Former Horse of the Year Baybe, owned by Joey Williams, will see time under Josie Conner this season as the four-time NFBR qualifier continues her pursuit of a first world title.
In the breakaway roping, like all of the events, the horsepower is such an important part of the game. A good horse really can change everything.
When it comes to good breakaway horses, Josie Connor is a name we think of. She is always riding the best of the best, including the 2025 and two time AQHA Horse of the Year, Dutch.
Recently, it was confirmed that she has a new partner to join the string in 2026. The one and only Baybe, owned and ridden by Joey Williams, will help Josie Conner on her journey to her 5th consecutive National Finals Breakaway Roping.
The first time we saw the duo together was at the San Diego Rodeo. Fans recognized the horse, but nothing official had been said.
Conner later posted, “Baybe and I’s first outing at the San Diego Rodeo. We were 2.0 2.3 1.8, and didn’t advance to the top 4. Tough roping! So excited to have her on the team!! Thank you Joey Williams.”
A Special Mare
Baybe Bullet, known simply as “Baybe,” is owned by four-time NFBR qualifier Joey Williams of Montana. She is a former Horse of the Year and one of those mares that makes breakaway ropers take notice.
Williams reminded everyone exactly why she is so special during Bracket 2 of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. After winning Round 2 with a 2.0-second run aboard Baybe, she said
“Baybe was on point as always, she makes my job so easy. Just very thankful to have her.”
Then she added something that turned heads and confirmed the news.
“Yes, Josie is gonna jump on Baybe some this year so we are very excited to cheer them on.”
Great Horsewomen Recognize Great Horses
Josie Conner knows what a great horse feels like, that is for sure. Josie is such a horsewoman, she knows feel, and she knows how to win and what kind of horse she needs underneath her.
Joside has built her career around horsepower and timing. Conner, from Louisiana, has qualified for four consecutive National Finals Breakaway Ropings since winning the WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year title in 2022. She is chasing her first gold buckle in 2026.
Williams knows talent, too. She’s made four NFBR appearances herself and has long been respected for her horsemanship. This pair up sure isn’t random, it is very intentional to accomplish big goals.
When elite competitors trust each other’s horses, it says something. In rodeo, that kind of collaboration doesn’t happen lightly. For a horse owner, other great ropers wanting to jump on is a big deal. These athletes put a ton of pride and hard work into their equine partners.
What will come of the duo? We don’t know yet.
Maybe Baybe fills a certain gap on certain setups. Maybe it’s simply two high-level athletes recognizing that they can help each other.
What we do know is this. Josie Conner is in the middle of her prime. She’s coming off four straight NFBR trips, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year.
If you’re chasing your first gold buckle, you surround yourself with every advantage possible. Adding Baybe to the team is a move worth watching.
In breakaway roping, championships aren’t just won with a rope, but also with great horses underneath the talented ladies.