Josie Conner is $100,000 richer thanks to a 1.89-second run that clinched the win at The American Rodeo on Saturday, April 12, 2025, marking her sixth trip to the prestigious event.
The victory came as Conner’s second win of the day, following a 1.99-second run in the Round of 10 with 2024 Horse of the Year Stylish Drifter, known as “Dutch.” That run broke the 2-second mark for the first time on Saturday.
“This rodeo is incredible and one I’ve always tried to win,” said Conner, 21. “I’ve been coming since I was 15 in 2019. This is an amazing payday and an amazing rodeo.”
According to Conner, 2025 was her first time being invited to The American Rodeo, thanks to her No. 3 finish in the WPRA Standings in 2024. That invitation meant she competed in the finals for a guaranteed $100,000 payout—unlike the $1 million prize reserved for Contenders who qualify through the tournament system.
“Obviously, I’d like to rope for the $1 million, but I’ll take $100,000 any day of the week,” Conner said. “Last year I made it to the final four [as a Contender] and didn’t do any good. That was the furthest I’d ever gotten—until today.”
Editor’s note: No Contender was able to best the invitees at the 2025 American Rodeo, meaning the 2026 pot will increase from $1 million to $2 million.
Josie Conner’s American Rodeo Experience
The three-under barrier at The American Rodeo—described by some competitors as feeling closer to four under—meant breakaway ropers had to see their start on slower-moving Holstein-cross calves. Conner helped select calves for the final four, selecting ones that either stepped right or ran straight.
After finishing No. 1 in the 10-man round, Conner was the final roper in the four-man round. She watched as peers Shelby Meged and Martha Angelone laid down sizzling times of 2.04 and 1.93 seconds, respectively.
“I wasn’t changing my game plan,” Conner said. “I was trying to win first. I hit the barrier and knew where the throw was going to be on the calves. Dutch does everything else.”
Dutch was indeed the star of the evening—breaking to the pin, timing up behind the calf, and allowing Conner to deliver her King Rope and pull her slack. After the 1.89-second time, Dutch gave the crowd a celebration of his own.
“It got a little Western there for a minute,” Conner said with a laugh. “He does not like when the lights go dim and they shoot pyro.”
In the wake of her victory, Conner said the feeling is “indescribable”—a dream she’s had in her sights for years.
Looking ahead, Dutch will make one more run at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo before getting some time off. Conner will head to California with her new mount, “Hickory.” She currently sits No. 3 in the WPRA World Standings and is proud of her winter rodeo performances, which include a win at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
