Haiden Thompson has been making waves in the ProRodeo community, dominating the Resistol Rookie of the Year breakaway field by nearly $30,000 and putting herself in position for a NFBR Qualification, currently sitting No. 21 with $59,733 won.
And The Breakaway Roping Journal has visited with Thompson—covering the hot streak she went on in early July where she won more than $20K — but there is only so much bragging a cowgirl will do on herself.
So, in an effort to discover that “X” factor, the BRJ team started asking around. And while Thompson has undeniable talent, she also has some traits we’re going to be prioritizing in our own lives. Take a look at what some of the most influential people in the breakaway industry had to say about Thompson.
Lari Dee Guy – ProRodeo peer
Often considered the matriarch of breakaway roping and one of the key people who brought to a wider ProRodeo audience, Lari Dee Guy is a respected mentor and competitor in the roping circles. With nine WPRA World Titles, she’s proven she can compete with the best, too.
“There are breakaway ropers, and then there’s Haiden Thompson. She’s a freaking cowgirl. She could be a World Champion in the goat tying, women’s calf roping, header, heeler, she can be whatever she wants. I believe she’s very gifted—the ability that God gave her is unbelievable—but she grew up in a family with a lot of kids and constant competition. If you don’t buckle under that kind of pressure, that’s what makes you the toughest. And she’s not the only one in her family that’s a badass. They’re all badasses in some way.
“She’s laid back and things come easy to her. I’m not saying she doesn’t work—she works as hard as anybody—but she’s a very talented kid. She can [ride] whatever she wants and still win. I mean, she got on Jesse and kicked [butt]. If I got on Jesse I would be between his ears.”
Martha Angelone – ProRodeo peer, traveling partner
Considered one of the fiercest competitors on the ProRodeo trail, Martha Angelone has advanced to the NFBR every year it’s been held, clinching the Breakaway World Championship in 2022.
“I feel like Haiden is one of the most genuine people inside and outside the arena and that’s very important. Most kids her age have the talent but not the responsibility or the humility Haiden has. I’ve been saying since the fourth they better watch out for her—she’s a sleeper that’ll make it [to Vegas]. Haiden’s a hustler whenever it comes to roping and I respect that so much because there’s not many girls that are. If there’s a jackpot, rodeo, whatever she will be entered and going for first every time.”
“I’ve learned a lot about her this summer, and whenever things have taken a turn for the absolute worst, she will keep pushing forward to make things work no matter what. Haiden can win on anything, and she is especially proving that now. I’m proud to call Haiden part on my added-on family and she’s like another little sister to me.”
Jackie Crawford – ProRodeo peer
Crawford is the first breakaway roper to reach $1 million in ProRodeo earnings, and has earned 23 WPRA World Championship Titles.
“I think Haiden is one of the fiercest young competitors to come along in a long time — you can see she has that something special. This kid won’t need dummy cards or loopholes, she has that deep down real competitor in her that will have her being one of the greats for a long time!”
Kelsie Domer – ProRodeo peer
Domer is known as one of the best teachers in the roping business, and has a 2024 WPRA Breakaway World Championship to back it up. Domer has earned 10 WPRA World Championship titles.
“Haiden is a hand no doubt. She’s a winner, she rides good horses, and she knows what it takes to be successful at a high level. She’ll be a tough competitor for years to come.“
Harley Pryor – Rodeo peer, traveling partner
Pryor, 17, is one of the sharpest up-and-coming breakaway ropers, holding her own in open ropings against ProRodeo cowgirls. She has piles of rodeo championships and checks, including a $40K payday at The Patriot Fort Worth in 2024.
“She comes across there and gets em. She’s a girl that can be 1.8 or 3.0. Haiden’s mentality and perspective on roping is so strong. We all get mad when we miss, but she shakes it off really easily and is onto the next one. She is always positive, never negative.”
“She’s one of the best traveling partners I’ve had… she’s like a sister to me. She lived with me for four months this winter and you couldn’t beat us. We were No. 1 and No. 2 almost everywhere. When you’re with someone who lifts you up and wants you to win as bad as you do, there is nothing better.”
Hadley Thompson – sister
Although one may think Haiden could overshadow her siblings, Hadley has made an impact in her own right, most recently winning NHSFR Championships in the breakaway roping, goat tying and all-around.
“Haiden has a really good mental game and is good about keeping a good attitude. She can make about anything work and still win. Something I really admire about her is that she’s somebody who always wants the best for everyone and will drop anything to help anyone out.”
Will LaDuke – Gillette College Coach
Will LaDuke has been coaching the rodeo team at Gillette College for 20 years, three of which he spent coaching Thompson to two CNFR All-Around Championships.
“Haiden is a real mature individual for her age. She never required a lot of coaching—we might talk about the start or the calf she drew but when she got here, she knew what to do. I think one of the things that stands out to me about her is her work ethic and how it didn’t matter if she was 1.8 or no time, she was always able to stay really level headed and onto the next one. It’s uncommon to see that from a young age. You could tell she was different from the start. We’re real proud of her.”
Thompson’s story has yet to completely unfold, but The Breakaway Roping Journal is here to tell it as it happens. Stay tuned for more Resistol Rookie of the Year updates thanks to Resistol.
