Kelsie Domer clinched the first progressive go-round win at WCRA Rodeo Carolina Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, with a time of 2.3 seconds aboard trusty gelding Little Man to win $1,500.
For the effort, Domer has qualified for the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round on Sunday, Oct. 8, where the Rodeo Carolina champion will take home $15,000. Winning on Sunday would be Domer’s second consecutive WCRA major event championship—she won the Women’s Rodeo World Championship in May. Then, she’d be one win away from the $1 million Triple Crown of Rodeo bonus.
“I came out here after the summer of ProRodeo because it’s an event that’s going to pay $15,000,” Domer said. “It takes us a lot of rodeos to usually earn that much. And of course, I have another incentive to come: If I win this one, then I’ll be eligible for the $1 million. I always want to give myself a chance. I try not to think too far ahead but, If I’m not in the fight, then I don’t have a chance.”
“I’ve always been a big supporter of the WCRA, they’ve always been good to breakaway ropers.” – Kelsie Domer
Domer’s position on the WRCA leaderboard going into Rodeo Carolina meant she didn’t have to rope in the two qualifying rounds on Thursday, Oct. 5, but she chose to for the go-round money and to experience the new setup ahead of the progressive round Friday.
“It did not feel good to me last night,” Domer said. “I missed the first one and was 2.5 on the second one. Sure it was a good run, but it didn’t feel how I wanted it to feel. My brother told me last night I was thinking too much, and I was thinking he’s right.”
Kits Tiana Play, known as “Little Man,” is one of breakaway’s stars, scoring and stopping with consistency. Friday evening, Domer gave him the figurative reins.
“Tonight, I had a good calf and I wanted to let things happen and let my horse do his job.”
Perks of Rodeo Carolina
After a summer of ProRodeo competition that qualified Domer to her second NFBR, the nine-time WPRA World Champion got a kick out of all the different faces at WCRA Rodeo Carolina.
“It’s cool to see the younger kids—that’s what it’s all about. We’re hoping to make this thing even better for them, so it’s nice to see them coming through the ranks. When I was that age, I was not at their level, so it’s nice to see such young girls be so badass.”
Another “plus” of Rodeo Carolina is the facility—the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The massive facility was initially built in 2014 and is a regular host venue for English horse shows. From cabins on-site to restaurants, a general store and golf course, rodeo contestants have no reason to leave the grounds.
Breakaway Progressive Round 1 Results
| 1 | KELSIE DOMER | 2.3 | $1,500 |
| 2 | MARYBETH BEAM | 2.35 | $1,000 |
| 3 | HARLEY PRYOR | 2.5 | $750 |
| 4 | MAELEE WADE | 2.76 | $350 |
| 5 | CHEYENNE BARTLING | 2.8 | |
| 6 | ORALEE MADISON | 2.88 | |
| 7 | KYLA MATTHEWS | 2.96 | |
| 8 | RYLIE ROMERO | 3.28 | |
| 9 | RYLIE EDENS | 4.11 | |
| 10 | JOESY JAMES | 5.37 | |
| 11 | GRACE TOBERER | 7.5 | |
| 12 | SAGE DUNLAP | – |
The Breakaway Roping Journal is bringing readers boots-on-the-ground coverage from the WCRA’s Rodeo Carolina all weekend long.
