Episodes
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Cheyanne McCartney joins this episode of The Breakaway Breakdown fresh off a two-for-two week at Old West's Heber City Futurity, where she won the 4-&-Under Pre-Futurity Breakaway on Thiccthirty and the 6-&-Under Futurity Breakaway on Hez Talkin Smackâwith a runner-up finish thrown in on Dont Quote Me, âMuffin.â She talks through what it actually takes to keep four horses straight over two days of competition, why she builds âa little routineâ with each one instead of treating the string as one job, and how reading fresh calves changes as the barrier shortens round to round.
She also gets into the bigger picture: Reyzin Royals' run at Old West's $1 million Road to the Million bonus after the mare's $40,000 side-pot win at Guthrie, the trade-offs of chasing both a WPRA Top 15 run and a full futurity calendarâincluding skipping Nampa to make this week's short roundâand the family storyline that made Heber City extra sweet. Hez Talkin Smack carried her to an $8,933 futurity check, then turned around and carried husband Cody to a split win at the Pleasant Grove Rodeo days later.
This episode is brought to you by Old West Futurities. Old West isnât just raising the barâweâre redefining whatâs possible in the rope horse industry. With more than $1.12 million paid out in Guthrie and over $1.37 million paid out in Heber City, Old West has quickly become one of the premier destinations for heading, heeling, and breakaway competition.
With record-setting horse sales, industry-leading payouts, exclusive Sale Graduate incentives, and a $1 Million Bonus opportunity, Old West is where legends are made and records are broken.
Learn more about our futurities and horse sales at OldWest.com.
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Four-time WPRA World Champion Hope Thompson joins The Breakaway Breakdown to talk about how life looks as she steps back from full-time rodeoing and steps into the futurity and training world and what it takes to build great rope horses from the ground up.
Thompson talks through the wins that shaped her career, from the college finals to WPRA world titles and all-around championships, and how adding more events only fueled her love for roping.
The conversation dives into the shift from hauling hard to the rodeos to focusing more on young horses, futurities and creating a long-term business. Thompson breaks down why the futurity world has become such an important part of her program, how she defines success now and why she still has no plans to step away from rodeo completely.
She also gets into the technical side of training rope horses, from scoring and tracking cattle to letting each horse tell her when they are ready. Thompson shares what she looks for in a prospect, why a good mind matters as much as talent and how horses like Ink and Gucci have helped shape the way she trains.
About SmartPak
This episode is brought to you by SmartPak and ColiCare. Colic is one of the leading causes of emergency vet visitsâand itâs something every horse owner worries about. Thatâs why SmartPak developed ColiCare, a comprehensive approach to hindgut health and colic prevention.
ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issuesânot just react to them. Itâs built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.
Whether youâre hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horseâs digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.
Visit SmartPakEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horseâs long-term health.
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This week on The Breakdown, CalfRoping.com host Hannah Mann is joined by Blake Ramsey, the newest member of the Equine Network and Western Sports Group team and the new voice behind Breakaway Roping Journal coverage.
Earlier this year, Calli Montague stepped in to lead breakaway coverage on an interim basis after previous host Lillian Kent moved to the Horse&Rider side of the Western Sports Group. With a new hire now in place, Calli is shifting back to The Team Roping Journal, and Blake takes over the breakaway portion of the podcast going forward.
On this episode, Blake shares her background growing up between Colorado and Kansas, her familyâs ranching ties in New Mexico, and her years as a barrel racer and breakaway roper through high school and college rodeo. She talks about studying media and marketing, her path into Western media, and what drew her to the Breakaway Roping Journal. She also digs into why breakawayâs explosive growth has her fired up, and the kind of storytelling she hopes to bring to listeners of The Breakdown.
In this episode:The latest team changes and what they mean for Breakaway Roping Journal coverageBlakeâs rodeo roots, from barrel racing and breakaway to college rodeoHer path into Western media and how she landed at the Equine NetworkWhat excites her about breakawayâs growth and the stories she hopes to tell
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Texas cowgirl Kayelen Helton joins The Breakaway Breakdown to talk about balancing a full-time career as a licensed professional counselor with life in the rodeo arena, while still competing at a high level in both breakaway and team roping.
Helton talks growing up in Texas junior rodeo, competing through the amateur and college ranks at Tarleton State, and navigating the rapid evolution of modern breakaway roping.
The conversation dives deep into the mental side of competition, how Heltonâs counseling career has shaped her mindset in the arena, and why routine, horsemanship and confidence still matter more than ever. She also shares her thoughts on developing rope horses, the importance of finding horses that fit your style, and what sheâs learned since stepping into the breeding world with her stallion Cat Man Sand.
From winning on the all-girl team roping side to building a program around horses she believes in, Helton offers an honest look at what it takes to compete while balancing career, horses and life outside the arena.
About Roping.com
Roping.com gives team ropers, breakaway ropers and calf ropers access to training videos, event coverage and instruction from some of the best in the business. From futurity insights to jackpot strategy and horsemanship tips, Roping.com delivers year-round content built for every level of roper.
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This week on the Tie-Down Breakdown, Fast Back Ropes General Manager Coy Upchurch sits down with endorsee, breakaway roper and EQN Sports Host Amy Wilson for a conversation that covers just about everything a roper could want to know about the rope making business. Coy walks through his career from the tie room to the front office, breaks down how a Fast Back rope is made from raw materials all the way to the coil, and explains why the weather matters more than you might think. He also talks on what ropes beginners should buy, the difference between nylon and poly, how endorsee feedback shapes future ropes, and even the time they tried to make a rope out of bulletproof Kevlar. If you've ever wondered what goes into the rope you throwâthis one's for you.
About Fast Back Ropes
World Champions trust what worksâand since 1995, Fast Back Ropes has delivered just that. Known for industry staples like the Edge calf rope, built for speed, balance, and feel, and the Athena, designed for a quick, clean breakaway delivery, Fast Back continues to set the standard. With options in Soft and Extra Soft, every rope is built with durability you can trust. Shop ropes, boots and apparel at fastbackropes.com.
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On this episode of The Breakaway Breakdown, No.1 cowgirl in the world Jaci Hammons tells us her story, what the win meant to her, and her plan for the rest of the season.
2026 Resistol Rookie contender Hammons turned a week of 2-second runs into $25,319 and the biggest win of her young ProRodeo career, claiming the 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo title with a 2.0-second run in the finals and the highest total earnings of the rodeo.
With this win, Hammons also sits No. 1 in the World with $40,796 won so far.
Host Calli Montague sits down with the Texas native to introduce her to the breakaway fans.
Episode supported by Roping.comGet unlimited access to roping.comâs comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.
Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping Journal
Follow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
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The latest episode of The Breakaway Breakdown captures the story of Elijah Faske, the 12-year-old Texas cowboy who ropes legally blind, from his mom Suzanneâs perspective.
When Elijah caught his calf at the January Texas Junior High Rodeo Association Region 7 rodeo in Edna, Texas, it was more than just a clean run for him and his family.
The video of Elijahâs first catch later made rounds on social media, but the story behind it starts earlier. Elijah came to the Faske family when he was nearly 6 years old, after a disrupted adoption. He was born in China with a birth defect that left one eye completely missing, and in the other eye he has coloboma, which causes gaps in his vision.
Host Calli Montague talks with Suzanne to hear the story of how Elijah found his way to breakaway roping, her experience as a mother of more than 28 kids, and how the Western way of life has truly changed her family for the better.
Episode supported by Roping.comGet unlimited access to roping.comâs comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.
Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping Journal
Follow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
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This week on The Breakdown, Tie-Down Breakdown host Hannah Mann is joined by Calli Montague, the newest member of the Equine Network and Western Sports Group team.
With previous Breakaway Breakdown host Lillian Kent transitioning into a role on the Horse and Rider side of the Western Sports Group, Calli will step in to help lead Breakaway Roping Journal coverage and interviews in the interim. Calli shares her rodeo background, her path into Western media and what she hopes to bring to the Breakaway Roping Journal as the sport continues to grow.
In this episode:
An update on team changes and what they mean for BRJ coverageCalliâs rodeo and media background, from junior rodeo to West Texas A&MHow the Western Sports Group collaborates across brands during busy stretches of the seasonWhat Calli hopes to build during her time on BRJFollow along with the Team Roping Journal, Breakaway Roping Journal, CalfRoping.com and BarrelRacing.com for coverage from across the Western Sports Group team.
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The newest episode of The Breakaway Breakdown is a two-for-one listenâNFBR average champion Rylee George, followed by 2025 WPRA Breakaway World Champion Taylor Munsell, both fresh off signature wins that defined their seasons.
Host Lillian Kent opens with Georgeâs NFBR average run: 29.0 seconds on 10 head, a new aggregate record, and more than $25,000 earned during the Finals. George breaks down how the week unfoldedâand how the horsepower (and strategy) changed depending on what she drew.
Then the episode pivots to Munsellâs season-long story: a 2025 world title campaign that ended with a season earnings record of $209,021. Munsell walks through whatâs nextâSan Diego, Fort Worth, and the rescheduled Prairie Circuit Finalsâwhile detailing how she manages a deep string of horses (including Colonel, Monster, Ray, Goon and Vegas) and keeps them fresh.
Episode supported by Roping.comGet unlimited access to roping.comâs comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.
Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping Journal
Follow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
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The latest episode of The Breakdown Podcast takes listeners inside the most talked-about finishes of the 2025 Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, featuring on-the-ground interviews with all three event championsâHali Williams, Josie Conner and Maddy Deerman.
Conner and Williams elected to become co-champions after tying as the eventâs highest money earners, each earning $115,000. Their candid, post-event interviews hear Conner reflect on early momentum and a few barrier penalties while Williams rose throughout the event. They also reflected on what it meant to share the milestone win with someone whoâs been both a longtime competitor and friend.
The episode also features an interview with DeermanâJacobs, who quietly delivered one of the most impressive performances of the week. Deerman-Jacobs roped all 10 head clean to win the average in 23.58 seconds, a feat she now calls the biggest victory of her career. Walking back to the trailer, she opens up about overcoming self-doubt, balancing speed and consistency on a "short" horse, and the emotional weight of winning a title she never expected to be hers.
This episode is brought to you by FastBack RopesFastback Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mindâcreate the best rope on the market. And they have two ropes we know breakaway ropers are going to love; The Edge and The Athena. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged uses The Edge, which is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly for a tough and durable finish to help you outlast the competition. The Athena is a pink breakaway rope with a purple core. The core gives the Athena enhanced tip weight and will deliver a snappy finish and close. Check out Fastbackropes.com for more information and to purchase your FastBack Ropes today.
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From a ranch kid in Miles City, Montana, to a world champion with seven straight trips to Las Vegas, Haven Meged joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about the moments that shaped his career.
Meged reflects on his unforgettable 2019 rookie year, the evolution of tie-down roping, and the horsepower behind his success, before opening up about the injury-filled, high-pressure summer of 2025 that tested him mentally and physically.
About The Edge from Fast Back Ropes
The Edge is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly, built for ropers who demand consistency run after run. Known for its toughness and durability, The Edge holds up in all conditions while maintaining a reliable feel, making it the go-to rope for Haven and Shelby Meged.
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Haven Meged joins The Tie-Down Breakdown after picking up his first go-round win of the week in Round 9 of the 2025 NFR, stopping the clock at 7.0 to earn $36,668 and pushing his Finals earnings to $74,801. The 2019 world champion talks about the grind it took just to qualify for his seventh straight NFR, how this season came down to the final week, and why patience mattered as the week in Las Vegas unfolded.
Meged also dives into adjusting without his standout gelding Lil Punch and competing aboard Smoke, breaking down how the horseâs style has changed his approach in the box. From capitalizing on a good Round 9 draw to joking about all the winnings going toward diapers as he and Shelby prepare to welcome a baby boy, Meged reflects on the highs, the learning curves, and what it means to finally get one won under the bright lights.
About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinetyâs products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.
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Joel Harris kept things rolling in Round 7 with a 7.5-second run, marking his second straight go-round win on Daddys Shiner Cat, âPeso,â and adding $36,668 to his NFR week.
A night after his 6.8 in Round 6, Harris backed in and capitalized again, bringing his 2025 NFR earnings to $137,210 through seven rounds. His week now includes: second in Round 1, sixth in Round 2, second in Round 5 and wins in Rounds 6 and 7âall aboard Peso, owned by Logan Bird. Harris joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about his run, family support, Peso's "it" factor and more.
About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinetyâs products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.
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Joel Harris put the Thomas & Mack on notice in Round 6, stopping the clock at 6.8 seconds to snag his first go-round win of the 2025 NFR and pocket $36,668 aboard the legendary Daddys Shiner Cat, âPeso.â
Harris has pieced together a solid week with checks in three rounds, but a no-time in Round 4 knocked him out of the average conversation. Still, Round 6 was his momentâclean start, sharp finish, and Peso doing Peso things. Harris joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about his run, the momentum shift and what it means heading into the back half of the Finals.
About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinetyâs products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.
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John Douch jumped back into the NFR spotlight in Round 5 of the 2025 NFR with a 7.4 to win $36,667, bumping himself to No. 2 in the average and holding strong at No. 4 in the world with $240,267 won.
The other storyline trailing Douch this week? Horsesâlots of them. Heâs been on a different horse almost every night: starting on âBoâ in Round 1, switching to âTomcatâ in Round 2, back to Bo in Round 3, then borrowing Shad Mayfieldâs mare âTootsie Popâ in Round 4. He planned to stay on her for Round 5, but when she came up lame, Bo got the call again.
His Round 5 win marks the second-go round win of his career and comes on the heels of his third-place split in Round 4, bringing his total Finals earnings to $55,297. Douch joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk through the run, horse changes and more.
About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinetyâs products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.
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Kincade Henry stepped back into the NFR winners circle for the first time since 2022, taking the Round 4 win with a 7.1 to earn $36,667.95.
After a tough Round 2, Henry regrouped with Duals Crescent Boon, âMario,â made a few adjustments and finally shook the NFR monkey off his back. The reset paid off in Round 4 and his win keeps him firmly planted at No. 3 in the world standings with $262,366 won.
Itâs the third NFR go-round win of Henryâs career, and he joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk through the run, the mindset shift and what it means moving forward in Las Vegas.
About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinetyâs products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.
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Shad Mayfield lit up the Thomas & Mack on Thursday, taking home his first NFR Round 1 win.
The seven-time NFR qualifier stopped the clock at 6.8 seconds, winning the round and pocketing $36,667.95. The win kept him at No. 2 in the world with $292,97.95 won, just $30,783.74 behind world No. 1, Riley Webb. The round marks Mayfield's fourth career NFR round win, and he joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about it.
About Roping.com
Give the tie-down roper in your life something theyâll actually use. Gift a Roping.com membership this holiday season and check one name off your shopping list. Theyâll get full access to Roping.com's comprehensive tie-down video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield plus top hands Logan Harkey, Justin Maass and Blane Cox. They can even stream the 2025 NFR Calf Break-In for a behind-the-scenes look at preparing this years pen of calves, then binge hundreds of hours of archived tie-down livestreams. Choose anywhere from one month to a full year of membership, delivered just in time for the holidays.
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On the latest episode of The Breakdown, 2025 INFR Breakaway World Champion Megan Lunak opens up about the four-run performance that earned her the gold buckle in Las Vegasâand the decades of resilience, heartbreak and faith that made that moment possible.
Lunak won the title on Oct. 18 with a 13.41-second total on four head, earning $7,523 and securing the biggest win of her career. But on the podcast, she makes one thing clear: the buckle is only part of the story.
Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar BreakawayThe Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in womenâs rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24â30.
MillionDollarBreakaway.com
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After a season filled with heartbreak, horse trouble and hard lessons, Bryce Derrer started the 2026 season with a $16,176 win at the Cinch Roping Fiesta in San Angelo, Texas.
In this episode of The Tie-Down Breakdown, Derrer opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of losing his girlfriendâs good horse mid-season and the faith that carried him through it all. He breaks down each of his runs in San Angelo, shares what makes the Fiesta one of the most âpristine ropings of the year,â and talks about the mental toughness it takes to hang with todayâs next wave of calf roping history makers.
THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROPING.COM
Get unlimited access to roping.comâs comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.
MORE FROM THE TIE-DOWN BREAKDOWN
The Tie-Down Breakdown: Who Should Win the 2025 Tie-Down Horse of the Year Award?The Tie-Down Breakdown: The Dylan Hancock StoryThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Kyle Lucas on Chasing His Own LegacyThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Tuf Cooperâs Nashville Win and 2025 MindsetIntroducing Hannah Wheeler: New Host of The Tie-Down Breakdown
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Josie Conner and her 16-year-old gelding âStylish Drifter,â known as Dutch, have done what only one other duo has managed in breakaway historyâbe named Horse of the Year twice. On the newest episode of The Breakdown, Conner joins Lillian Kent to talk about Dutchâs rare repeat as the 2025 AQHA Nutrena Breakaway Horse of the Year and the partnership thatâs carried them to the top of ProRodeo.
After a season that included major victories at The American Rodeo and the Womenâs Rodeo World Championshipsâwith more than $169,000 earnedâConner admits she was nervous Dutch would be overlooked this year. âI was proud my peers still voted for him,â she shares. âThese horses are the reason weâre successful, and Iâm more proud of Horse of the Year than Rookie of the Year.â
Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar BreakawayThe Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in womenâs rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24â30.
MillionDollarBreakaway.com
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