Bailey Bates claimed the Breakaway Roping title in San Angelo with three consistent 1.9-second runs, crediting both her draws and her horse for the victory.
“I drew really good and was fortunate enough to capitalize on each draw I had,” Bates said.
Her winning mount she got off of Facebook Marketplace during the COVID pandemic. Initially just a prospect, the horse has developed into a tough competitor under her training.
“He is proving he belongs here each run—it was not the plan to compete at this level on him, but he steps up every time,” she said.
Bates emphasized the humbling nature of the sport of rodeo.
“You can be on top of the world one day and back to square one the next,” she said.
With 2024 being her first full rodeo season competing year-round, she mentioned how the experience has helped her gain a better understanding of how to approach each run going forward.