Lessons From a 10X Wrangler NFR Qualifier, Charly Crawford

In the dynamic and demanding world of rodeo, few names resonate as profoundly as Charly Crawford. His journey, from a rodeo enthusiast in Oregon, to becoming a ten-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, is a tale of grit, passion, and unwavering dedication to the sport he loves.

Early Rodeo Inspirations

Charly Crawford's rodeo journey began in the picturesque town of Canby, Oregon, where his father, a former bareback rider and team roper, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the sport. Growing up around top competitors who visited his father's arena, Charly was mesmerized by the freedom and spirit of the American cowboy. This exposure not only sparked his interest in rodeo but also influenced his eventual choice of discipline within the sport.

The Sport of Team Roping

Team roping, a rodeo event with roots in the practical tasks of ranch work, became Charly's forte. He explains how it evolved from a necessary skill for treating sick cattle in the Wild West to a competitive sport. With categories similar to golf handicaps, team roping offers a spectrum of competition levels, from beginners to professionals like Charly, who achieved a number nine header ranking – the highest in the sport.

A Career Marked by Success and Challenges

Charly's career, which took off in 1997, was marked by remarkable achievements, including ten qualifications for the prestigious NFR. Yet, the path to success was not without its hurdles. The physical demands of the sport, combined with the mental pressure of competing for a livelihood, presented significant challenges. Charly candidly shares the stress involved in balancing the needs of his family, career, and passion for rodeo.

Memorable Moments and Monumental Wins

Reflecting on his career, Charly recalls numerous memorable moments, from winning state championships in high school to triumphs at major events like the Houston Rodeo and Pendleton. Each victory, big or small, contributed to his growth as an athlete and his legacy in the sport.

Transitioning from Competition to Contribution

Post-retirement, Charly's focus shifted towards giving back to the community. Inspired by his father's military service and his patriotic values, he co-founded the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation. This nonprofit organization supports veterans and first responders through clinics and events, harnessing the therapeutic and communal aspects of team roping. The foundation's success is a testament to Charly's dedication to serving those who have served the nation.

The Trainer and Mentor

Today, Charly is not just a retired competitor but a mentor and trainer, sharing his wealth of knowledge through roping clinics. He emphasizes the importance of proper horsemanship and mental preparation, helping aspiring ropers achieve their dreams. His clinics have become a beacon for those seeking to improve their skills, both in and out of the arena.

Supporting Family and Embracing New Roles

In addition to his foundation and training clinics, Charly plays a supportive role in his wife Jackie's successful rodeo career. His transition from competitor to supporter highlights his adaptability and commitment to his family's aspirations.

Charly Crawford: More Than a Rodeo Star

Charly Crawford's story is more than just that of a rodeo champion. It's a narrative of transformation – from a young boy enamored by the freedom of the cowboy lifestyle to a man who has made significant contributions to the sport and his community. His journey reflects the enduring spirit of the American West, a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of giving back.

Through his podcast and various digital platforms, Charly continues to share his insights and experiences, offering a window into the world of rodeo and the many life lessons it entails. His legacy extends beyond the arena, inspiring a new generation of rodeo enthusiasts and upholding the values of the sport he loves so dearly.

Listen or watch Charly's episode below!

Episode: Team Roping, Liberty, and Loyalty with Charlie Crawford

[00:00:00]
Host (Brad): Welcome to the Horse Trailer Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Charlie Crawford, a professional rodeo athlete and trainer. He started in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) in 1997 and has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 10 times. Charlie, welcome to the podcast!

Charlie Crawford: Thanks for having me!

[00:01:00]
Brad: For those who don’t know, can you explain the sport of Team Roping?

Charlie: Team Roping began as a practical activity back in the Wild West when cowboys needed to doctor cattle out in the pastures. Eventually, it turned into a competitive event to see who could rope the steer the fastest. In PRCA, Team Roping started being recognized in the 60s, and now it’s a major event with different categories for all skill levels. It’s a lot like golf for the western industry, where there's handicaps, and people of similar skill levels compete against each other.

[00:04:00]
Brad: What drew you to the world of rodeo?

Charlie: My dad competed in bareback riding and Team Roping, and we had an arena on our farm in Canby, Oregon, where a lot of top ropers would come by to practice. I was inspired by the cowboy lifestyle—it's incredibly romantic and free. I loved the culture, the freedom of being on a horse, and it definitely drew me in from a young age.

[00:07:00]
Brad: Competing at a high level like you did must be mentally and physically demanding. How did you handle it?

Charlie: It was demanding, both physically and mentally. I worked out a lot because of back problems from shoeing horses and riding colts. The physical aspect kept me strong, and the stress of roping for a paycheck is intense, especially when you're providing for your family.

[00:09:00]
Brad: What are some of your most memorable experiences from your rodeo years?

Charlie: Winning the state championship in high school rodeo, my first NFR qualification, winning at Houston, and big events like St. Paul and Pendleton were all memorable. Every win felt like it was building me up to where I am today.

[00:12:00]
Brad: You retired from competition and founded the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation. What inspired you to start it, and what does it do?

Charlie: My dad was a Marine, and he instilled in me a strong sense of patriotism. Seeing our military members and first responders not getting the respect they deserve didn’t sit well with me. My wife and I decided to start a clinic for those who served, offering our arena, time, and experience for free. It grew from there, and with support from my sponsors and community, we turned it into something bigger. We've held events like the American Heroes Celebration, raising funds for military and first responders, and it's become something much more impactful than I could have imagined.

[00:20:00]
Brad: You’re also a supportive husband to your wife, Jackie, who’s had an incredible rodeo career. What's it like being on the other side of the arena now?

Charlie: It’s a complete 180-degree shift. Jackie’s the star now, and I’m here to support her. She’s won 23 world titles, and recently won the American Breakaway twice, including the million-dollar prize. She’s an incredible athlete and an amazing mom. We don’t compete with each other—she usually beats me in almost everything anyway!

[00:23:00]
Brad: You also offer training clinics now. Can you tell us about those?

Charlie: I’ve been doing clinics for a long time, and since retiring, they’ve only gotten better. I host clinics where we cover everything from horsemanship to fine-tuning the details of Team Roping. I had over 40 clinics this year, and it’s been fulfilling to help people set and achieve their goals. Now we’re also working on a digital platform for training, so people can access resources more easily.

[00:26:00]
Brad: Where can people stay in touch with you and learn more about getting involved with your foundation?

Charlie: You can find more information on the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation at libertyandloyaltyfoundation.com. For training clinics, it’s charliecrawfordtraining.com (note that my name is spelled "Charly" with a "y"). We also have the American Heroes Celebration every November at Cowtown Coliseum in Texas, which is a great event that helps support our military and first responders. Also, I’ve recently started a podcast, "The Charlie Crawford Podcast," which is available on Spotify and all major platforms.

[00:30:00]
Brad: That’s awesome, Charlie. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. We appreciate it.

Charlie: Thanks for having me, Brad. I appreciate the opportunity.