As Kinlie Brennise prepares for what could be her first National Finals Breakaway Roping appearance, the Colorado cowgirl has been logging serious miles on the ProRodeo trail.
Along the way, she’s picked up valuable lessons on keeping her horses fresh, her ropes sharp, and her mindset strong.
Here are Brennise’s top three tips for staying happy and healthy on the road.
1. Put Your Horses First
Brennise says her horses’ well-being is always her top priority, even if it means skipping practice runs.
“I just try to read them and know their limits, making sure I’m not overdoing it on them,” Brennise explained. “Rio doesn’t need to practice making rodeo runs—he knows how to do that. What he needs is rest, scoring, and being freed up as needed.”
She also makes sure her horses have constant access to feed and water, knowing how stressful the road can be.
“When you’re stopping and going, they don’t always take the time to relax and eat,” Brennise said. “If I keep food and water in front of them, they know they’re taken care of.”
2. Keep Plenty of Ropes Handy
For Brennise, having the right feel in her hand can make or break a run. That’s why she stocks her trailer with nearly 20 ropes at all times.
“Your rope has to feel good to win money,” Brennise said. “I don’t want to lessen my chances just because the weather changed and my ropes are feeling different.”
Her go-to choice is the Rattler Viper 9.5, though she keeps a few heavier 10.0s on hand for cooler weather or setups that require more weight.
“I only get about six or seven [rodeo] runs out of one rope before it starts feeling off,” Brennise said. “When that happens, I’ll retire it to the dummy so I can still get a good feel.”
3. Keep Your Circle Small
The mental side of the game, Brennise says, is just as important as horse care and equipment. She leans on her family and a few close coaches for support but is careful about who she opens up to on the road.
“You’re allowed to feel down, but I don’t think your hauling partner should always be that person [you vent to],” Brennise said. “They might’ve just won the rodeo when you’re having a mental breakdown, and you don’t want to bring them down.”
Instead, Brennise relies on her parents and brother when she needs to vent.
“Keeping your circle small is huge,” she added. “Whoever you lean on needs to be fully invested in your journey.”
As Brennise gears up for her rookie shot at the NFBR, she’s carrying with her more than just ropes and horses—she’s bringing a mindset built on preparation, positivity, and perspective.
