Jessica Gunsch took home the Five Flags championship by roping five calves in 18.33 seconds. The Thorsby, Alberta breakaway roper was consistent in each round with times of 3.16, 4.42, 3.95, 3.30, 3.50 and earned the first place average cheque for $1,856.
Jessica shared insight on her win and roping with this interview!
Anything memorable about this win?
It definitely was memorable from the confidence it built as I had never rode that horse in a jackpot for those kind of fees or with that much excitement. I would say it was also pretty exciting to go 1st and 2nd into the short go against one of my best friends after helping each other all day either pushing or scouting out calves and for us both to have success.
Tell us about your rope horse
I used my dads horse, we call him Doc, we’ve had him since he was 4 or 5. We didn’t really start breakaway roping on him till he was almost 7. He is very much like a big toddler, he likes to get in wrecks when your not looking and give a bit of attitude if he is not very impressed with what your doing but he always wants to try so hard. He is definitely shining more on the longer scores or average ropings because he never tries to take your shot away, you can track a calf as far as you need.
With this roping being five rounds, what was your game plan going into the roping?
My game plan going in was to catch all 5 and try for rounds where I could. I didn’t really waver off this plan especially when I knew the amount of girls who could catch me in the average was going down every round. I just changed to more safer shots and didn’t try to stretch the barrier. I just tried to set up my run the best I could for a clean time and catch.
You came back 2nd high call in the final round – How do you handle the pressure of the final round?
I just tried to remind myself to make the best run I could make because I couldn’t control the other ropers or calves.
Any advice on how to mentally prepare for breakaway roping?
I’m definitely still working and trying to learn more things to improve my mental game. I’m currently working hard to remind myself there’s only so many things I can control so I need to make those as perfect as I can so when the other pieces are in my favor I can make the most of them.
How did you spend your winter & what do you do to stay sharp over the winter months
The last two winters I have gotten to go down to Arizona for a couple of months and rope lots. I think this has helped because its different people and different set ups then at home. I also go to a lot of big team ropings down there which helps with the pressure of average ropings and waiting your turn to go in the short go.
Tell us about your career/family – How do you balance your roping and other life commitments?
I work at home mainly for my dad checking cows out at a community pasture, helping ride and train horses as well. It’s a bit easier I think to fit in the roping when you are roping everyday already and its easier to fit in the rodeos with a more flexible work schedule.
What type of rope are you using
I’m currently using a 9-9.5 Tsunami.
Any sponsors you’d like to recognize
I don’t have any sponsors but my parents and family definitely are the reason I’m able to do what I’m doing.
Tell us about your rodeo plans for 2025
My rodeo plans are to go to CPRA rodeos again with my sister.
Anything else your looking forward to this summer
I’m excited that we get to rope in Ponoka this year, it will be exciting to run one down the lane. I’m also excited to take this horse to more rodeos and see how he handles those.
Watch Jessica’s five runs at Five Flags:
Thank you The Xibition for the video & photo coverage of this event!