Josie Conner: A Rising Star in Breakaway Roping
Josie Conner finished the 2024 season ranked number two in the world as a breakaway roper. Photo by Kaycie Timm
Born and raised in Louisiana, breakaway roper Josie Conner grew up on horseback. At just 21 years old, she’s headed to her third National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) in Las Vegas, after finishing the 2024 season ranked second in the world.
Family Tradition
Josie’s rodeo roots run deep, with both of her parents competing in high school rodeo, and her father going pro as a roper for a short time.
“I grew up in the arena,” Josie shares. “Horses and the outdoors are all I’ve known my whole life.”
Around the age of seven, Josie picked up a rope and began learning the sport under her father’s guidance. It wasn’t long before the young roper started entering local junior events.
“I started amateur rodeoing in Texas and Louisiana when I was 10 or 11,” she recalls. “It’s safe to say I didn’t win a lot as an 11-year-old, but I think that’s part of why I am who I am as a roper today.”
As Josie’s skills improved, breakaway roping began to grow in popularity, with more events, added prize money, and expanded age groups—including youth divisions. From ages 14 to 18, Josie spent her weekends competing in junior high and high school rodeos and entering jackpots.
“I built a good career in jackpot roping,” she says. “When I was 17 or 18, my name started getting out there.”
After finding success at the Junior National Finals Rodeo, The American Rodeo, and other notable events, Josie bought her pro card when she turned 18. Since then, she’s qualified for the NFBR three times.
At just 21 years old, Josie has qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping three time. Photo by Kaycie Timm
“I ended this season ranked second in the world, which is a big change from where I’ve been in the past,” Josie reveals. “My rookie year, I finished 15th, and last year I was 14th. I think that just shows how experience helps you. I needed those first few years to become the person and roper I am today.”
Life on the Road
Earning the number two spot in the world took miles of travel and hard work, but Josie’s dedication to her sport has been rewarding.
“This year has been nothing short of amazing,” she says. “I had a lot of bucket-list wins.”
Josie relies on her family and fellow breakaway ropers to help her get down the road. Photo by Kaycie Timm
As a young female roper, Josie prefers to travel with company—usually her parents or a fellow roper—for safety. PRCA offers a buddy system that allows competitors across events to enter and travel with a partner, guaranteeing them a slot in the same qualifying round or perf.
However, breakaway ropers can only buddy with other breakaway ropers, which prevents Josie from traveling with her boyfriend, World Champion tie-down roper Riley Webb, even when they’re competing at the same rodeos. Although that limitation poses a challenge, Josie has navigated the struggles with the support of her parents and other breakaway ropers.
“For my first two years in pro rodeo, I buddied with Jordi Edens,” Josie shares. “It was a cool dynamic because Jordi’s parents rodeo with her most of the time, too.”
Since both ropers had their own rigs, they would split up when they needed to be at different rodeos on the same weekend—a frequent occurrence during the summer run. At other times, they would bring both of their rigs to the same rodeo, giving them space while still enjoying the safety and support of a buddy.
“I liked being able to get in with someone when you need to, and then have your own space when you need to as well,” Josie explains. “I like being able to have my own rig, but I've been blessed to have great experiences and traveling partners.”
Josie is preparing to finish the year at her third National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas this December. Photo by Kaycie Timm
This year, Josie entered with several other breakaway ropers but mostly traveled with her parents, cherishing every moment on the road.
“We get to experience a lot of things that people don't get to experience their whole lifetime,” Josie shares. “There's nothing like pro rodeos in the summertime. It’s crazy to me how many people support the rodeos. You rarely go to a perf that isn't packed full of people.”
Support Across the Miles
Like most professional rodeo athletes, Josie’s time at home is limited, especially during the summer.
“Even when we're home, we're still gone on the weekends,” Josie reveals. “I'm home right now, and I won't leave again to October 18th. That's probably the longest consecutive time I've been home in a long time.”
Just getting to rodeos takes careful planning and organization, especially when performance schedules often require athletes to travel across several states in a matter of hours.
“It’s a lot to keep track of,” Josie admits. “I’ve been blessed with great help. My parents taught me essential life skills and how to handle paperwork and logistics.”
Josie credits growing up in the Western industry for helping her become the woman and roper she is today. Photo by Kaycie Timm
While Josie relies heavily on her family’s support, she’s aware that not all of her fellow competitors are as fortunate.
“I think what Western Sports Foundation (WSF) is doing is amazing,” Josie says. “I’ve been blessed with a strong support system, but I know that’s not everyone’s situation. For WSF to offer that kind of help is incredible. It gives you peace of mind knowing someone has your back.”
Josie also acknowledges all the people in who support athletes like her through the miles and hours on the road.
“It doesn’t surprise me that people in the Western industry want to give back,” she says. “People in this industry are some of the best. It’s a different lifestyle, and there are so many incredible people in this community.”