Direct Answer
For Joclyn Arnold, breakaway roping brings together the parts of rodeo she enjoys most: competition, horses, and the experience of being part of a family tradition. At the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo near Kennewick, Washington, she spoke with Bri Larios of Speck Dealerships about her background, the event, and what keeps her coming back to the arena.
Growing Up Around Rodeo
Joclyn, from Glenwood, Washington, did not have to discover rodeo later in life. It was already part of her family.
“My family is big on rodeoing, so I was just kind of born into it,” she explained.
That early connection developed into a genuine love for competing and working with horses. As a joclyn arnold breakaway roper, she enjoys the combination of athletic competition and the partnership involved in making a run.
She summed up what she likes about the sport simply: “I love it because it’s competitive, I get to do it with my horses, and I just like all the parts of it.”
Understanding the Breakaway Roping Run
Breakaway roping moves quickly, but the sequence is straightforward. The competitor nods when ready, the calf is released, and the rider follows and ropes it. The horse then stops, allowing the rope to break away from the saddle horn. A flag signals the completion of the run.
Each part contributes to the result, so the competitor has to be ready before the calf is released.
Joclyn’s approach before the start
Joclyn takes a deep breath and checks that everything is right before making her run. She does not spend the moment trying to predict every detail.
“Then I don’t really know what happens after that—I just do it,” she said.
Her approach is to go fast and let the result happen rather than overthink the run.
A Big Rodeo Close to Home
The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo is a meaningful stop for Joclyn because it brings a large Tri-Cities audience and added money while keeping her relatively close to home.
She appreciates the opportunity to compete at an event with a strong crowd and significant prize money.
“It’s huge. There’s a lot of money here, and it’s good to be close to home.”
The event also gives her a chance to compete in the region where she grew up, making the Kennewick-area rodeo a special part of her schedule.
Watching Women’s Breakaway Roping Gain Recognition
Women’s breakaway roping has become more recognized over the years, and Joclyn has experienced part of that growth firsthand. She began competing as the event was starting to gain attention.
“It’s been really cool. I came up right when it started to get big, so I’ve been a part of it. Seeing it grow each year has been really cool.”
Joclyn Arnold, a breakaway roper competitor, said that watching the event receive more recognition has been an important part of the experience. Her comments reflect how much the sport has changed during the years she has been involved.
Her Advice for Young Riders
When asked what she would tell young girls in Eastern Washington who want to pursue rodeo, Joclyn emphasized learning from people with experience.
“I would find somebody who knows what they’re doing, go to clinics, and learn from somebody who knows what they’re doing.”
Her advice is practical: seek out knowledgeable people and take opportunities to learn. Clinics and experienced mentors can help young competitors build their understanding of the sport.
The Truck That Joined Her Rodeo Travels
Rodeo involves plenty of time on the road, and Joclyn also shared how she found her new truck through Speck Chevrolet of Prosser.
She worked with Johnny and the dealership team after she and her family began looking for a vehicle.
“We had just started looking for a truck, and then we got ahold of Johnny. I think I had a new truck within a week.”
She is happy with the purchase and added, “It’s been everywhere so far.”
The conversation offered another glimpse into life outside the arena, where travel and the practical details of getting from one rodeo to another are part of the experience.
Quick Questions, Personal Answers
Joclyn also answered a series of rapid-fire questions, sharing some of her favorites and a few details about rodeo life.
- Favorite rodeo: Prineville
- Favorite rodeo food: Chicken strips
- Favorite road-trip snack: Cotton candy Alani and Nerds Gummy Clusters
- Boots or sneakers: Sneakers
- Favorite part of rodeo life: Making memories
- Toughest part: Getting everything to go right—and the expense
- Mountains or beach: Mountains
- Sunrise or sunset: Both
- Always in her rodeo bag: Baby powder
- Favorite part of the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo: The added money
- Ford, Chevy, GMC, or Ram: Ram
Her answers show that rodeo is about more than the competition itself. The people, travel, and memories are also part of what makes the lifestyle meaningful.
The Memories Make the Hard Work Worthwhile
Competing on the rodeo circuit takes preparation, travel, dependable horses, and the ability to stay calm when it matters. Joclyn also recognizes the financial demands and the challenge of getting everything to go right.
Still, making memories is what stands out as her favorite part of rodeo life. That perspective helps explain why she continues to enjoy the experience, even with its challenges.
Joclyn Arnold breakaway roper story is not only about a fast run. It is also about growing up in a rodeo family, enjoying time with horses, learning from experienced people, and finding opportunities to compete.
Watch Joclyn’s Interview
In her conversation with Bri Larios, Joclyn shares more about her experience in breakaway roping, the growth she has witnessed in the event, and what she enjoys about competing at the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo.
Watch the interview with Joclyn.
Speck Dealerships is proud to support the fair, the rodeo, and the competitors who make the event special. Thank you to Joclyn for taking the time to share her story.
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