We are so excited to have expanded Team Wrangler | Twisted X into New Zealand, and would like to introduce our sponsored rider, Jayde Asher. We caught up with Jayde to hear how she first got into rodeo and what’s next for the champion barrel racer in 2023.

Wrangler (WR): How did it all begin for Jayde, tell us the story of how you got into Barrel Racing & Breakaway Roping?

Jayde Asher (JA): Ha-ha, A Boy! I met my partner at school when I was 15 and had never heard of rodeo before, other than what was in the movies. After a few years of watching, I finally got a chance to have a go and the love for the sport grew from there.

WR: How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

JA: A competitive rodeo mum with dust for glitter and a love for horses.

WR: Who have been your biggest influences?

JA: Probably my partner and his family, they have amazing natural talents, train hard but have the absolute best time doing it. Good day or bad day in the arena, they come out smiling.

WR: Most memorable moment in Barrel Racing or Breakaway Roping?

JA: Competing at my first NZ finals in Canterbury on my good boy Bullseye. The most surreal feeling to know that we had made the top 8.

WR: Tell us a Fun Fact about you?

JA: I didn’t learn to ride until I was 20 years old, Taupo Rodeo 2014 was my first barrel race on the gorgeous horse Marezy.

WR: What advice would you like to give the younger generations starting out in Barrel Racing or Breakaway Roping?

JA: Have fun, always give it a go, and never stop learning. If someone gives you a chance to have a go, do it, the chance might not come around again – there is so much to learn and so much fun to be had.

WR: What is your best fashion tip?

JA: Them trusted brands are still there for a reason – quality clothing and when choosing always, pick the first one that took your eye.

WR: What’s coming up for the remainder of 2023?

JA: We have a very different season to Australia down here in NZ. We are currently in a season break until October, so for the rest of the year you will see us training up and heading to jackpots and getting the young horses going ready for the new season. This season, my family and I will be heading from the top of the north to the bottom of the south competing in barrel racing, breakaway roping and maybe some team roping.