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Breakaway Roping has taken the rodeo world by storm, growing rapidly in competitors and popularity. Cowgirls across the country are showcasing their talent, bringing new meaning to “Rope Like a Girl.”
Pro-Rodeo committees are embracing the growth by adding Women’s Breakaway into their roster of events, allowing more opportunities for “Ladies of Rodeo” to collect at the pay window. Rickie Engessor Fanning of Spearfish, South Dakota is capitalizing on these rodeos, livin’ her dream, roping at the Pro Level.
Currently, Fanning is sitting within the top 15 in the World Standing with only a few weeks left to go. We were able to catch up with Fanning to learn how the fire within was kindled and where her passion is taking her.
When did you start roping and who helped you get your start?
“My dad has been the backbone of all three of us kids roping careers. My parents had us sitting on a horse by the time we could walk and soon after a rope was in our hand. At a young age, we started attending Gollihers/Hollers roping clinics which helped build a strong foundation under us.”
Please share with us how your passion continued to grow over the years for Breakaway Roping?
“I have always had a passion for breakaway. However, through the last several years it has grown even more. The ladies of breakaway have set a new bar, so to stay competitive I had to learn how to throw fast and hit the barrier just right. It took me countless hours in the practice pen, broken barriers, and many missed calves to figure it out. The challenge made me crave it even more once it all fell into place.
The growth of Breakaway Roping along with better payout at the Professional level, has created new opportunities and a burning desire to hit the road. I am blessed to be traveling and competing alongside my sister, Taylor. Together, we share our journey and experience the many different places rodeo takes us, all because of the passion we share.”
Competing for a World Title is an end goal held by many. When you began entering Pro-rodeos, what was your goal you were striving for?
“My sister and I have always tried to look at quality over quantity, capitalizing at the rodeos we are entered in. Every year our goal is to finish in the top 30, so we have the opportunity to enter the winter rodeos where the payout is higher.”
I never set out to make a run at the finals, it has just happened in Gods timing and plan. I had success in some of the bigger rodeos, which put myself in contention for the finals, giving me a strong start to keep moving forward.
These last couple weeks have been the longest we have ever been on the road without coming home! With an opportunity in reach, it is crunch time, so I decided to enter rodeos I have never been at to keep pushing to the end of the season. I honestly try not to get lost in the could or should ofs and stay focused on the goal along with trusting God’s plan. If it is meant to happen, it will!”
What are the positives, and the challenges ladies are experiencing as Breakaway Roping is rapidly growing at the Pro Level?
“There are a lot of positives happening in the Breakaway World right now. The big one is the number of rodeos that have included us in their event roster over the last couple of years. Plus, the money that is being added is equal to the other events, which is a huge step forward.
Some of the challenges we face are trying to figure out where we are supposed to be in the WPRA and PRCA. We are the new event, coming in full force, into an association that has been the same for years. We are causing change and some things have happened too fast without the proper rules and guidelines needed. I think getting those into place will help level out the breakaway!”
How do you mentally and physically prepare for competition as you chase the yellow lines to the next rodeo?
“Traveling is both mentally and physically exhausting. There are many nights spent in a pickup with little to no sleep. This is when you really test your mental and physical abilities. No matter how tired I am, I work hard at staying on course with my game plan.
Every time I back in the box, I focus on the calf and my horse, thinking of two things ‘Score Sharp’ and ‘Rope Sharp.’ Honestly, once I back into the box the exhaustion goes away. You learn on the road to push through the struggles!”
Heading down the road you are able to compete at many different venues, what has been your favorite place to compete and why?
“It is very hard to pick one specific place that is my favorite, since there are so many great rodeo productions out there. At the top of my list would be Reno Nevada due to the amazing crowd and contagious energy. However, it’s hard to beat the Pendleton experience from the crowd energy to the unique set up; no chute, long alley and you’re running full force on to grass. It is a thrilling and an amazing experience, but it can get a little western.”
Your list of accomplishments in rodeo is growing. What win has held the most importance to you?
“Every win has been special to me, because you compete against the best in world. The one that does stand out is Round 5 at the National Finals last year. I had all my family there in Vegas with me and finished the day on a high note! I accomplished a goal that I had been dreaming of and preparing for my whole life!”
To the next young girl dreaming of working towards a Breakaway Roping World Title, what advice would you offer her?
“Chase your dreams and work hard. Those two things will take you far. Don’t skip out on the little things and celebrate every accomplishment and milestone you go through! It’s not an easy road, but it’s an amazing journey!”
