Katie Garthwaite CFR 2016
Garthwaite comes to us in 13th position in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Standings, but 12th going to finals, as Taylor Jacob did not have enough rodeos entered to make finals. To make it to Edmonton you must have 15. Katie ran at 26 and took home $14,877.99,
Katie’s big win this season was a lovely cardboard check for $20,000 at Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition in May!
This is Katie’s tenth year running in the CPRA, and her third Canadian Finals Rodeo Qualification. She has also ran at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo back in 1999!
Garthwaite went down the road with her horse Frenchie, as well as a second mount Shu, whose registered name is Shufire, who is by Dash of Royal Gold and out of Firewater Flyer a Fire Water Flit mare. “I don’t own her a good friend of mine does. She is only 6 this year. Was her first year of going to the rodeos. I’m feeling pretty lucky and thankful to have made it this year! It was a tough year.”
Does Shu have any quirks?
She is actually really quirky. She will pull back every once in awhile and is a real one person kind of horse. She hates to be left behind and is always wanting to have a friend close by.
How would you describe his/her style?
She is more of a round running kind of horse. She is very honest and just wants to work and tries hard every time. She is a pleaser
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the CFR dream alive for you?I have always said that barrel racing is like a bad addiction or like a poison that ruins thru my veins. I am an adrenaline junkie and I love to compete. But most of all when a person has a horse that is “special” it is hard to stay home. I have been pretty blessed in the horse department in my life and have a great support system behind me.
How do you stay healthy on the road? Do you exercise or just eat as healthy as you can?
I would like to say I work out all the time, but I don’t! I do get in running kicks and will go jogging. I do try to eat healthy or as healthy as I can.
What are your favorite bloodlines for barrel racing?
Honestly I don’t really have a favorite. There are so many nice horses out there all bred different. In my yard I have a few JD Looks, Good As Nick Gets, Judge Cash, Frenchmans Guy, Blazin Jetolena and I can’t remember the rest. I think last I counted we have 14 head around here!
What qualities do you look for when looking to buy a young horse?
I like a kind eye, good bones and feet, a big hip and I like a big girth for a big heart.
Riding a seasoned barrel horse, what exercises do you do for tune-ups on the pattern?
I don’t usually work my horses very much if they are seasoned and going good. If any thing I will just go in and go slow, walk and trot and make them wait for me. Make sure that it’s always no big deal for them and try to keep them fresh and loving their jobs.
Regarding legging a horse up, what is your routine?I ride out a lot and long trot a lot. I do like to sprint and try to keep their lungs strong and their wind good. I like to keep it simple – I don’t love just loping circles and riding in the arena. I always feel that if my horses are broke then the less they have to be tuned and torqued on the easier it is on their joints and the longer they last.
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 try to just stay focused on the now and take it one run at a time. I always try to make sure that I have done my very best to prepare myself and my horse for the setup and the ground. Then when they call my name I like to take a big deep breath and just let it roll.
What is your go to product for keeping your horse sound for the season?
I love the Back On Track I use it lots. I also have some great vets that I trust and will use when needed. I do give legend shots and glucosamine and will give those weekly when I’m going to lots and making lots of runs in a week. I have great sponsors that have helped me along the way. I’m a huge Noni fan! Elysha Cruthers has been by me for the last 3 years and my horses have always stayed so fresh and have felt so good for all the miles I have went. Team SharpEdge is another one. They have some really great products that have helped me and my horses out. I love their One a Day and their Mare Mix. I use it all but those 2 are my favorites.
All in all any person that rodeos and hauls up and down the road and is successful will tell you that they have a great support team behind them. There are lots of highs and lows in the rodeo world and to have people who believe in you through out them all is the best support a person can have.
Barrel racing is not an easy sport and you have to be dedicated in knowing what you want and to work hard to go out there and get it. How ever it goes for you – A person should never let the highs makes you feel invincible or the lows make you feel incapable!! You Keep on Keepin on!
