Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? RV Colonel Otoe (Hotshot)

What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths? How tall are they and what is their weight (thought it would be fun to compare)? 15 hands, 1200 pounds. Hotshot likes to have all of his friends within his sight. If you take one away, even if there are others still with him, he will stand on three legs, nicker, and paw. When he gets nervous he likes to bite any horse next to him, even if it is his friend. His strength is his quickness. He breaks as hard as he can, and gets you a quick shot every time. Stronger cattle are his thing.

When did you start competing in breakaway? I started competing when I was 7 a the SWYRA youth rodeos. I was roping at home before that though.

How long have you been a WPRA member? I have been a WPRA member for almost 9 years. I bought my permit and barrel raced before breakaway was added.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? We purchase all of our horses. Hotshot was bought through a local sale in Great Falls, and we bought him because we had his half brother whom my mom and dad liked. All of my young horses now though have some or all running breeding. (A Crackshot or TS Sunnymademefamous)

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? Horses: I try to practice every other day and ride outside on the off days. Me: I use a personal trainer to improve my strength and balance.

When you’re headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? Molly and I like to listen to music, podcasts (Small Town Murder), or watch movies.

Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road? Town pumps to get 5 cents off of diesel and a Cheez It for the road!

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? I travel with Molly and sometimes Charley Yeager. Between Molly and I we usually fill up a trailer with her breakaway horse (Puddles) and our barrel horses (Goat, Boo, and Jed). If we are gone for more than a day we take my mom and dads Elite 4-horse living quarters, but we like to take a stock trailer (Platinum) because we can fit more horses! I have a 2022 F-350 to pull either trailer.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2023 circuit finals? 2023 was a year full of overcoming mental challenges. I didn’t not have much money won going into August. I was fortunate to place good enough at Glasgow, Baker, White Sulphur, and Blackfoot to make the Circuit finals. I had such a fun time this summer also being able to compete in the barrel race as well.

What or who are you thankful for? I am thankful for my family and friends who have helped to get me where I am. My mom, dad and Tucker never hesitate to run in another pen of calves or travel long distances with me. Molly helped me with all aspects from taking care of horses, helping me drive, and keeping me going when things didn’t go my way. Most of all I am thankful for my horse. He teaches me to have more patience than I ever thought I could, but it comes with great reward. He is a once in a lifetime horse that I wish I could have 10
more of.

What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in? I like to train and start my young horses in the fall and winter. I also like doing anything on the ranch and with my cows.

The Run Down
Rope: Spitfire
Saddle: Cactus Relentless
Pad: Classic Equine
Leg Gear: Professionals Choice
Bits: Reg Hamilton chain bit
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Half a can of whole oats, scoop of
vita stress, and free choice hay during the day. Turned out at night.
Sponsors: The Tack Store and JB Portable Corrals