- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,268,067
- Reaction score
- 59
The Resistol Rookie of the Year race is beginning to heat up as ProRodeo's newest competitors make their mark on the 2026 season. Among the standout newcomers is breakaway roper Jaci Hammons, who has made an impressive showing in her first year of professional rodeo. With over $50,000 in season earnings so far, Hammons currently sits fourth in the breakaway world standings and holds a commanding lead in the Breakaway Roping Rookie of the Year race.
According to Hammons, 2026 has by far exceeded her expectations, with more opportunities being presented to her than she ever thought possible.
“It takes a lot of money to rodeo to make the finals and I didn’t think I would be able to afford it this summer, but God always has a better plan than we do,” Hammons praises. “He just keeps opening doors for me, so now I’m out for the summer and on track to make the finals. It’s crazy to think about, and I’m just super excited to be out here.”
After taking a few years off from competing after college, Hammons felt the itch to enter again thanks to one very special horse.
"My horse, Heineken, is 12 this year and we’ve had him since he was about 3. My dad ranched on him until I took him when he was about 6 and I started him in the breakaway,” Hammons says. “I owe everything to him. He's the one that made me start entering rodeos again after taking a few years off after college. He was so talented, and I wanted to do right by him and show him off. He’s proven to be good in all set ups. I’ve also had a mare of Darbi DeMoss’ and placed on her when Heineken needed a break.”
Staying mentally and physically sharp on the road can be a challenge for even the most seasoned competitors, but Hammons has fully embraced the grind of the rodeo road.
“I’m just thankful to get to go this summer. I’m taking it one calf at a time. It's hard to get down when your job is to drive around and rope with your friends,” she says. “Staying physically sharp can be a challenge when you’re driving so much and your hours are all over the place, but I just try to eat as healthy as I can and I’m always looking for gyms to lift weights in the towns we’re stopped at.”
When asked about the biggest lesson she's learned during her rookie season, Hammons pointed to faith and trusting the path laid out before her.
“So far, I’ve learned you definitely can’t underestimate God's plans for you. Make big goals, expect to achieve them, and give God the glory.”
Continue reading...
According to Hammons, 2026 has by far exceeded her expectations, with more opportunities being presented to her than she ever thought possible.
“It takes a lot of money to rodeo to make the finals and I didn’t think I would be able to afford it this summer, but God always has a better plan than we do,” Hammons praises. “He just keeps opening doors for me, so now I’m out for the summer and on track to make the finals. It’s crazy to think about, and I’m just super excited to be out here.”
After taking a few years off from competing after college, Hammons felt the itch to enter again thanks to one very special horse.
"My horse, Heineken, is 12 this year and we’ve had him since he was about 3. My dad ranched on him until I took him when he was about 6 and I started him in the breakaway,” Hammons says. “I owe everything to him. He's the one that made me start entering rodeos again after taking a few years off after college. He was so talented, and I wanted to do right by him and show him off. He’s proven to be good in all set ups. I’ve also had a mare of Darbi DeMoss’ and placed on her when Heineken needed a break.”
Staying mentally and physically sharp on the road can be a challenge for even the most seasoned competitors, but Hammons has fully embraced the grind of the rodeo road.
“I’m just thankful to get to go this summer. I’m taking it one calf at a time. It's hard to get down when your job is to drive around and rope with your friends,” she says. “Staying physically sharp can be a challenge when you’re driving so much and your hours are all over the place, but I just try to eat as healthy as I can and I’m always looking for gyms to lift weights in the towns we’re stopped at.”
When asked about the biggest lesson she's learned during her rookie season, Hammons pointed to faith and trusting the path laid out before her.
“So far, I’ve learned you definitely can’t underestimate God's plans for you. Make big goals, expect to achieve them, and give God the glory.”
Continue reading...
