Karrigan Graves currently sits in the No. 16 spot in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Standings with $23,177 won putting her just $220 outside of the top 15.
This year she is determined to pop the bubble and clinch her first National Finals Breakaway Roping qualification.
Graves didn’t grow up with a rope in her hand. The Kentwood, Louisiana, cowgirl didn’t start roping until her senior year of high school—and even then, it started because of a boy.
Q:When you started roping your senior year of high school, did you ever think you’d be running with the best in the country this fast?
A: Definitely not. That’s probably been my biggest struggle, honestly, the last several years. The first time I ever bought my card, I bought my rookie card just to make the circuit finals—you have to have it in the breakaway to make the circuit finals. And it was the first year the Southeastern Circuit added it. I was like, ‘I’m never going to rodeo that hard, whatever.’ So, I wasted my rookie year—looking back, I really wish I wouldn’t have, because that was my first finals ever. I had never made an amateur finals, the high school finals, nothing. I’ve always felt so far behind. I have to remind myself now—I’m really not behind anymore.
Q: What gave you the start? Who handed you the rope?
A: When me and my husband, Bryce, started dating, I had never roped at all. That’s all he’s ever done his whole life—his dad, Frank Graves, made the NFR heading several times, and that’s literally all they’ve ever done. Roping was something we could do together. My mom really did not think I was going to take it seriously at all. She said, ‘I’ll buy you a rope horse, but if you and Bryce break up, you have to keep roping.’ So, I committed to both (Bryce and roping) for sure.
Q: What’s been the biggest adjustment coming up to this level — the mentality, the horsepower, the travel?
A: Having the horsepower is a huge deal. Last year I wanted to try to get into the buildings, and two days before we left for the summer run, my horse had to have surgery. That really threw everything off. But honestly, the mentality is huge too—just staying positive. It’s a big adjustment going from the Southeast—where you know everybody—to coming out here. It’s a little harder to make friends. So just trusting God’s timing and enjoying the process—that’s been the biggest part for me.
Q: You and Frank Graves talk every day on the road. How much has that relationship shaped how you compete?
A: Oh, for sure. When I’m gone rodeoing, I probably talk to him more than I talk to Bryce even. Mr. Frank’s my good guy—Bryce is a litter harder on me. Bryce taught me literally everything I know about roping, and Mr. Frank did too, so they’re really the only reason I know anything. But if I ever get in a bind or can’t figure something out, Mr. Frank can watch a five-second video and be like, ‘This is what you’re doing,’ its like a light bulb goes off immediately. I just needed somebody to say it out loud.
Q: You’re sitting just outside the top 15 heading into the summer. What’s the plan?
A: The Southeast Circuit has all of their rodeos so early, so I had to have my count and my circuit finals made before I leave for the summer, I’m just chilling out in May—Fort Smith, Arkansas, will be my only official rodeo before I head out. Then I go home, get everything together, get my horses working good and just try to place along all summer. I’m big on trying to place everywhere—I don’t have to win first. If I could just place everywhere, that would be nice.
Q: Tell us about your horses heading into the summer.
A: I’m taking two — Maverick and Screech. Short N Shy Cat, “Maverick,” has been my number one, but he had surgery to surgically fuse his hocks last year. Guymon was his first rodeo back, and he’s still getting back in the groove. And then Doves Pick, “Screech” is 16, and I’ve just finally gotten him figured out. They have really different styles, but I think they’ll complement each other. If I can choose the right one to ride at the right rodeo, that’s going to be a big deal.
