The Breakaway Breakdown: Kimes Breakaway Champions - The Breakdown

The latest episode of The Breakdown Podcast takes listeners inside the most talked-about finishes of the 2025 Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, featuring on-the-ground interviews with all three event champions—Hali Williams, Josie Conner and Maddy Deerman.Conner and Williams elected to become co-champions after tying as the event’s highest money earners, each earning $115,000. Their candid, post-event interviews hear Conner reflect on early momentum and a few barrier penalties while Williams rose throughout the event. They also reflected on what it meant to share the milestone win with someone who’s been both a longtime competitor and friend.The episode also features an interview with Deerman‑Jacobs, who quietly delivered one of the most impressive performances of the week. Deerman-Jacobs roped all 10 head clean to win the average in 23.58 seconds, a feat she now calls the biggest victory of her career. Walking back to the trailer, she opens up about overcoming self-doubt, balancing speed and consistency on a "short" horse, and the emotional weight of winning a title she never expected to be hers.This episode is brought to you by FastBack RopesFastback Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind—create the best rope on the market. And they have two ropes we know breakaway ropers are going to love; The Edge and The Athena. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged uses The Edge, which is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly for a tough and durable finish to help you outlast the competition. The Athena is a pink breakaway rope with a purple core. The core gives the Athena enhanced tip weight and will deliver a snappy finish and close. Check out Fastbackropes.com for more information and to purchase your FastBack Ropes today.