Mini Mag Feb 16 2021

Her 3.7-seconds flag was third in the first go-round at the finals. Despite picking up speed, the cowgirl’s 3.2-seconds run still only placed third in the finals second go-round. “I knew I had to put it all together on my last calf to be the yearend campion,” Hughes admitted. “Fortunately, I had a good calf and dropped the flag in 2.4-seconds in the third round.” That moved her up to win the breakaway roping average at the ACRA Finals. “It was such a blessing so I could be the ACRA open breakaway champion and also win the rookie award,” Hughes said. To be a roping champion requires cowgirl skill as well as a good horse. “My 22-year-old sorrel mare Effie is very dependable, and I always give her credit when I win,” the cowgirl acknowledged. “I’ve had Effie about eight years and wouldn’t be where I am today without her help.” After the ACRA Finals, Hughes has directed her roping focus to college rodeo competition. “I’m a sophomore majoring in agriculture business at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) in Miami, Oklahoma,” she said. “I am on a rodeo scholarship and will be representing NEO in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association competitions.” In her second year on the NEO team, Hughes is anticipating the first college rodeo this weekend. “I didn’t have a great first season, and the coronavirus curtailed any fall rodeos,” she said. “There are nine spring rodeos so I hope I can continue to rope like I did at the ACRA Finals. I’d sure like to make the National College Rodeo Finals.” Practice makes perfection according to the champion who has a regular roping routine to keep her skills in top shape. “I don’t use my good mare Effie that much for practice. I have an eight-year-old sorrel gelding called Ziggy I rope on mostly in the practice pan,” Hughes said.