GETTING IT DONE Williams solidifies second NFBR qualification with Ellensburg victory By Josie Fladager J oey Williams has secured her second Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping qualification, largely in part to her commanding win at the Ellensburg (WA) Rodeo, September 1-5. Williams backed into the box for her first time ever in Ellensburg
and tied the arena record with a time of 2.1 seconds; she split the round win with WPRA rookie Tiffany Schieck. A time of 2.4 seconds in round two earned her a three-way tie for second place with Danielle Lowman and Erin Johnson. A two-calf total of 4.5 seconds earned her a spot in the short go – the first short go to include breakaway ropers in Ellensburg’s 99 year history. “The first couple rounds I drew on the stronger end and I do think that type of a setup with a stronger calf fits me well because I know I have to stay really aggressive on them and ride my horse all the way up there,” Williams noted. Williams finished strong, roping her third and final calf in a time of 2.7 seconds to take second in the final round and win the average. Overall, 7.2 seconds earned the Volborg, Montana cowgirl just over $7,600 and recognition as the Cowboy Channel Female Athlete of the Week. “Ellensburg was just a super fun atmosphere,” Williams said. “It was fun to go win and to have to try to go at ‘em three times. It was just a really fun rodeo; I really enjoyed it.” The last six weeks of roping have been crucial for Williams, making the difference between a solid NFBR qualification or chasing the “bubble,” which she was doing this time last year. Credit can be lent in large part to Baybe Bullet, her 11-year-old brown mare that has made her own headlines in recent years. “Baby” has been Williams’ main mount and a major contributor to her
horse like that because usually I know if I do my job she’s going to do hers, so that’s a really good feeling.” This summer was the first time that Joey had Baby all to herself throughout the summer while Taylor mostly stayed home taking care of their ranch, and starting and training more colts. “He breaks and trains most everything we have. He kind of does all the work and then I can get on them and go have fun,” Williams said with a laugh. Outside of ranch work, Taylor plays a major role in raising the couple’s three young children when they stay home instead of going with Joey on the road. She credits her outstanding support system, especially Taylor, for giving her the opportunity to rope professionally. “Honestly, I could not do this without the support system that I have,” Williams said. “All of my family: my sister, my sister-in-law, my mom, my mother-in-law; I have a lot of people that pitch in and help when I need it.” Now, Williams is back home in Montana as the 2022 regular season comes to a close, but fall ranch work is keeping her plenty busy. Gathering cattle, preconditioning calves, and preparing for shipping are just a few jobs the Montana cowgirl gets to have while also preparing for her second consecutive NFBR appearance. She says not much will change from her game plan and preparation process from last year, going to jackpots and practicing where she can as the cold Montana winter approaches. Echoing the gratitude of most breakaway ropers, Williams wants to say thank you to the Ellensburg rodeo committee for including breakaway and giving them a shot at good money. “We are all so appreciative of all these committees that are taking a chance on us and letting us get our time in there,” Williams said. “It’s been so much fun to get to go to these rodeos that growing up you never thought you would get to compete at unless you were a barrel racer, so that’s really exciting for us.” Williams’ next appearance will be at the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping, November 29-30 at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. Joey Williams of Volborg, Montana, made headlines at the Ellensburg Rodeo over the Labor Day Weekend capturing the breakaway roping title. With the victory she secured her second qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nov. 29-30. Photo by Bill Lawless
success throughout Williams’ professional career. Raised by her husband’s family and trained by her husband, Taylor, Baby started out as Taylor’s top heel horse. However, Joey has hauled her most everywhere she has gone in the last couple years, including her trip to the NFBR last year where the team clocked the fastest time through all 10 rounds of the NFBR in Las Vegas with 1.7 seconds. “She’s just been solid from day one. I honestly couldn’t ask her to be more consistent,” Williams said. “It’s just really fun when you get a solid Joey Williams was all smiles after she finished top the leaderboard at the Ellensburg Rodeo. She won the average in a total time of 7.2 seconds on three head and added $7,600 to her 2022 ProRodeo standings. Photo by Molly Morrow
22 WPRA NEWS OCTOBER 2022
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