Montana breakaway roper Dusti Bird is poised to make her first trip to the Montana Circuit Finals in 2025, sitting No. 3 in the standings with $12,374 won—about $2,200 behind leader Joey Williams.
A New York native turned Cut Bank, Montana, cowgirl, Bird’s path to the arena intertwines with family, faith in her horses, and a lot of miles across Big Sky Country.
We caught up with Bird to talk about her journey to the Finals, her standout mare “June,” and the wins that shaped her season.
Q: How long have you been competing in the Montana Circuit?
A: I bought my card in 2019. Back then, there weren’t as many breakaway rodeos in the circuit, but around 2021 it really started taking off. In 2021, I also had my daughter, Stella, so I only entered a couple. In 2022 and 2023, I hit a few more, but this year has been the first one where I really went after it.
Q: You’re originally from New York—how did you end up in Montana?
A: My sister Alicia married Dustin Bird, and Dustin is my husband Shawn’s brother. Alicia wanted to rodeo more after having her kids, so she asked me to come out and help her travel. I never left. Shawn and I started dating, and now we’ve been together about six years.
Q: Tell us about your horse, “June.”
A: She’s a 9-year-old mare by A Streak Of Fling, bred to be a barrel horse, but my dad trained her for roping. He gave her to me last year, and we’ve just clicked. She scores great, she’s fast, and she stays solid all summer—even though we hardly get to practice at home because our calves are usually on the road [with Dustin’s stock contracting].
Q: How would you describe her style?
A: She leaves hard and flat, and when you throw, you’ve got to be sitting because she stops quick on her front end. She quarters a little but doesn’t take your throw away. I get along with her great, but she might be tricky for someone else.
Q: How do you keep both you and your horse sharp during the season?
A : At home, I ride her out in the fields as much as I can. I rope the dummy—well, actually a bale of hay with a calf head—pretty consistently, even if it’s just five or six loops when I’m doing chores.
Dusti Bird keeps June feeling good all season by feeding her with Equinety’s Horse XL Powder and Ultimate OEC Oil. Equinety’s commitment to the Western industry spans beyond their supplements, too, by supporting The Breakaway Roping Journal’s ProRodeo coverage all season, including the grassroots circuit stories.
Q: What has this season been like for you?
A: Incredible, especially right before and over the Fourth of July run. I had some big wins that boosted me in the standings. Since then it’s been hit or miss, but I’m just thankful to be going.
Dusti Bird’s 2025 Montana Circuit Highlights
- Rodeo Roundup, Roundup, MT, $1,719
- Pikuni PRCA Rodeo, Browning, MT, $1,071
- Bigfork Summer Pro Rodeo, Bigfork, MT, $2,231
- Bear Paw Roundup, Chinook, MT, $1,754
Q: What are your goals going forward?
A: My main goal this year was just to make the circuit finals. I’d also like to hit a few winter rodeos in Arizona and go to more bigger rodeos next summer. I regret not entering Cheyenne this year—it would have been perfect for June. That’s on my bucket list for next year.
Q: How does it feel to rope in a circuit with so much talent?
A: It’s tough. We’ve got ladies like Cadee Williams, Joey Williams, and Shelby Meged. They’re not only great ropers but great people—always cheering you on or wishing you luck.
