Direct Answer
Rodeo combines athletic ability, preparation, and a strong connection between competitors and their horses. For Joclyn Arnold of Glenwood, Washington, it has also been part of her life since childhood.
During the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo, Bri Larios from Speck Dealerships spoke with Joclyn about her experiences in breakaway roping, the people who helped shape her journey, and the challenges of competing on the rodeo circuit. Her story offers an inside look at the life of Joclyn Arnold breakaway roper and the sport she has grown up loving.
Growing Up With Rodeo
Joclyn’s introduction to rodeo came naturally because her family was already involved.
“My family is big on rodeoing, so I was just kind of born into it,” she explained.
What keeps her interested is the competitive nature of the sport and the opportunity to compete alongside her horses. Rodeo brings those interests together while giving her experiences she values both inside and outside the arena.
Her background also means she has seen the sport change over time, particularly as women’s breakaway roping has gained more recognition.
A Closer Look at a Breakaway Roping Run
Breakaway roping is an event where a competitor’s run can be decided in a fraction of a second. The sequence begins when the rider nods to signal readiness. The calf is released, and the competitor follows to rope it.
After the horse stops, the rope separates from the saddle horn. A flag signals that the run is complete.
For spectators, the action may seem to happen almost instantly, but several movements have to come together for a successful run.
Joclyn’s preparation before entering the arena is straightforward. She takes a deep breath and checks that everything is in place. After that, she tries not to overthink what comes next.
“I just take a deep breath and make sure everything is right,” she said.
Her approach is to focus on going fast and accepting whatever happens during the run.
Competing at a Rodeo Close to Home
The Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo holds a special appeal for Joclyn because it offers a major competition opportunity without taking her too far from home.
She described the event as significant, pointing to the added money and the benefit of competing near the Tri-Cities.
It has also allowed her to experience the growing visibility of women’s breakaway roping firsthand. Joclyn began competing around the time the event was gaining recognition and has enjoyed seeing that progress.
“Seeing it grow each year has been really cool,” she said.
For Joclyn Arnold, a breakaway roper competitor, being part of an event’s development can make the experience especially meaningful.
Learning the Sport From Experienced People
Joclyn has straightforward advice for young girls in Eastern Washington who want to try rodeo: find someone knowledgeable who can help them learn.
She recommends attending clinics and getting guidance from people who understand the sport.
That advice is a useful starting point for beginners. Experienced instructors can help young competitors develop their skills while learning about working with horses and approaching competition safely.
Rather than trying to figure everything out alone, aspiring riders can benefit from learning alongside people who already understand the demands of rodeo.
Rodeo Life Doesn’t End at the Arena
Travel is part of competing on the rodeo circuit, and having a vehicle that can keep up with frequent trips is important.
Joclyn recently purchased a truck from Speck Chevrolet of Prosser after connecting with Johnny and the dealership team.
The process moved quickly. She recalled that after they started looking for a truck and contacted Johnny, she had a new one within a week.
When Bri asked about the purchase, Joclyn was enthusiastic: “I love it. It’s been everywhere so far.”
Her experience is another reminder that rodeo involves more than time spent competing. Getting from one event to another is part of the lifestyle.
Joclyn’s Favorites and Memories
The rapid-fire portion of the interview brought out some of Joclyn’s personal preferences, from her favorite rodeo to the item she always carries.
| Question | Joclyn’s answer |
|---|---|
| Favorite rodeo | Prineville |
| Favorite rodeo food | Chicken strips |
| Favorite road-trip snack | A cotton candy Alani and Nerds Gummy Clusters |
| Boots or sneakers | Sneakers |
| Favorite part of rodeo life | Making memories |
| Toughest part of rodeo life | Getting everything to go right—and the expense |
| Mountains or the beach | Mountains |
| Sunrise or sunset | Both |
| Always in her rodeo bag | Baby powder |
| Favorite part of the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo | The added money |
| Ford, Chevy, GMC, or Ram | Ram |
One answer stands out: making memories is her favorite part of rodeo life. That perspective helps explain why she continues to value the experience despite the work and expenses involved.
The Experiences Behind a Rodeo Career
A rodeo competitor needs to prepare for each event, work closely with horses, travel, and handle the pressure of performing when the moment arrives. There are also financial considerations and the uncertainty that comes with trying to make every run count.
Joclyn Arnold breakaway roper story shows how family tradition, competition, and enjoyment of the sport can come together in one journey.
Speck Dealerships is proud to support the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo and the competitors who help make it a special Tri-Cities tradition.
Thank you to Joclyn Arnold for taking the time to speak with Bri Larios. Watch the full interview to hear more about her rodeo experiences, her advice for young competitors, and life on the road.
Related reading on clooudi.com: Community-owned dealership history; Washington car-buying essentials.
