Team roping is a newer venture for the Garrisons, yet it has become a family pastime. This family of four who resides in Ft. Collins, Colo., enjoys being able to participate in a single event all together. Tyler and Kathy are 4 and 3 headers, respectively, in the USTRC and World Series. When they are not roping, Tyler is a farrier and Kathy is an Equine veterinarian.
They have two sons, Lane and Levi who often travel with them and participate in dummy ropings that are held at events where mom and dad compete.
Tyler grew up in Colorado and Kathy grew up in Montana and Texas. Both were introduced to team roping later in life. Tyler learned most of what he knows about roping from his uncle, Bruce Walter at age 20. Kathy grew up on a ranch and had roped at brandings, but she learned most of what she knows about team roping from her husband.
The Garrisons hope to keep improving their roping skills and keep it a family affair as much as possible.
Do have a motto that you try to live by?
Tyler: Champions do what others are unwilling to do.
Kathy: Hard work will bring rewards.
Do you enjoy attending larger or smaller ropings?
We like both but we really enjoy the camaraderie at the smaller local ropings.
Who has had a big influence on your roping?
Tyler: My uncle taught me a lot of what I know about roping and got me started.
Kathy: Tyler has helped me the most but I have many people that I’m thankful for.
How do you practice with both of you being headers?
We take turns hazing for each when we practice at home on our cattle. We also have friends that are heelers that come over for practice and we go their arenas to practice with them. We also use the Heel- o Matic.
Can you name some other aspects of roping that you enjoy?
Tyler: It is a great way to meet people and have great competition at the same time.
Kathy: It’s an adrenaline rush. Doing well makes you want to keep going.
What do your boys like to do?
They both enjoy riding the horses and traveling with us. Lane enjoys motorcycles and Levi is our little cowboy.
What are some goals you have for your roping?
Both of us would like to make it to the World Series Finals every year, make enough money roping to cover our expenses and just continue to get better.
