The Breakdown

This week on The Breakdown, Tie-Down Breakdown host Hannah Mann is joined by Calli Montague, the newest member of the Equine Network and Western Sports Group team.With previous Breakaway Breakdown host Lillian Kent transitioning into a role on the Horse and Rider side of the Western Sports Group, Calli will step in to help lead Breakaway Roping Journal coverage and interviews in the interim. Calli shares her rodeo background, her path into Western media and what she hopes to bring to the Breakaway Roping Journal as the sport continues to grow.In this episode:An update on team changes and what they mean for BRJ coverageCalli’s rodeo and media background, from junior rodeo to West Texas A&MHow the Western Sports Group collaborates across brands during busy stretches of the seasonWhat Calli hopes to build during her time on BRJFollow along with the Team Roping Journal, Breakaway Roping Journal, CalfRoping.com and BarrelRacing.com for coverage from across the Western Sports Group team.

The newest episode of The Breakaway Breakdown is a two-for-one listen—NFBR average champion Rylee George, followed by 2025 WPRA Breakaway World Champion Taylor Munsell, both fresh off signature wins that defined their seasons.Host Lillian Kent opens with George’s NFBR average run: 29.0 seconds on 10 head, a new aggregate record, and more than $25,000 earned during the Finals. George breaks down how the week unfolded—and how the horsepower (and strategy) changed depending on what she drew.Then the episode pivots to Munsell’s season-long story: a 2025 world title campaign that ended with a season earnings record of $209,021. Munsell walks through what’s next—San Diego, Fort Worth, and the rescheduled Prairie Circuit Finals—while detailing how she manages a deep string of horses (including Colonel, Monster, Ray, Goon and Vegas) and keeps them fresh.Episode supported by Roping.comGet unlimited access to roping.com‘s comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping JournalFollow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

The latest episode of The Breakdown Podcast takes listeners inside the most talked-about finishes of the 2025 Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, featuring on-the-ground interviews with all three event champions—Hali Williams, Josie Conner and Maddy Deerman.Conner and Williams elected to become co-champions after tying as the event’s highest money earners, each earning $115,000. Their candid, post-event interviews hear Conner reflect on early momentum and a few barrier penalties while Williams rose throughout the event. They also reflected on what it meant to share the milestone win with someone who’s been both a longtime competitor and friend.The episode also features an interview with Deerman‑Jacobs, who quietly delivered one of the most impressive performances of the week. Deerman-Jacobs roped all 10 head clean to win the average in 23.58 seconds, a feat she now calls the biggest victory of her career. Walking back to the trailer, she opens up about overcoming self-doubt, balancing speed and consistency on a "short" horse, and the emotional weight of winning a title she never expected to be hers.This episode is brought to you by FastBack RopesFastback Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind—create the best rope on the market. And they have two ropes we know breakaway ropers are going to love; The Edge and The Athena. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged uses The Edge, which is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly for a tough and durable finish to help you outlast the competition. The Athena is a pink breakaway rope with a purple core. The core gives the Athena enhanced tip weight and will deliver a snappy finish and close. Check out Fastbackropes.com for more information and to purchase your FastBack Ropes today.

From a ranch kid in Miles City, Montana, to a world champion with seven straight trips to Las Vegas, Haven Meged joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about the moments that shaped his career.Meged reflects on his unforgettable 2019 rookie year, the evolution of tie-down roping, and the horsepower behind his success, before opening up about the injury-filled, high-pressure summer of 2025 that tested him mentally and physically. About The Edge from Fast Back RopesThe Edge is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly, built for ropers who demand consistency run after run. Known for its toughness and durability, The Edge holds up in all conditions while maintaining a reliable feel, making it the go-to rope for Haven and Shelby Meged.

Haven Meged joins The Tie-Down Breakdown after picking up his first go-round win of the week in Round 9 of the 2025 NFR, stopping the clock at 7.0 to earn $36,668 and pushing his Finals earnings to $74,801. The 2019 world champion talks about the grind it took just to qualify for his seventh straight NFR, how this season came down to the final week, and why patience mattered as the week in Las Vegas unfolded.Meged also dives into adjusting without his standout gelding Lil Punch and competing aboard Smoke, breaking down how the horse’s style has changed his approach in the box. From capitalizing on a good Round 9 draw to joking about all the winnings going toward diapers as he and Shelby prepare to welcome a baby boy, Meged reflects on the highs, the learning curves, and what it means to finally get one won under the bright lights.About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinety’s products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.

Joel Harris kept things rolling in Round 7 with a 7.5-second run, marking his second straight go-round win on Daddys Shiner Cat, “Peso,” and adding $36,668 to his NFR week.A night after his 6.8 in Round 6, Harris backed in and capitalized again, bringing his 2025 NFR earnings to $137,210 through seven rounds. His week now includes: second in Round 1, sixth in Round 2, second in Round 5 and wins in Rounds 6 and 7—all aboard Peso, owned by Logan Bird. Harris joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about his run, family support, Peso's "it" factor and more. About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinety’s products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.

Joel Harris put the Thomas & Mack on notice in Round 6, stopping the clock at 6.8 seconds to snag his first go-round win of the 2025 NFR and pocket $36,668 aboard the legendary Daddys Shiner Cat, “Peso.”Harris has pieced together a solid week with checks in three rounds, but a no-time in Round 4 knocked him out of the average conversation. Still, Round 6 was his moment—clean start, sharp finish, and Peso doing Peso things. Harris joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about his run, the momentum shift and what it means heading into the back half of the Finals. About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinety’s products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.

John Douch jumped back into the NFR spotlight in Round 5 of the 2025 NFR with a 7.4 to win $36,667, bumping himself to No. 2 in the average and holding strong at No. 4 in the world with $240,267 won. The other storyline trailing Douch this week? Horses—lots of them. He’s been on a different horse almost every night: starting on “Bo” in Round 1, switching to “Tomcat” in Round 2, back to Bo in Round 3, then borrowing Shad Mayfield’s mare “Tootsie Pop” in Round 4. He planned to stay on her for Round 5, but when she came up lame, Bo got the call again.His Round 5 win marks the second-go round win of his career and comes on the heels of his third-place split in Round 4, bringing his total Finals earnings to $55,297. Douch joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk through the run, horse changes and more. About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinety’s products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.

Kincade Henry stepped back into the NFR winners circle for the first time since 2022, taking the Round 4 win with a 7.1 to earn $36,667.95.After a tough Round 2, Henry regrouped with Duals Crescent Boon, “Mario,” made a few adjustments and finally shook the NFR monkey off his back. The reset paid off in Round 4 and his win keeps him firmly planted at No. 3 in the world standings with $262,366 won.It’s the third NFR go-round win of Henry’s career, and he joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk through the run, the mindset shift and what it means moving forward in Las Vegas.About EquinetyEquinety offers a powerful combination of supplements for horses at any stage of life, no matter their job. Equinety Horse XL is a 100% pure amino acid supplement that targets the pituitary gland with amino acids to release necessary hormones for cellular repair. Equinety Ultimate OEC contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as flaxseed-based Omega-3, natural vitamin E, and colloidal silver, which provides nutrition for optimal cell function and reduces inflammation. Colloidal silver can also help fight bacterial and viral infections and improve gastric ulcers and tying up in horses. Together, these supplements make for a strong supplement foundation that promotes cellular repair, optimal cell function, and reduced inflammation. Equinety’s products are perfect for any horse at any stage of life, no matter their job. Click here for more information on Equinety.

Shad Mayfield lit up the Thomas & Mack on Thursday, taking home his first NFR Round 1 win. The seven-time NFR qualifier stopped the clock at 6.8 seconds, winning the round and pocketing $36,667.95. The win kept him at No. 2 in the world with $292,97.95 won, just $30,783.74 behind world No. 1, Riley Webb. The round marks Mayfield's fourth career NFR round win, and he joins The Tie-Down Breakdown to talk about it.About Roping.comGive the tie-down roper in your life something they’ll actually use. Gift a Roping.com membership this holiday season and check one name off your shopping list. They’ll get full access to Roping.com's comprehensive tie-down video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield plus top hands Logan Harkey, Justin Maass and Blane Cox. They can even stream the 2025 NFR Calf Break-In for a behind-the-scenes look at preparing this years pen of calves, then binge hundreds of hours of archived tie-down livestreams. Choose anywhere from one month to a full year of membership, delivered just in time for the holidays.

On the latest episode of The Breakdown, 2025 INFR Breakaway World Champion Megan Lunak opens up about the four-run performance that earned her the gold buckle in Las Vegas—and the decades of resilience, heartbreak and faith that made that moment possible.Lunak won the title on Oct. 18 with a 13.41-second total on four head, earning $7,523 and securing the biggest win of her career. But on the podcast, she makes one thing clear: the buckle is only part of the story.Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar BreakawayThe Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in women’s rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24–30. MillionDollarBreakaway.com 

After a season filled with heartbreak, horse trouble and hard lessons, Bryce Derrer started the 2026 season with a $16,176 win at the Cinch Roping Fiesta in San Angelo, Texas. In this episode of The Tie-Down Breakdown, Derrer opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of losing his girlfriend’s good horse mid-season and the faith that carried him through it all. He breaks down each of his runs in San Angelo, shares what makes the Fiesta one of the most “pristine ropings of the year,” and talks about the mental toughness it takes to hang with today’s next wave of calf roping history makers.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROPING.COMGet unlimited access to roping.com‘s comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.MORE FROM THE TIE-DOWN BREAKDOWNThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Who Should Win the 2025 Tie-Down Horse of the Year Award?The Tie-Down Breakdown: The Dylan Hancock StoryThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Kyle Lucas on Chasing His Own LegacyThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Tuf Cooper’s Nashville Win and 2025 MindsetIntroducing Hannah Wheeler: New Host of The Tie-Down Breakdown

Josie Conner and her 16-year-old gelding “Stylish Drifter,” known as Dutch, have done what only one other duo has managed in breakaway history—be named Horse of the Year twice. On the newest episode of The Breakdown, Conner joins Lillian Kent to talk about Dutch’s rare repeat as the 2025 AQHA Nutrena Breakaway Horse of the Year and the partnership that’s carried them to the top of ProRodeo.After a season that included major victories at The American Rodeo and the Women’s Rodeo World Championships—with more than $169,000 earned—Conner admits she was nervous Dutch would be overlooked this year. “I was proud my peers still voted for him,” she shares. “These horses are the reason we’re successful, and I’m more proud of Horse of the Year than Rookie of the Year.”Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar BreakawayThe Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in women’s rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24–30. MillionDollarBreakaway.com 

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and her gelding Reyzed On Sugar, better known as “Clark,” made history at the inaugural Solo Select Stallion Incentive Breakaway Futurity, earning $12,488 and the very first title at the Circle T Arena in Hamilton, Texas.On the newest episode of The Breakdown, Boisjoli-Meged takes listeners behind the scenes of her win. The episode also explores Boisjoli-Meged’s longtime belief in the Kit Kat Sugar line, which has become a cornerstone of her futurity success, and how she balances an intense ProRodeo schedule with building the next generation of champions. Episode supported by Classic EquineClassic Equine is proud to bring you this episode of The Breakdown. Their team is dedicated to the growth of breakaway and tie-down roping, and they're proud to support programs where ropers get the recognition they deserve. Classic Equine – Play to Win.

Each year the top 25 tie-down ropers in the PRCA world standings vote for the AQHA/PRCA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year bronze to go to one great calf horse. On this episode of The Tie-Down Breakdown, we’ve asked some of the best calf ropers in the world to weigh in on who they think deserves the title. We talk with Shad Mayfield, Haven Meged, Marty Yates and Shane Hanchey on the horses that stood out to them this season and why they deserve to win the 2025 AQHA/PRCA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year award. This Episode is Brought to You by Roping.comGet unlimited access to roping.com‘s comprehensive tie-down, breakaway, and team roping video library and learn from World Champions Caleb Smidt and Shad Mayfield as well as top trainers Logan Harkey and Justin Maass. Rope with legendary breakaway ropers like Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, and 2024 NFBR World Champion Kelsie Domer. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.More From The Tie-Down BreakdownThe Tie-Down Breakdown: The Dylan Hancock StoryThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Kyle Lucas on Chasing His Own LegacyThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Tuf Cooper’s Nashville Win and 2025 MindsetIntroducing Hannah Wheeler: New Host of The Tie-Down Breakdown

Bailey Bates rose to the occasion at the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, seizing her last chance of the ProRodeo regular season to earn $34,978 and climb from No. 19 to No. 12 in the WPRA World Standings—securing her first career NFBR qualification.On the latest episode of The Breakdown, listeners hear directly from Bates and Australian roper Arianna Varischetti about the partnership with borrowed gelding Reno that made the difference. Bates entered Sioux Falls outside the Top 15 and opened with a no-time that nearly ended her season. Instead of folding, she regrouped for a 2.7-second run, added a 2.6 in the semifinals, and capped the weekend with a blistering 2.1 in the finals. The comeback vaulted her into Vegas for the first time.Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar BreakawayThe Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in women’s rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24–30.  MillionDollarBreakaway.com 

With a 2.4-second run in the championship round at the Cinch Playoff Series stop in Puyallup, Washington, Rylee George captured a bucket-list victory, banked nearly $20,000 on the week, and rocketed from No. 12 to inside the top 10 in the WPRA World Standings with $114,428.Now, fans can hear the full story straight from George on the latest episode of The Breakdown podcast, where she opens up about the high-pressure runs, the electric Puyallup atmosphere, and the horsepower that carried her to victory.Episode supported by Mane ‘N TailMane ‘n Tail® Ultimate Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner delivers champion shine with a pH-balanced formula powered by protein, coconut, and avocado oils. It deep cleans sweat, dirt, and sand while moisturizing to prevent breakage. Saddle Safe™ and performance-proven, it leaves every coat, mane, and tail with an arena-ready, high-gloss finish.Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping JournalFollow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

On this episode of The Breakaway Breakdown, we sit down with Aspen Miller, Kinlie Brennise, Suzanne Williams, and Jenna Dallyn—the ropers writing their names into the record books for the very first time. From seasoned veterans chasing long-awaited dreams to young guns finding their stride in only their second ProRodeo season, each woman brings grit, horsepower, and resilience to the toughest stage in breakaway roping.Episode supported by Mane 'N TailMane ‘n Tail® Ultimate Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner delivers champion shine with a pH-balanced formula powered by protein, coconut, and avocado oils. It deep cleans sweat, dirt, and sand while moisturizing to prevent breakage. Saddle Safe™ and performance-proven, it leaves every coat, mane, and tail with an arena-ready, high-gloss finish.Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping JournalFollow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

For the first time in WPRA history, the top two breakaway ropers in the world are not only rewriting the record books—they’re rewriting the way the game is played.On the latest episode of The Breakaway Breakdown Podcast, we sit down with Taylor Munsell and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged. At the time of recording, Munsell held the slightest edge in the world standings. But since then, Boisjoli-Meged has surged ahead—overtaking her by just over $1,000 as the race for No. 1 intensifies.With five full weeks of rodeos left before the NFBR, both cowgirls share candid insights into the pressure of chasing history. Together, they’ve already banked more than $323,000 in 2025 earnings, closing in on the single-season record of $197,706. Both admit that the chase—and each other—are pushing them to rope sharper, ride stronger, and stay mentally tougher than ever before.Episode supported by Fastback RopesFastback Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind—create the best rope on the market. And they have two ropes we know breakaway ropers are going to love; The Edge and The Athena. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged uses The Edge, which is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly for a tough and durable finish to help you outlast the competition. The Athena is a pink breakaway rope with a purple core. The core gives the Athena enhanced tip weight and will deliver a snappy finish and close. Check out Fastbackropes.com for more information and to purchase your FastBack Ropes today. Connect with Your Hosts: The Breakaway Roping JournalFollow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

On this episode of The Tie-Down Breakdown, Dylan Hancock talks about trading a baseball glove for a rope, the eye-opening rookie year that taught him what it takes to win, and the breakthrough that proved he belongs at the top level of ProRodeo.Hancock also shares what it felt like to get the call to the Cinch Timed Event Championship and how he’s preparing to head back in 2026 after the Lazy E Arena announced the roster of athletes. From horsepower to mindset, Hancock explains how his approach has shifted since his first Finals and what’s fueling his summer hot streak.EAST OF WALL, a new film directed by Kate Beecroft that is a portrait of female cowgirls in the “New West,” about a rebellious rancher who must cope with her family, losing her ranch, and providing for a group of wayward teens. Only in Theaters August 15.More from The Tie-Down BreakdownThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Kyle Lucas on Chasing His Own LegacyThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Tuf Cooper’s Nashville Win and 2025 MindsetIntroducing Hannah Wheeler: New Host of The Tie-Down BreakdownThe Tie-Down Breakdown: Spring RoundupThe Tie-Down Breakdown: NFR Catch-Up