We asked Quinn Kesler, 2X NFR Qualifier and Utah ranch owner a few questions about his rodeo tactics as well as his favorite Kimes product.
What do you do to prepare yourself and your horse mentally/physically before each rodeo?
“I make sure that my horse and I have practiced enough so that I don't have to question if we are ready or not. I know that if I have put in the hours, that we will be ready. I try my hardest to be positive and focus on the good.”
How important is it to be consistent in roping, and what does it take to be consistent?
“It’s very important to be consistent. It takes a lot of realistic practice, if you put in enough consistent realistic practice, that should roll over into the rodeo and roping settings. I try to not focus on my mistakes, when I do it hurts my consistency.”
What are the main key points for horsemanship in team roping?
“There are so many, I think it really depends on the horse and the situation. I think the biggest one is knowing your horse and what it needs to perform at the best of his/her ability.”
What is your practice routine?
“I run a lot of steers on a lot of horses. I try to make sure that I have a couple horses that I can practice on for me, but I rope A LOT. I think that it is important to make realistic runs; it makes it a lot easier to pull off the shots that aren't lay-ups if it’s something you practice doing.”
How do you stay sharp while on the road?
“I like to rope the dummy. Everywhere you go there is usually someone who knows somebody with steers, that will let you come and practice. I also like to watch the videos of our good runs so I can see it happen. I really try to stay positive and focus on what is going right and not think about what is wrong. It’s a lot easier to do when things are going right.”
What quote/verse or phrase keeps you going?
“I don't know who said it but, "Losers focus on winners, winners focus on winning."
What horse/horses do you compete on?
“I have Alice, the mare I took to the NFR last year. Hemi, my black head horse Matt and Rhen both used and made the finals on when we roped together. I also have two other head horses we call Wrangler and Tank, that we raised and I will haul this year.”
What is one tip/piece of advice about the delivery of your swing that you could share?
“Stay focused on your delivery until you catch, a lot of people just throw their rope and pull their slack without even knowing if they caught or not.”
What is your favorite Kimes product?
“The Dillon jean is hard to beat.”
What rodeo should ropers make sure to not miss this year?
“Anywhere that Driggers, Jr, Clay Smith, or Corkhill isn't at, HA HA!”
