Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? RV Colonel Otoe (Hotshot) and Man Named Jed (2017 brown gelding by A Crack Shot x Grannys Tonic by Pulling Your Leg, Montana Bred)
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)? Hotshot has a lot of anxiety, so he always needs a friend around. He still likes to be mean to that horse, even though he needs them to be okay. His strength is long scores and fast calves. He breaks hard and is quick, so I always like to rope the strong ones on him. Jed is not your average breakaway horse; he doesn’t look the part at all. I think I was meant to have him with Hotshot because he just goes with the flow of everything and is content with life especially if he has a snack in front of him. Jed’s strength is the scoring aspect. It doesn’t matter the score, he goes off my hand every time.
When did you start competing in breakaway? I probably started competitively roping around the age of 6 or 7.
How long have you been a WPRA member and how many finals qualifications? I have been a member for 9 years, this is my third Circuit finals in the breakaway roping.
Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? We purchase all our horses usually as yearlings or unstarted two-year olds. Specifically for breakaway, I usually try to look for something that has cow in the bloodline. Jed was bought to be a barrel horse, as he is all running bred, but we have found that sometimes the running bred horses have just as much cow sense as the ones that are bred for it.
What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? We like to practice a couple times a week, and on the other days we use hills to condition our horses. For myself, I like to workout at least 4 times a week working on whole body strength and mobility.
When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? Mostly we like to listen to the radio or on the road trips where the radio quality is very good we like to listen to Small Town Murder Podcasts.
Do you have favorite spots to stop or snacks while on the road? You can usually find us at a Town Pump getting 5 cents off diesel, eating some cheese its, with a large water and Bubblr in hand!
Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? I mostly travel with my sister, Molly, our parents sometimes come with us, and if we have an open hole in the trailer Charley Yeager gets to jump in! This doesn’t happen to often with both of us competing in both events, but when it does its always an adventure!
What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2024 circuit finals? It was a race to get into the top 12 at the end, so ending my season on a couple high notes with upper placings at Butte and White Sulphur were great. Also finally being able to place at Augusta was a great memory, it’s our closest pro rodeo, and I love the atmosphere. Great Falls adding breakaway was also a lot of fun!
What or who are you thankful for? I am most thankful for my family and friends that make all of this possible. My mom is always willing to run the chutes or hop in for a trip just to keep you company. My dad offers tips on all aspects of life and rodeo and is also willing to help us practice and give us time off from ranch work to go to the rodeos. My sister is one person I couldn’t live without, she helps me out with everything I ask for, whether it’s getting horses ready, offering a different perspective on a scenario, or keeping me awake while driving, she does it all. Lastly, my Fiancée, Tucker, keeps all of my young horses fed and housed and offers that extra encouragement when I need it. My animal athletes I am also always thankful for, they my best friends and teach me lessons every day!
What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in? I like to start young horses, and coach youth sports whenever I have time.
The Run Down
Rope: Spitfire
Saddle: Cactus
Pad: CSI
Leg Gear: Professionals Choice
Shoeing: Mark Salmond
Bits: Reg Hamilton
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Whole Oats, Horselic tubs, Vita Stress pellets, free choice hay, and grass.
Additional Care: Benefab and XLR8 sheets
Sponsors: JB Portable Corrals & The Tack Store
