During his four years at Tarleton, Blake qualified for the college finals with heeler, York Gill, where they won three of four rounds and set an arena record.
Teixeira recalls going to his first jackpot in the Stephenville area and seeing many of the world champions he had watched on television.
“In the beginning it was very surreal. I’m at a jackpot and there are the Tryans, Speed Williams, Clay O’Brien Cooper, etc. Over time I got to rope with them and know them on a personal level.”
In fact, during his college years Blake took every opportunity to work for and with some of the best ropers in the world. He moved in with Jake and Jimmie Cooper during his sophomore year. At various times he worked for Randon Adams and Shawn Darnell. He helped both Ryan Motes and Michael Jones during their preparation for the NFR.
After graduating from college Blake drove for Chad Masters and Jade Corkill one summer and laughs, “It’s funny how much you can learn when you’re not entered.”
Afterwards, he helped Speed Williams for a couple of years. Blake says that’s where he saw first hand how professionals practice and prepare.
“While at Speed’s I learned a lot. I learned how to ride my horse better and basically learned how to win,” explains Teixeira. “It was then I realized how much it really took to rope at that level.”
When his grandfather passed away, Blake moved home to California to help his family. He took a break from rodeo after his head horses were injured. During that time he got his license and started selling insurance.
Now he has some good horses going, this year he’s been riding a nice black mare owned by Deforest Performance Horses that Chant Deforest rides at the rodeos, “Chant and I both rode the Black this spring and three of us rode her at Pendleton this year. I won third in the first round and Chant placed in the second round on her.” He is currently riding and winning on a bay mare, named Fanny, owned by York Cattle and Performance Horses.
“She has been awesome. I rode her at the rodeos all summer and at the BFI. She’s what I was riding to win the ACTRA Finals Open yesterday.”
Blake is thankful for the experience and exposure he’s had to the best ropers in the world. He credits that experience to the success he enjoys today. He also lost 75 lbs. this year, making a significant difference in the way he feels and rides his head horse.
“I used to really fight to get in front of my horse,” laughs Teixeira. “After losing the weight, I would almost crawl out too far.”
Now, at 31 years old, Teixeira is enjoying a healthy balance between work and roping. This fall he is roping with B. J. Campbell and the team has plans for some 2017 rodeos.
“I’ve been very fortunate to meet people who helped me and taught me. I’m thankful to my sponsors: Best Ever Pads, Fast Back Ropes, Remington Construction, Elko, NV, Great Basin Orthopedics, Yeti, Hansen Western Gear and Les Schwab tires. I’m immensely grateful to my girlfriend, Brooke Kieckbusch, and our families for their support.”
COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Every day.
Do you make your own horses?
Some.
Who were your roping heroes?
Speed Williams, Dan Green, Wade Wheatly.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My grandpa.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My grandpa.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Play golf and go fishing with my girlfriend.
Favorite movie?
Tombstone
What’s the last thing you read?
The Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill Walsh.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Easy going, honest, determined.
What makes you happy?
Seeing other people happy.
What makes you angry?
When the 49’ers lose.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Buy a ring, a house, a head horse and invest the rest.
What is your worst quality – your best?
Worst quality is procrastinating. Best quality is willing to help anyone if I can.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Married with kids and a home. I would still rope but would like to be a rodeo coach at a good school or give lessons. I enjoy helping people get better at their roping.