story by Terry Rhodes
Dan Fowers with his wife, Jennifer and their children, Wylie, Anastasia, Titan, and Kwynn
– KAYLEE Photography Images by Leslie Strayhorne
Dan Fowers has been in the Rocky Mountain association for the last eight years. He appreciates the RMPRA rodeos because they are close to home and, “…they are good people to be with. The rodeos are well run and it’s just a good association to be part of.”
He also is a member of and competes in the World Series of Team Roping, the Wrangler Team Roping and the USTRC. “If they have a team roping, I’m going to be there.” He ropes heels and for the last three years his header of choice has been Chase Sanders.
Dan’s father was a roper and Dan quite naturally picked it up from a young age. “Growing up around it, I started roping in high school and continued on after school. I was in the PRCA for awhile after high school. I got married in 2004 and slowed down a little and stayed with the amateur rodeos.” Dan went to several clinics to learn from the best in the business. “Starting out I went to a Walt Woodard clinic. I’ve been to Clay O’Brian Cooper’s clinic three times. Jake and Clay have been a big influence in my roping.”
Dan is diligent in his preparation and during the summer will practice four or five times a week. “I try to get everything mentally set and do the same routine every time. We practice making rodeo runs a lot before a rodeo. We keep ourselves mentally in the game.” There is no let up in Dan’s style of roping. “I kind of live on the edge and take some wild shots. A lot of people say I’m lucky. My dad always told me he’d rather be lucky.” Dan has gotten away from his old superstition of wearing a new shirt at every rodeo. “It’s been a couple of years since I quit that.”
His competition horse is one that he’s had since she was a baby. “I’ve done all the training on her and she’s 7 years old now. I’ve got a young one that is coming on and should be a good one. I’m not into the bloodlines other than I want Quarter Horses.”
Dan, 34, makes his home in Taylor, Utah with his wife, Jennifer. The couple has four kids, Wylie, Anastasia, Titan, and Kwynn with number five due in August. “We lost Kwynn last September. Because of the baby due in August, I won’t be roping too much this year. The kids have started to rodeo in the 5 and under divisions. I hope they continue, I’m sure the boy will stay with it. He’s only 3 but has been riding sheep and loves to watch the movie ‘8 Seconds’. I’ll support him in whatever he decides.” Jennifer team ropes and helps Dan with his roping. “She used to compete and now she practices with us and keeps my horses in shape. She has been a big help and influence as well as my family, especially my father. I lost him a year ago.”
During the week Dan works for the secondary water company in Sunset, Utah. Leisure time is spent roping. Goals are to continue to rodeo and one day win the RMPRA Finals.
