NFBR Profile: Erin Johnson #15

Rank: 15th

Hometown: Fowler, CO

2023 Winnings: $66,742

2023 Catch percentage: 64%

Career Earnings: $342,455

NFBR Qualifications: 4

Biggest Wins of 2023: I won about $30,000 total at Fort Worth, Houston, and Salt Lake City. The biggest, most mentally challenging and rewarding win was the 5/6 place check at Las Cruces the last night of the year. I had to have that check to make the finals.

Horses: Husker Be Smokin “Chico”, 15-year-old Palomino gelding

Strategy for NFR: I want to be aggressive within my comfort zone on all 10 calves.

Saddle: TM Leather & Saddlery Custom Saddle

Ropes: Striker by Rattler Ropes Size 10.0

Equipment: Classic Equine Legacy 2 and No Turn Bell Boots for fronts; Performance Skids on the hind.

Jeans and Shirts: CINCH jeans and shirts. I prefer the Ada jeans and any CINCH shirt.

Hat: Bailey Hats

Must haves in truck and trailer: I have to have hand lotion and some sort of fidget item in the truck. For the trailer, I need an electric blanket for when it’s cold out and the heater takes too long to warm up!

Motto: “Good things come to those who wait, but only the things left behind by those who hustle.”

Favorite Food on the Road: I am a breakfast person, so when I have time, I love to sit down and eat hot breakfast with coffee.

Traveling partners: My husband, Darnell. My kids, Denton – 12, Evin – 9, and Annie—7. Occasionally my sister and my mom. Amber Crawford. It doesn’t happen often, but I LOVE going with one of my “old” traveling partners once in a while. Those are Kacey Kobza, Tana Johnston, and Willow Wilson. They will be my forever and always travel partners.

How do you define a champion: “A champion is someone who tries their hardest, doesn’t give up, and most importantly presents themselves professional (great sportsmanship, great humbleness, great attitude, and gratitude) regardless of what happens.”

Advice: First of all, find someone you want to emulate (in all facets – their horsemanship, how they rope, how they present themselves) and spend as much time with that person as you can. Second, be gracious, and ask how you can help if you want something to be different or improve.