Danielle Lowman won three go-rounds and earned a total of $15,240 the second day of the 2023 NFBR, Dec. 6, after falling out of average contention on day one.
“There was nothing we could lose,” Lowman said. “I was going for it every single time. We’re roping against the Top 15 in the world, so I knew it was going to be fast. You have to bring your A-game.”
Change of plans
Lowman started the competition on gelding “Boomer” because he isn’t as tight as Lowman’s other go-to, mare “Shi’Biz,” and she was going for an average check. When things went wrong in Round 4, though, it was time to switch gears.
“In Round 4, Boomer ran through my throw a little bit; I missed my slack, my loop stayed open, and my calf ran through it,” Lowman said. “After that, I thought ‘Let’s try to get faster and do better.’”
So Lowman stepped on Shi’Biz for Round 5.
“I got on Shi’Biz and ear-topped one,” Lowman said. “I didn’t have enough rope. I got a longer rope and let my hair down—let it all go.”
Danielle Lowman’s game face
Despite a rough first day, Lowman was on fire for day two. After a no-time in Round 6, she won Rounds 7, 8 and 9 with times of 1.9, 1.7 and 1.7 seconds, respectively, each worth $5,080.
“My belt buckle got caught in front of the saddle horn on Round 6 and I couldn’t get back to stop my horse,” Lowman said. “That’s when Shi’Biz knows to stop.”
During her victory lap following Round 7, Lowman swung her belt above her head in celebration before pitching it into the crowd.
“Sarah [Angelone] and I were talking in the back saying ‘1.6, 1.7, let’s go,’” Lowman recalled. “And that’s all we kept telling each other. It’s a great feeling to be able to throw a 1.7—I love it.”
She explained that fast runs come down to instinct; she just focuses on hitting the start and letting the rest take care of itself.
“My advice to someone wanting to do this is, ‘Don’t back down, believe in yourself, because that’s what I do,’” Lowman said.
NFBR coverage is supported by Resistol.
