CIRCUIT FINALS: COLUMBIA RIVER BREAKAWAY ROPING FAMILY CONNECTIONS Minor Family Tree Dominates Columbia River Circuit
Finals By Allie Bohus P endleton, Oregon cowgirl Bailey (Minor) Patterson had more familial support than most in the arena at the Columbia River Circuit Finals in Redmond, Oregon. The 2023 Columbia River Circuit Finals showcased some of the best roping talent by the Minor Family. Bailey (Minor) Patterson won the year-end and average titles in the breakaway roping. Also making the trip was her husband, Trevor Patterson, who competed in the team roping as a header. Her younger brother, Jake Minor, roped with Jeff Flenniken, and won the average title in the team roping. Cousins Riley and Brady Minor finished second and third in the year-end respectively, also in the team roping. A third cousin, Jason Minor competed in the heeling. Back in the breakaway box – Jordan (Crossley) Minor who is married to Riley Minor, split first in the second round with Patterson finishing the year second in the circuit standings. Patterson’s younger sister and traveling partner, Annie, finished third in the year-end standings. Since Patterson won both circuit titles, she will be joined at the NFR Open with cousin-in-law Jordan Minor. Patterson and Minor were in each other’s weddings and are very close. “It’s nice to compete with friends and family and travel together. We have babysitters [they each have two children] and people cheering you on. It’s a huge part of doing well,” she said. Patterson and her husband both work full time (Bailey as registered nurse and Trevor as an Agronomist) and with two kids, they don’t go all year. Due to the breakaway and team roping entries being on a separate day through ProCom, they are currently not able to buddy. Plus, traveling with kids without a spouse or helper makes it challenging. Fortunately, Patterson’s mom can help a lot. It was extra special to be able for both Patterson and her husband to both qualify respectively for the circuit finals. “It’s hard, so winning the year-end means a lot,” she said. Her biggest win was winning second at hometown rodeo Pendleton
Bailey Patterson made the most of her time at the Columbia River Circuit Finals not only winning the year-end title, but she also captured the average title. Since Patterson won both circuit titles she will be joined at the NFR Open with her cousin-in-law Jordan Minor, who finished second in the year-end standings making it a true family affair. Photo by Roseanna Sales
which earned her a big $10,052 addition to the Columbia River circuit standings. “It helped me win the circuit, but I placed at a lot of rodeos. That is usually my goal all year: Bailey (Minor) Patterson (middle) picked up two titles at the Columbia River Circuit Finals and will not get a chance to add more titles when she competes at the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo by Roseanna Sales
to be consistent,” she said. Patterson was humbled to win not only the year-end but to also win the average. “That was pretty cool. Going in you think one run at a time, and I wanted to make as much money as I could. When you have a chance for the average you try to do the best you can,” she said fondly. She looks forward to competing with her close friend and cousin- in-law Jordan Minor at the NFR Open. As close as the two are, with young kids and their husbands respective rodeo schedules it is often difficult to be in the same place at the same time, so the time at the NFR Open will be especially enjoyable and likely another Minor family affair.
Bailey Patterson’s top finish of her 2023 season just happened to come at a circuit rodeo at the famed Pendleton Round-Up where she took second and added $10,052 to her circuit standings. Photo by Bill Lawless
FEBRUARY 2024
WPRA NEWS 31
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