Danielle Lowman is the breakaway Champion of the 2024 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo thanks to a 1.8-second run worth $20,000.
The win came on the heels of an arena record-breaking 1.6-second time during Bracket Seven of the FWSSR ProRodeo Tournament. In all, the 31-year-old cowgirl representing the Navajo Nation rounded up $24,750 in Fort Worth.
“Winning Fort Worth is a great start to the winter,” Lowman said. “I’m thankful I pulled this win off and I have the support I do. I was able to tip my had to my dad and grandma [who have passed] after my run. I always like to tip my hat to them, because they pushed me to pursue my dream.”
The last time we saw Lowman and Shi’Biz
The last time the greater public saw Lowman and star mare Shi’Biz compete together was at the 2023 National Finals Breakaway Roping, where they went on a day two winning streak, picking up three go-round wins. Lowman had started the competition on gelding “Boomer,” but when a fumble in Round 4 took them out of average contention, it was time to go fast.
“I had started on Boomer for day one of the NFBR,” Lowman recalled. “I was thinking, ‘Let’s go give it everything I got,’” Lowman said of the NFBR. “I made my ropes a little longer on day two, same as I did here tonight. With a longer rope I can play it a little safe. I can stay behind the barrier and throw.”
Redemption in Fort Worth
Lowman advanced to the 2023 FWSSR Short Round, only to miss the money by one hole with a 2.3-second run. This time was all about making the trip worth it.
Danielle Lowman’s 2024 FWSSR times:
- Bracket 7, Round 1: 1.8 seconds
- Bracket 7, Round 2: 1.6 seconds
- Semifinals 1: 3.0 seconds
- Short Go: 1.8 seconds
Lowman broke the Dickies Arena record on Tuesday, Jan. 30 with a 1.6-second time. When asked about walking the razors edge between going fast and being clean, Lowman answered with a classically cool phrase.
“You have to have a lot of patience,” Lowman said. “It’s a lot of belief in being able to throw. If let the calf go ahead of me, I know I am going to be O.K.”
Following the blistering run, Lowman and hauling partner Sarah Angelone crafted a plan to keep Shi’Biz freed up. The pair practiced at Angelone’s place in Lipan, Texas, and in the Semifinals, Lowman went 3.0 seconds to advance in the No. 4 position.
“Tonight, I was third out, and Sarah and I talked about it—and there was really nothing to lose,” Lowman said. “I focused on seeing the start and getting after it. My calf was a little on the weaker end, and I didn’t really like that, but as long as he got out in front of me, I knew I’d be good.”
Standing in the box with her, Angelone told Lowman to “score sharp.”
“I knew if she was on the barrier, she would win it,” Angelone said.
Now, with Fort Worth in the rearview mirror, Lowman and Angelone are headed to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The pair plan to buddy together throughout the winter season and regroup before summer.
