowing how almost every girl won over $10,000! It was a difficult task to make the top 12, but I am so proud that our circuit kicked butt.

How long have you been a WPRA member and how many circuit finals have you qualified for? I have been a WPRA member for 5 years and have qualified for 2 circuit finals.

When did you start competing in breakaway? I started competing in breakaway at the SWYRA rodeos when I was around 11.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? My family and I purchase our own horses. We don’t necessarily look for specific bloodlines. Although, we often look for running bred horses that we can possibly make barrel horses. Funny enough, Puddles was bought for this exact reason, but he decided roping was a lot more enjoyable than barrels.

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? Puddles gets rode 7 days a week. Usually, we rope for at least 2-3 days a week and exercise in the fields/hills the other days. I do around 3-5 days worth of strength workouts from November to March/April. We get pretty busy on the ranch after that, and I spend most of my days outside working.

When you’re headed to a rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? Celie and I usually listen to a “Let’s Freakin Rodeo” podcast with Cole and Ty Harris.

What or who are you thankful for? First and foremost, I am thankful for God and the life that He has blessed me with. I love being able to rodeo in Montana. I am also thankful for my family. My parents are my sister and I’s biggest supporters. They help us in any way possible, from driving to chute help. We couldn’t be here without them. I am thankful for my sister for always pushing me to be better both in and out of the arena, and for always offering to drive. Both of my grandmas are amazing, always offering a place to stay and keeping up-to-date on our rodeo standings. I am thankful for my aunt Chris, uncle Dale, and cousins Quinn and Quade for always letting us stay with them and for their endless support. My cousin Quinn also pushed many calves this summer, which was a huge blessing. A BIG thank you to each person who pushed a calf for me, Andy Bolich, Jason Levine, and Rich Carpenter, to name a few. I am so thankful for Charley Yeager, too. She is one of the greatest traveling partners and is willing to help anyone in any way possible. I probably missed some, but thank you to everyone who helped me along the way. I appreciate it!

Do you have favorite spots to stop at or favorite snacks while on the road? Celie and I usually stop at Town Pumps to gas up because we can get 5 cents off. My aunt’s house is also a favorite spot along the rodeo trail. In terms of snacks, I love some Goldfish crackers or strawberries/raspberries/blueberries.

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? I usually travel with my sister, Celie (Salmond) Rogers, and her horse Hotshot. Charley Yeager and her horse, Stitch, sometimes hop in too! We will switch between our truck and stock trailer or my parents’ living quarter trailer.

What are your hobbies or other sports do you compete in? I enjoy baking, painting, or reading when I’m not busy on the ranch or rodeoing.

The Run Down
Saddle: My mom’s 1987 NRA breakaway champion Crates saddle.
Rope: Rattler Spitfire.
Pad: Slone.
Leg Gear: Classic Equine.
Shoeing: Mark Salmond. THANK YOU, DAD!
Bits: Classic Equine, correction bit.
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Half of a can of whole oats and a ¼ cup of Vitastress once daily.
Additional Care: Usually, after each run, Puddles gets “CEP Kool It” liniment gel or spray on his legs and back