Khloe Collins has nominated her way to the top of the World Championship Junior Rodeo Youth Leaderboard in the breakaway roping—boasting 7,341 points—a 2,396-point lead on No. 2.
The Marion, Texas, cowgirl is eyeing the WCJR at the Lazy E Arena with a mixture of expectation and experience, with her sights set squarely on a win.
The Breakaway Roping Journal caught up with the breakaway roper to learn more about her practice routine, horsepower and game plan for Guthrie.
BRJ: How did you get started in rodeo?
Khloe Collins: My dad Scott roped a lot, and I just kind of followed after him. I’ve been on a horse since I was 3 years old—it’s been my whole life.
Q: What events do you compete in?
KC: I do pretty much every event—goats, poles, barrels, breakaway and head in team roping. But breakaway is my main event.
Q: What do you love most about breakaway roping?
KC: The competition. There’s so much added money and support for the sport now. I love how it’s growing and what it’s turning into.
Q: What does a normal day look like for you?
KC: I wake up around 6:30, feed, exercise my horses, rope in the mornings, and help my dad with cattle. Then in the afternoons when it cools off, I rope again. My dad puts on jackpots, so I help him with that, too.
Q: How would you describe your roping style?
KC: I’m more of a safer roper, but I’m working to be faster. I’ve been hitting jackpots and focusing on getting the calf out of my hand quicker.
Q: Who has been your biggest coach in breakaway?
KC: My dad—he’s taught me everything.
Q: Tell us about your horses.
KC: My rodeo horse is Splash—he’s 16 and super honest. My dad roped on him, and I trust him completely. Then I have a 6-year-old palomino named Poncho who’s a little hotter. I’ve been seasoning him but need to get him more solid in the box.
Q: And you have some practice horses, too?
KC: I have Sassy, my old mare. She’s 25 now and mostly used for practice. My little sister, Jersey, who’s 9, is starting to ride her now and learn to rope.
Q: What are your goals for WCJR this year?
KC: I’m leading the points right now, so I really want to win it. If I do, I think I’ll get invited to the roping out in California—maybe the one on the beach at Cal Poly. That’s my goal.
Q: Who do you want to thank?
KC: Definitely my dad. He’s been pushing me, hauling me everywhere, and supporting me every step of the way.
