Kieley Walz is making statement after statement in the breakaway world, adding another achievement to her pile of winnings on Wednesday, May 15 at the 2024 Women’s Rodeo World Championship [WRWC] in the Challenger Breakaway Division.
With more than 7,300 in WRWC points on the year, Walz edged out leader Kelsie Reininger for the Challenger World Championship, earning $5,000.
A little background on Walz; In 2023 she won the NHSFR Breakaway Championship, and at the 2024 WCRA Rodeo Corpus Christi she earned herself a spot on the Free Riders team—competing at the Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on Friday, May 17.
Between the excitement surrounding the WRWC, the possibility of advancing to the finals at AT&T Stadium and Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo [KRRR], The Breakaway Roping Journal caught up with Walz to hear her perspective on the week.
BRJ: You’ve had an exciting week, how do you keep your head on straight knowing you need to do business while Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo is looming?
Walz: “I focused on taking big breaths and thinking, ‘It’s just another rodeo, no matter how big and energetic it is. It’s a business run. While I was definitely stressed out, being able to calm myself back down and maintain my demeanor is top priority.”
Walk me through your favorite run here this week.
“My favorite run was definitely my Round 2 run on Tuesday. I drew a really fast calf that went hard right, and when those calves go hard right… those are my favorite shots. A perfect cross-over shot.”
Tell me about you horse Bella.
“She’s 13-years-old, she’s by our stud Ima Firefighter, and she’s outstanding. She’s one of the most honest horses I’ve ever ridden. She got a little short on me today, but that’s kind of on me because I sped up my swing. And we’ve been here for three days, she knows [the throw] is coming.”
What are some of the things to you to maintain your mental game?
“I’ve been listening to podcasts. Strictly Tyson Durfey’s podcasts, actually. One that’s helped me a lot is the January one about 2024 goals.”
What does this win mean to you, especially with the KRRR in front of you?
“It’s a big win for me, and it’s a good stepping stone to the Kid Rock N Roll Rodeo—and it’s also a good stepping stone for bigger things. I just turned 18-years-old, and there is a lot more to come.”
Since you’re 18, are you thinking ProRodeo? What’s you plan?
“I might fill out a permit, but I’m going to college rodeo at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I don’t think I’ll go hard on ProRodeos for a while.”
What’s your game plan to finish out this week?
“I am going to finish our the Women’s Rodeo, go to the Kid Rock rodeo, and then probably just take a few days easy back home in Nebraska. In a week, high school rodeos start back up so I’ll be back at it.”
Walz will compete Thursday, May 16 for a chance to advance to the Saturday finals of the WRWC, held in conjunction with the PBR in AT&T Stadium.
