Jackie Crawford has spent years competing at the highest levels of rodeo, earning major wins while being at the forefront of breakaway’s explosive growth. Along the way, the 24-time world champion has built relationships throughout the Western industry, including a longstanding partnership with American Hat Company.
The relationship began through a friend, Chris Neal, who introduced Crawford to the company while working with the brand.
“I had known Keith Mundee for a while, and we just started talking about a partnership,” she shares. “I got to meet the rest of the American Hat family and fell in love with them. We’ve been together a long time now, and it’s a partnership that I cherish greatly.”
As an ambassador, Crawford represents a brand with deep ties to the Western industry and rodeo. Her own career reflects many of the same values, shaped by a consistent work ethic and a willingness to adapt as the sport has changed.
A Career-Defining Win in Chicago
One of the defining moments in Crawford’s career came at the Windy City Roundup in Chicago, where breakaway roping took center stage alongside the other rodeo events with equal prize money. For the first time, a breakaway roper had the opportunity to win $50,000. Crawford claimed that inaugural victory.
“That was one of the turning points of my career, and it was the very first time that breakaway roping had been on center stage with all the other events for equal money,” she says. “I think it was just a prelude to the next several years and how many doors opened for women in our industry, so that was a huge win.”
The Work Behind a Long Career
While major wins are easy to point to, Crawford credits much of her success to her work ethic and ability to adjust in any scenario. Rodeo requires consistency through changing circumstances, whether that means navigating a difficult stretch of competition or finding ways to improve after a disappointing run.
“I have to contribute a lot of my success to having the ability to shift and stay hustling,” she says. “Having a work ethic that stays going day and day out, even when there isn’t anything in sight, and to still be able to love the process and do it for the love of the game, has kept me motivated. Then when opportunities arose, I was able to capitalize on them.”
Her approach to competition has also changed with experience. Earlier in her career, a missed calf could feel like a major setback. Over time, she’s learned to focus on one run at a time and the elements she can control.
“When I was younger, I thought that if I missed or something happened, that it was the end of the world. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that life goes on and it’s not the end of the world,” she explains. “You can’t control everything-what calf you draw or whatever anybody else does – so I’ve learned to not put so much pressure on that.”
Jackie Crawford
Professional Breakaway Roper
American Hat Ambassador
Enjoying the Process
One lesson Crawford has carried with her is the importance of finding value in the work that happens between wins. She recalls hearing fellow competitor Trevor Brazile explain that even the most successful athletes spend more time losing than winning. For anyone who wants a long career in the sport, learning to accept that reality is essential.
Much of a competitor’s career takes place outside the spotlight – in the practice pen, studying to understand what went wrong and how to improve. Crawford believes that learning to appreciate that work helps keep athletes motivated through the inevitable ups and downs.
Her legacy is measured not only by what she’s won, but by the opportunities she’s helped create and the standard she continues to set for the women coming up behind her.
American Hat Company
American Hat Company has been making the finest cowboy hats in the world, both felt and straw, since 1915. Crafted in Bowie, Texas, each hat is handmade by expert craftsmen. Whether you’re looking for a hat to wear for a rodeo, ranch work, riding, a concert, dancing, or to just add to your overall daily wardrobe, the American Hat Company has the perfect hat for you! Their goal is to provide the finest quality, American-made cowboy hats to their customers.
American Hat Company uses presses from the mid-1800s and sewing machines that have been in service since before the 1950s. Each and every piece of machinery is specialized for every step of the hat-making process. In addition, every single hat is finished and sanded by hand. The only cowboy hat that can live up to the standard of style, quality, and durability that you’d expect from an American-made product is one made by the American Hat Company.
American Hat Company takes a lot of pride in the fact that there’s no set expectation for men’s and women’s hats. Hats aren’t confined to a single style, so people can craft a hat style suited specifically for them. Hat shapes and styles also vary by location, lifestyle, and personal preference. American Hat Company provides you with a selection of quality hats in different price ranges and colors, as well as your choice of hat shape, including crowns, creases, and brims.
Beyond its products, American Hat Co. is known for investing in the future of the industry by supporting competitors who exemplify the values of hard work, integrity, faith, and dedication both in and out of the arena.
A True Champion
Because she dominated across all four categories in Breakaway Roping throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she accumulated titles much like Trevor Brazile did on the PRCA side, making her one of the most decorated champions in the history of Western equestrian sports.
Her 24 world championship titles break down as follows:
- WPRA All-Around World Championships (3): 2008, 2011, 2019
- Breakaway Roping World Championships (5): 2014, 2016, 2020 (the inaugural NFBR title in Arlington, TX), plus WPRA titles in 2005 and 2008
- Team Roping – Heading World Championships (3): 2007, 2008, 2009
- Team Roping – Heeling World Championships (2): 2014, 2016
- Tie-Down Roping World Championships (11): 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018
Stay connected with Jackie’s journey as she continues to make her mark on the breakaway world. Be sure to follow her on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes action, and highlights from the arena!
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