By: Julia Dondero
15-year-old Rylie Romero adds to her resume in style, taking home the 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship Challenger Breakaway Title after a week of salty roping at the historic Cowtown Coliseum. Romero and her equine partner “Buster” topped the competitive field of challengers with a quick 2.51-second run to take home the Round 1 win and contribute to her $15,000 total payday.
When the dust settled, Romero narrowly topped the competition to take home the Challenger Championship and priceless memories. Romero explained she knew the race was close and knew what she needed to do going into the Showdown Round, but she didn’t know if it would be enough. As she anxiously waited in the ally with Reserve Challenger Champion Kinlie Brennise, to hear the results, she was overcome with excitement when her name was announced.
“I was fully prepared to not win it, my mind was blown when the announcers officially called my name and I stepped into the area” explained Romero.
As WRWC Commissioner Linsay Rosser-Sumpter presented Romero with the coveted title in front of an excited crowd, Romero attempted to soak in the historic moment. “I wasn’t even thinking straight, I was so unbelievably overjoyed. As soon as I stepped out of the arena, I immediately embraced my Mom and sister in tears” Romero gleefully recounted.
Backing into the box as a challenger presents a unique opportunity many young ropers only dream of–roping head to head against their idols. Romero described this level of excitement, explaining, “It is such an amazing opportunity to compete here against some of the best. I had to try to calm my nerves and excitement before the first round.”
Going into the first round of competition, Romero had a solid game plan to get a good start at the line and take the best shot. With consistency and speed in mind, Romero roped sharp to take home the first-round challenger win. This victory guaranteed her a spot in the Showdown Round, as well as a trip to The Cowboy Channel Bar for the buckle ceremony.
“Going into the week, I had goals of making it to The Cowboy Channel Bar and when I got there it was a surreal moment. Standing in the same room as my idols and accepting my buckle was an incredible experience” explained the Louisanna cowgirl.
As the historic week of women’s rodeo progressed, so did Romero’s game plan. Knowing what she had to do, Romero and her reliable 10-year-old bay gelding “Buster” did their best to rope according to plan and accomplish their goals. Reflecting on the historic week, Romero was all smiles as she expressed her gratitude for the WRWC and the bright future it has paved for women in rodeo, “I am so grateful for this opportunity to compete at such a high level. Roping in Fort Worth was a surreal experience for a young roper like myself and I am just so grateful.”
