Go Rope Team Member Profile - Braxton Lambert

 

We are incredibly honored to announce the newest official member to the Go Rope team, Braxton Lambert.  Braxton is 27 years old and hails from El Paso, Texas.  We met Braxton in 2013 and were immediately struck by his positive mindset and outgoing nature.  When we heard Braxton had decided to begin team roping, we were thrilled for him.  And when we learned after two years of hard work and dedication, he had reached his goal to turn a live steer, we were humbled and knew that he needed to be on the Go Rope team.  You see, not only is Braxton incredibly upbeat and determined – he was also diagnosed with autism/Asperger’s syndrome at the young age of four.

 

It was apparent early on that Braxton had an incredible memory, impressive attention to detail, and an advanced understanding of many things for a child his age.   Brandi Lambert, Braxton’s mother, says,

“He loved to sing, complete with an on stage performance at Mr. Lucky’s, guitar in hand, when he was a toddler. “Watermelon Crawl” by Tracey Byrd was a favorite, and we heard it many times over…….and over! He loved Barney, Hot Wheels, and most especially, any kind of keys. This intense focus on specific interests, lack of conversational skills and content understanding, eventually led us to the diagnosis of Autism/Asperger’s syndrome.”  She continues, “For us, the diagnosis changed everything and nothing at the same time. There were simply “explanations” for certain behaviors, enabling us to better understand the “whys”. Why did he remember everything in vivid detail? Why would he not make eye contact? Why were social interactions so difficult? “Imagine getting off a plane in a foreign country, not knowing it’s language, culture, tradition, or social protocol.” That was an analogy given to us when Braxton was a small child. Thankfully, we were, and are, blessed with an incredibly supportive family and friends and invaluable teachers and therapists. People who are willing to step into his world, not always expecting him fit into theirs. People who appreciate and recognize the hard work, dedication, and no excuses mentality Braxton exemplifies.”

 

Braxton’s roots in the rodeo/horse world run deep.  His grandfather, Clifford Lambert is a member of the Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and won the first All American Futurity as a jockey in 1959.  His father, Casey Lambert, is also in the Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Ruidoso, as one of the most decorated and well-known jockeys in the Southwest.  Casey, also an avid team roper and Braxton’s #1 coach, has seen much success inside of the jackpot arena as well as on the racetrack.  Braxton’s uncle, Cody Lambert, was one of the founding members of the Professional Bull Riders, and is currently the Director of Livestock and on the board of directors for the PBR.  And though Braxton has always been a fan of horse racing and rodeo, it wasn’t until 2016 that he decided to try his hand at team roping. 

 

Though no one doubted his ability to achieve the goals he had set for himself, finding a new “home” in the roping world was an added, immeasurable bonus for him. 

 “The camaraderie with fellow ropers and roping enthusiasts is invaluable. “Visits” about ropes, tack, horses, competitions, etc., have given Braxton a new “common ground,” and surrounded him with quality of character. In return, Braxton has an innate ability to bring out the best in people. There is more laughing, cheering, unconditional acceptance, and good will when he is present,” adds Brandi. 

We simply cannot wait to see what this incredibly talented young man accomplishes in the future, in and out of the roping arena. 

Read Braxton’s Official Go Rope Team Member Profile below:

Name: Braxton Lambert

Age: 27

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Tell me about your family: My parents, I have a younger brother and three dogs.

Tell me about your horse: My horse Lenny and he’s nineteen years old. Interesting fact about him is that he was bred in Mexico.

Other than roping, what are some of your favorite things to do? Running, lifting weights, and spending quality time with family and friends.

What would you say has been your biggest challenge so far? My biggest challenge would probably have to be trying to catch a live steer for a couple years, which I have scratched that off my list last summer.

When did you first start roping? Fall of 2016

What inspired you to start roping? Well after growing up with a horse-oriented family, about two years ago, I’ve decided that I wanted to follow my family’s footsteps in the horse industry and after attending some rodeos in my whole life, I’ve decided that I have wanted to try roping after watching my dad since I was very little and from thereon, I’ve just ended up developing my craft on roping.

Who is your main coach? My dad

What do you try to focus on the most when making a team roping run? My focus is to make sure that my horse is going straight while trying to rope, as well as nodding my head and leave when the chute opens. The reason being, is because that I don’t want my horse to duck left after catching my target while trying to pull my slack, before dallying.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far with your roping?
I am most proud of accomplishing on getting a lot better throughout both last summer and fall and catching a few more steers this past December and having an amazing horse to help me through the challenges.


What goals do you have set for yourself and your horse in the roping arena?
My goals are to get 1% better every time when I enter the arena and get my horse free of mistakes and try to get stronger in order to prepare for upcoming jackpots.

What is your favorite piece of advice that you’ve ever gotten from someone?
My favorite piece of advice would be is that my dad giving me an analogy “it’s not the plane, it’s the pilot” and stuck with me since.

What is your biggest accomplishment outside the arena?
Everything that I have been able to accomplish to this point and all of my friends.


The story behind the Go Rope brand is to appreciate every day that we can do what we enjoy with
those we love, because we never know when those abilities or opportunities might be taken away. What does that mean to you? It means it is very rewarding to be a part of something that involves both my family and friends.

Are you proud to be a member of the Go Rope team? Why?
I am very proud to be a part of something that is heavily involved in roping and nobody has put in more time and effort to improve than myself.

20 Questions with Braxton Lambert
1. Birthday: August 30th
2. Favorite color:  Orange
3. Favorite food: Steak
4. Food you hate: Guacamole
5. Favorite book: Any autobiographies
6. Favorite musician or band: AC/DC
7. Favorite movie: Anything with Will Ferrell
8. Favorite line from a movie: If you ain’t first, you’re last (Talladega Nights)
9. Favorite college or professional sports team: Dallas Cowboys
10. Favorite sport to watch, besides rodeo/roping: Football and Horse Racing
11. Any superstitions you follow? Never put your hat on the bed.
12. Favorite rope: Rattler GT4 and Classic Powerline (both extra soft)
13. Favorite saddle: Corriente
14. Favorite quote: It’s quality, not quantity.
15. Any unusual talents? I have a disability which I have autism and I have a very photographic memory
16. Who is your biggest supporter? My parents and friends.
17. Most embarrassing moment? Literally cannot think of one.
18. Any phobias? Nothing in particular
19. What song did you last play on your phone? The Trooper by Iron Maiden
20. What did you last search on the internet? Looking at Ropes on the NRS webpage.