Roberta receiving her Reserve Champion $5000 AM buckle at The Bonanza
Roberta Rollins began her riding career with Western Pleasure Futurity horses. She and her trainer, Jaime Bissell, went to Tom Lyons’ ranch in 1994 where Rollins got a taste of cutting. After a 3 day crash course in the sport, she purchased Doc’s Lord Monty and attended her first cutting show.
“I was terrified at the thought of showing in cutting, when my background was a slow lope around the pen on a pleasure futurity horse,” Rollins remembered.
Outfitted in a borrowed hat and chaps, she walked to the herd last out in the $500 Novice Rider class. With Lyons and his helpers, Rollins not only made it through her first run but came away with the champion buckle! She said she remembers thinking, “It’s ok if I die tonight, because this is the greatest moment of my horse life.” To make it more special, a few years ago, she gave that very special first buckle to her grandson.
For 6 years, Rollins rode with many great trainers to enjoy success and plenty of fun. She went through some life changes and had to take a break in 2001. This past winter, she purchased another cutter, a now 4 year old Im Countin Checks mare, Justa Lil Fraxy, to get back to her passion. She said with a little bit of luck and the Lord’s will she is making her way back.
“[A] great memory was when Smart Duke, and I won the 50K Non Pro at Steamboat Springs on Aug 8, 1998, which also happened to be the exact date of my 10th year survival from breast cancer. I could only look heavenward to the blue skies over Romick Arena at Howelsen Hill, and to God give the glory!” she said.
Why Roberta Uses CHTO:
“…CHTO is so educational and is re-building confidence, and knowledge in me to venture back after 2 decades of being away.” “Each night before bedtime, I open my iPad and go to CHTO and enjoy one of the many training, coaching, or video how tos! There are so many great trainers, young and old to learn from…It would take many years of hauling, showing and observing to gain the understanding that is presented in these videos!”