RODEO NEWS

Johnson Having Fun Cashing Checks Over Fourth of July

By Ann Bleiker

When you have been roping as long as WPRA breakaway roper Erin Johnson has sometimes it pays to “just have fun” and not add pressure to hit certain markers that can be easy to consume yourself with in the sport of professional rodeo.

That was the key to success for the three-time WPRA world champion breakaway roper during the Fourth of July run in 2025 and it landed her atop the earnings leaderboard for what is known in the rodeo world as Cowboy Christmas.

“Less pressure,” stated Johnson of Fowler, Colorado, when asked what made this year different than past years. “I am having fun. I took a break last year as I felt I needed it and since coming back it has just been a lot more fun. I rode a young horse for the most part of this year but got back on Chico at the Calgary Stampede qualifier and it reminded me how easy it is to ride one that does all the right things.”

While she didn’t pick up a check at all the rodeos she competed in, she did enough to outdistance herself from fellow roper Suzanne Williams of California that was right on her heels. Johnson finished with a total of $16,541, while Williams finished with $16,120. Prior to the Fourth of July, Johnson was ranked 28th and moved to 19th in the world standings as of July 8, while Williams went from 14th to 6th.

“I used Chico at all the Fourth of July rodeos,” noted Johnson. “I didn’t even haul another horse. He is feeling great, and I think the break was good for him as well. I feel like we are both fresh right now and a little luck played into the week. I always feel a little luck is needed in this sport.

“I tried to focus on doing my job versus winning and that seemed to work for me this week.”

Johnson’s biggest check ($6,200) came with the average win in Prescott, Arizona but she also added good checks at Mandan, North Dakota for a second-place finish ($6,065), Greeley, Colorado, and Oakley, Utah.

“Oakley, I felt like that was my very best run of the week and I won seventh/eighth with a 2.2,” noted Johnson. “I love that rodeo but never had a lot of luck there, so I was excited to make a good run there.

“You never know when just making your run is going to win something.”

Johnson is now in position to make another run at the National Finals Breakaway Roping at season’s end and with a good Fourth of July, it makes it easier to leave home for the next section of rodeos in her circuit.

“It was refreshing to have some good luck as the last few years felt like more of a struggle,” stated Johnson, a mother of three. “Refreshing to be able to remember what it is like to win some checks and easier to leave home with a little momentum for the next few weeks.”

Top 5 breakaway ropers for 2025 Cowboy Christmas

1. Erin Johnson – $16,541
2. Suzanne Williams – $16,120
3. Bradi Good – $14,353
4. Bailey Bates – $14,107
5. Jill Tanner – $14,078

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