Beyond the arena: Breckyn Tippen on the demands of collegiate rodeo

BY HENLEY SEARS

Multimedia Journalist

Balancing college coursework with competitive rodeo requires time, dedication and responsibility that often go overlooked. 

For Tarleton State University sophomore and barrel racer Breckyn Tippen, responsibilities and commitment extend beyond the arena.

Along with juggling classes and keeping up with assignments, Tippen spends hours taking care of her horses and balancing competing priorities.

“Between classes, homework, horses and rodeos, it can feel like there's never enough hours in the day,” Tippen said. “It's also hard because you want to give 100% to both school and rodeo, and sometimes that's easier said than done.”

To manage both priorities, Tippen tries to finish her schoolwork ahead of time and plan assignments around her rodeo schedule. By checking upcoming due dates and doing assignments early in the week, she can reduce stress surrounding travel time and balance class and competition efficiently. 

Balancing those responsibilities became even more challenging for Tippen after a back injury at a United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) rodeo in Seymour, Texas, this past summer.

After rounding the third barrel, Tippen pointed her horse, Roy, to the alleyway and the exit gate. But things didn’t go as planned and Roy stopped abruptly, throwing her off into the gate and pinning her against it. 

The wreck left Tippen with fractures to the L2, L3 and L4 transverse processes in her lower back, along with two herniated discs at L5 to S1 that caused severe narrowing of the spinal canal.

Doctors advised her to stay off of horses and refrain from competing while recovering from her injuries. Tippen returned to competition at the first college rodeo of the season at Sul Ross State University in late September when she felt ready. 

“I’ve had to learn that taking care of myself and my health has to come before rodeo, even when that’s the last thing I want to do,” Tippen said. “It's definitely been frustrating having to slow down, but I've learned that sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and make decisions that are going to benefit you in the long run.”

Academic demands are a major part of college rodeo and eligibility. According to the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), student members have to take at least 12 credit hours, pass nine credits and constantly maintain a 2.0 GPA. 

Tippen said that balancing academic requirements and caring for horses simultaneously has taught her about responsibility and the importance of discipline and accountability. This applies to both the classroom and the arena.

“Nobody is going to do your schoolwork for you or make sure your horses are taken care of. You have to learn how to prioritize what's important and get things done even on days when you don't feel like it,” Tippen said. 

The demands of college rodeo are not limited to academics. These responsibilities extend to the barn where Tippen spends hours every week feeding, cleaning and training her horses. 

“While some people can go home after class and relax, I usually have horses waiting on me that need to be fed, exercised or worked,” Tippen said. “Rodeo isn't just something you do on the weekends. It’s a lifestyle and a responsibility every single day.” 

In addition to schoolwork and horse care, Tarleton Rodeo athletes have team commitments each week. According to Tarleton Rodeo’s FAQ, practice is offered three to four times a week and students are expected to attend team meetings and participate in fundraisers. 

For Tippen, being a college rodeo athlete also means representing something bigger than herself. Unlike PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and UPRA rodeos, competing for Tarleton emphasizes the team aspect, giving athletes the opportunity to work toward shared goals while competing individually in the arena. 

“There's a different kind of pressure because you're surrounded by so many talented athletes who are all working toward the same goals,” Tippen said. “Outside rodeos are more individual, while college rodeo gives you that team atmosphere that makes it special.”

When asked what advice she would give students considering college rodeo, Tippen emphasized the importance of pursuing something they love. 

“I would tell them that it's one of the most rewarding things you can do, but you have to be willing to put in the work,” Tippen said. “It takes a lot of dedication, discipline and sacrifice. You have to be able to manage your time and understand that there are going to be days when things get overwhelming. But if you truly love rodeo and are willing to work for what you want, it's all worth it.”