When I first came across the clothing brand Go Rope, I was impressed with the designs, functionality, and especially the slogan. When I learned the backstory behind “Life is Short, Go Rope”, I was even more intrigued, and grateful to get to chat with founder Jenny Gilbert about how her passion grew into the company.
Gilbert is no stranger to the industry, as she grew up in a family that ranched and rodeoed. When she was eight years old, her father began teaching her the basics of roping, encouraging and challenging her as both teacher and coach for many years, and providing her with the solid foundation she needed for the sport. She paired this with her own hard work and roped alongside her family. Every night that the arena was dry, they were practicing, and this dedication to development served her well as she competed throughout high school and college in both team roping (header) and breakaway events. After college, she took a temporary step back from team roping to pursue breakaway at rodeos throughout Montana. Gilbert enjoyed breakaway until deciding to make the switch back to team roping when her husband Denver switched from steer wrestling to team roping. At that point, it was a great activity they could do together.
Jenny credits good heelers and good horses to her development as a roper, and yet two horses in particular have been extra special. These horses, Banjo (bay) and Money (palomino), helped her be successful when she started heading frequently in 2011, and ironically are inseparable themselves. While she mentions the quirks both of them have, she expresses their amazing capabilities to set their roper up for the right opportunity. Both seem born to be rope horses.
In addition to good horses, family is a central focus of her passion for roping. She speaks of enjoying the jackpot roping as a guaranteed good time with friends and family despite the outcome of one’s actual roping. This appreciation for the fellowship and community the sport provides is apparent in the brand and its inception. The initial inspiration for the logo came from a tragic injury her father sustained while competing at a jackpot. Yet instead of being discouraged from the sport by the accident, Gilbert and her family have adopted a philosophy of cherishing the moments and taking advantage of opportunities to enjoy roping.
She is quick to state her surprise at how many people have found meaning in the company’s slogan. Ever passionate about people, she adds that it is the stories she gets to hear from folks that make it all worthwhile. Her eye for creative artwork, talent for design, and overall passion for the brand and industry have made Go Rope a fine company.
If you’re not already familiar with Go Rope, take a few minutes today to visit their website. Pick out something to sport on horseback, and then, take the brand at its word, and go swing that rope. www.goropeclothing.com.
