Sydni Blanchard WNFR 2017
Sydni Blanchard of Albuquerque, New Mexico is headed back to the WNFR this year after winning $91,361.75 at 74 rodeos in the 2017 season. She will be bringing Famous Heartbreaker (by Dash Ta Fame out of a Shawne Bug mare) a 7yr old mare and Mr Famous Jess (by Jess Louisiana Blue out of a Dash Ta Fame Mare) an yr old gelding.
What are your main mounts quirks?
Jesse is very sweet and personable, Heart is pushy and bites.
What was your favourite rodeo this year and why?
Baker Montana was a huge win for us. We were on the bubble with a month left of rodeo . Winning It was a huge relief.
What has been the best advice you’ve been given regarding barrel racing or rodeo?
The best advise I have been given was from my mom my rookie year at Reno . I was nervous running in the shot go with world champions and she said, ” Just do your Job and leave the winning up to God.” I live by that.
If you were just starting out now, who would you train under, what clinics would you be taking?
If I were just starting out now I would find a barrel racer that Is consistent and a good winner . Someone I would want to ride similar to and study them. Pick their brain and ride with them. If you truly want to be great at something you will figure out how to be great at it. I still attend clinics , ask questions and ride with horseman I admire. If you are not learning you are not living.
With all the miles made, what kept the WNFR dream alive for you?
I’m not sure what keeps the dream alive. Sometimes you get to a point that you have put so much into it that you have no choice but to push forward. Mainly knowing everything my friends and family have done to help me achieve these goals keeps me on the road when I want to go home.
We all know that being competitive takes mental strength. What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? Do you do anything before a run to keep your nerves in check?
I have been blessed with a mother that is a therapist that also studied sports psychology. She taught me different exercises to help with nerves as well as goal setting which helps with over all success. My father also played sports and taught me to stay at a happy medium in competition and my grandfather is one of the most mentally tough individuals I know he has always been eager to share all of his knowledge with me. I am now passionate about helping others with goals and nerves. I make it available to contact me for coaching on my website. Sydniblanchard.com
Under your program, what do you do when a horse feels off to you? Who/what therapies do you include in your program?
I believe the trick is assessing a problem before it becomes a bigger problem. Knowing your horse is important. When they feel good or if they seem lethargic. Listen to their breathing , being aware of what is normal for your horse. I use stress line equine products , revita vet , centurion products , the theraplate . And other therapies to keep my horses in line. Vet work as needed.
When shopping, what areas of conformation turn you off? What points of confirmation do your prospects absolutely must have?
Confirmation is important to me . There are particular confirmations that fit my riding style. I’m not as confident on a short strided short necked horse. If we raise one however I do go on with them and sell them later. Just because a horse is not my style does not mean they won’t be perfect for someone else. Strait legs low hocks and a short back are all important for soundness, athleticism and speed.
What would you like to see be done in the industry to better rodeo as a sport?
to better the sport of rodeo I would like to see more money at more rodeos. The more large rodeos we have the more large rodeos will materialize. I believe that would help the majority of contestants make money rodeoing. I know that at a world champion perspective one would rather not have the large money rodeos count for the NFR but i do believe things need to change in order for the sport to progress.
A huge thank you to God my family, friends and sponsors. Elite Compression Services, Blackmon Quarter Horses, Stress Line Equine Products, The Rowdy Rose and Revita Vet.
