Katie Garthwaite CFR 2015
With 29 rodeos under their belt in the 2015 season, and $ 17,121.15 won, Katie Garthwaite and FC Guys Prime Time (Frenchmans Guy X A Prime Example going back to Martha Six Moons) are headed to their second Canadian Finals Rodeo in 9th place. This year the pair won Lethbridge ($2011.60) and Cranbrook ($1196.74), and picked up some nice checks at Teepee Creek, Maple Creek, Bonnyville, Dawson Creek, and Armstrong! If you cant find Katie at a Rodeo she is likely on a movie or television set working as a stunt woman. (I think this is soooo cool!) This year she travelled over to Argentina to work!
Does Frenchie have any quirks?
Not really she is a pretty confident mare and likes to be the dominant one so she can be a bit cranky to the rest of the horses. She will bit the fence when it comes time to feed and anyone is close to her and her food.
How would you describe her style?
She is pretty easy to ride and likes to use her hind end pretty good. She has a pretty wicked snap on the backsides of her turns.
Has your routine changed with your horse as you prepare for CFR?
My routine has maybe changed a little as I’m home now more and not traveling back and forth to the rodeos. My little girl is busy with school and gymnastics and my husband and I have been pretty busy working down at the coast on some movies and a TV show. So Frenchie has had it pretty easy, just getting ponied or light riding to keep in shape.
What has been your favorite Canadian rodeo this year and why?
My favorite…. I’m not to sure. I have had a pretty great year actually and have a great traveling partner so it has made rodeoing pretty good. It’s always nice to show up to a rodeo and the committee is welcoming and make you feel like they are excited that you are there. I didn’t get to go to La Crete this year as I was in Argentina working but that is is a favorite rodeo and I would say Maple Creek is pretty great too!
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given regarding barrel racing?
I think that just to believe in my self and my program. Sometimes when things are not going the best it is easy to get down and get stressed about things. You have to just leave it behind and keep on keepin on. Never let the highs make you feel invincible or the lows incapable.
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the CFR dream alive for you?
Oh man I feel like I’m a real addict when it comes to the horses. It is something I eat, breathe, and live to do. It is all I have ever done and want to do. I have done it long enough that I know when you have a nice horse a person needs to try and take the opportunity to reach your goals and achieve the things u dream for. I feel that Frenchie is that horse for me right now.
Who is your barrel racing idol?
Ahhh well Lisa Lockhart is pretty dang amazing and who doesn’t love Louie? But my mom has been behind me from the start of my career and helped me out so much. Back in her day she was a Columbia River Champion a few times and a pretty handy lady. Times change and techniques are a bit different, but she is still a pretty great idol I think!
What has been your favorite memory or moment on the road this year?
I’ve had a lot of great times this year with Julie Leggett. We seem to be a pretty great team and support system for each other. We just got home from the CBHI Futurity and Derby in Ponoka where Julie won the Derby and I won the Futurity. That was a pretty great weekend!!
What are your favorite pair of cowboy boots & favorite lipstick?
I need some new boots, but I have a pair of Ferrini boots. As for lip stuff I love the bright colors! I have a wicked purple MAC lipstick called Hero that I love.
Sponsor Shoutouts & Other Thank-Yous:Elysha Cruthers and Noni have been behind me now for a few years. She is an amazing friend and sponsor. I have also just joined the SharpeEdge Supplement team with Melissa Genburg and Tracy Sharpe. I’m really excited for this opportunity!!
My family – if it wasn’t for all my family that help me out with chores at home or to look after Gracie or haul horses for me I would not be where I am. I’m just a really lucky person to have the friends and family that I do
