Julia Dondero, Author at Bob Feist Invitational

Originally from Reno, Nevada, Julia is currently studying Agricultural Communications and Public Relations at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Growing up immersed in the world of rodeo and roping, she has truly found a passion for sharing other’s stories in the western industry.

Sarah Angelone Secures the Charlie 1 Horse Breakaway Roping Title

Posted on by Julia Dondero

Angelone topped the field of cut-throat breakaway ropers at the 2023 Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Breakaway Roping to kick off  BFI Week on Wednesday, March 29 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK. Angelone’s time of 9.73 seconds on three calves earned her the $14,000 aggregate championship.

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From placing in both long rounds to switching horses between short-go runs, Sarah Angelone called the right shots during the Bob Feist Invitational Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Breakaway Roping. The Virginia cowgirl played her cards right and defended her number-one position going into the short go to come out on top as the champion. 

Angelone came into the Short Round in the third and first callback, setting her up nicely for the short go. Angelone explained, “I was focusing on just roping one calf at a time and doing my job each round.” In the second round, Angelone was the fastest one to stop the clock with a 3.05-second run. 

Utilizing two of her best horses, Angelone set her day up to come into the Short Round confidently. Coming into the Short Round, Angelone knew she had to be quick and consistent to maintain her position. 

As the short round began to wind down, Angelone found herself pushing the barrier to move to the top of the leaderboard with her third-place callback. Unfortunately, Angelone stretched the barrier a little too far and tacked a 10-second penalty onto her run for a time of 12.61. Angelone explained the importance of a strong mental game and “short memory” mindset throughout the long day of roping and in moments like that.

“Having a short-term memory mindset helped me clear my mind and be able to focus on her next calf. That run didn’t go as I had wanted it to, but I knew I needed to focus on the next run and keep a positive mindset.” 

Between her third and first call-back calves in the Short Round, Angelone reset and hopped on her 6- year old gelding, whom she affectionately joked is a fire-breathing dragon. She explained the importance of horsepower during BFI Week and how she felt both horses aided her in doing her job to the best of her ability. 

“I decided to switch horses in between runs because I enjoy roping off of both of them. My gelding is a little younger and more forgiving at the line.” Angelone played her cards right and roped off her “fire-breathing dragon” to take five swings and complete a smooth 3.18-second run to secure the title. 

“I was so scared I broke out again. I didn’t hear anyone call out that I was clean, and I was so relieved to see I was.” Angelone gleamed with excitement as she explained the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Breakaway Roping has always been at the top of her list and one she always had aspired to win. 

Kelton and DeSalvo Take Home the Charlie 1 Horse All Girl Team Roping Title

Posted on by Julia Dondero

It was only their second time roping together, but for Kenzie Kelton and Whitney DeSalvo, the pairing has been quite sweet. When the dust settled, it was the college student from Arizona and three time WPRA World Champion from Arkansas that sealed the deal and walked away as the 2023 Bob Feist Invitational Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping Champions and a $20,000 payout.  

The team roped sharp throughout the day, coming into the Short Round in fifth position with a time of 29.55 seconds on three head. It was their smart and consistent run of 7.95 seconds on their fourth steer that put them in the driver’s seat of the roping. Sweating it out past four impressive teams, Kelton and DeSalvo ultimately came out on top with an overall time of 37.50 seconds.

DeSalvo joked about the wait in between teams, explaining “I didn’t think we were going to get it and I didn’t expect it, there were a few really great teams ahead of us. I’m just glad it all worked out the way it did.” 

Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping Results

Winning big at the BFI is nothing new for DeSalvo, who has now taken home her fifth Charlie 1 Horse Team Roping title since 2018. DeSalvo expressed her excitement and gratitude, explaining that this win is just as sweet, if not sweeter as they hadn’t anticipated the win going into the short round. DeSalvo also explained this win was important to her year thus far, as she has been recovering from a hand injury over the past few months. 

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Kelton, a Mayer, Arizona native explained she knew she just had to do her job, watch the barrier and let the rest fall into place. Kelton is currently in her first year of college at Central Arizona College and explained how this win is an exciting moment in her career. As a freshman, she hopes this momentum will continue throughout the college rodeo season and beyond. Kelton also touched on the importance of family and a supportive network. Recently, it seems the Keltons have been synonymous with the Lazy E Arena and winning, as her brother Ketch took home the Jr Ironman Title just less than a month ago. 

Both Kelton and DeSalvo expressed their excitement and gratitude for the BFI and the prestige that comes with winning it. Looking forward, this win provides positive momentum going into the summer run, as well as the rest of the week. DeSalvo will be competing on Saturday, April 1 at The Feist and Kelton will be competing in the Charlie 1 Horse All Girl Breakaway Roping.