Life on the Rodeo Road with Nicole Baggarley

COWGIRL Q&A Life on the Rodeo Road with NICOLE

BAGGARLEY

BY KEYLIE KEMBLE

NFR BREAKAWAY ROPER

MAJOR REGULAR SEASON RODEO WINS: • Back When They Bucked (Deadwood, South Dakota), $2,802 • Black Hills Roundup (Belle Fourche, South Dakota), $3,552 • Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days, $13,191

The biggest dream of any cowboy or cowgirl is to compete at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. As of last year, the NFR has added breakaway roping to the event roster as another chance for cowgirls to show off their talent and hard work. Before last year, breakaway was strictly held at the Women’s Pro Rodeo Finals, organized through the WPRA. In the interview below, I am excited to talk to Nicole Baggarley about the rodeo road, hours spent, horses trained, and teamwork it takes to make it to the NFR. Nicole Baggarley is a 2021 NFR Breakaway Qualifier who grew up in Mountainair, New Mexico and now resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

WHAT DOES HAVING BREAKAWAY IN THE NFR MEAN TO YOU?

“It means everything. It is huge to have new opportunities given to us cowgirls. It’s been an amazing outlet for women and girls to continue breakaway roping after college. Before this opportunity, breakaway was an event that was only included in amateur rodeos and jackpots.”

HOW DID YOU GET INTO BREAKAWAY ROPING?

“I was a die-hard barrel racer and pole bender when I was younger. As I started getting older and moving into tougher age groups, I needed an edge, so my dad made me start roping. In the beginning, I honestly didn’t want to rope and it wasn’t part of my long term plan, but I couldn’t be happier.”

HORSEPOWER IS THE NAME OF THE GAME IN BREAKAWAY ROPING. THIS EVENT REQUIRES A HORSE THAT CAN SCORE STRAIGHT, RUN FAST, AND STOP HARD. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR HORSES?

“Calamity is my baby. She is the first horse I raised and trained on my own. She is a running bred mare which most people think don’t make good breakaway horses, but she never outran me or gives me a bad shot. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my main girl. She was born two days before my birthday and has been the sweetest, best horse to be around and travel with. She is truly my best friend.

I also have JoJo, a 6-year-old mare, by One Smart Mate by One Time Pepto out of Jo Lesa

Lena. JoJo is my next up and coming breakaway partner. She suffered an injury this season but is getting back to business to join Calamity and myself down the road. Calamity is a calm, laid back mare who just goes with the flow and takes her job seriously.

JoJo, however, is a high powered, energetic, electric mare that loves her job.”

WHAT ARE YOUR RODEO GOALS?

“My big goal is to make the NFR again, my end goal is to win a gold buckle. This year’s main goal is to focus on circuit rodeos and training my young horses, such as JoJo.”

WHAT IS A MAJOR CHALLENGE OF

CONSTANTLY BEING ON THE ROAD

TRAVELING TO RODEOS?

The hours add up in a hurry and can make you tired and worn out, but mentally, you have to tell yourself that you got this and have to keep working. I realized while being gone that I really love being home, my bed and my arena, but I know the end goal is worth it. The hours, miles, late nights are all worth it.”

WHO DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR CORNER THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR JOURNEY?

“It takes a team effort to do this sport and I couldn’t be more grateful to have my parents, and great husband Brice by my side. Brice is my rock, he has taught me as much about roping and horsemanship as anyone. I am so thankful to have him in my corner supporting me. My mentor, Luke Jefferies, also plays a huge part in my journey as I used to spend almost every winter in Arizona with Luke and Kelsey to rope and practice. They are a huge factor in my success, and I appreciate everything they have done for me.”

RODEO IS A TOUGH SPORT, AND IT TAKES A STRONG WILL AND HEART TO GET TO THE TOP. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO GET STARTED IN BREAKAWAY ROPING?

“Go at it with all your heart. The biggest thing is you have to learn from everyone you can. Take something from everyone, use what works and let go of what doesn’t. Make your own style and never stop learning. You can do anything you put your heart and head to, but you must work hard and go at it full force.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE TO GET YOU THROUGH THE TOUGH DAYS?

“Good, better, best. Never let it rest til’ your good is better and your better is best.” • Baggarley qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo three times representing New Mexico State University.