Bayleigh Choate CFR 2022
In first position, qualifying for her very first Canadian Finals Rodeo, is the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of The Year, Bayleigh Choate.
Choate has also qualified for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, with the second most money won by a WPRA rookie, prior to the NFR. She also won the most money over the Fourth of July run, among all WPRA members ($25,506). During her time in Canada, Bayleigh won the Ponoka Stampede, Wainwright, and High Prairie. She finished second at Williams Lake, the Pro Tour Finals (Armstrong, BC), LaCrete and Medicine Hat. She enters the 2022 CFR with $48,901.04 to her name after competing at 23 CPRA rodeos.
What is your background with horses and how did you get into barrel racing?
I have been on a horse since before I could walk. I got started in barrel racing because my mom competed.
What is your main mounts registered name and does he have any quirks?
My main mounts are Boozer (TJR Stinson Blue) and Dash (Hail To Be Famous). They both where raised on the Twisted J Ranch, and are both VERY quirky. For example, Dash is hard to deal with on the ground. He is not the easiest horse to be around and is definitely not for the faint of heart, but he love to run barrels! Boozer on the other hand, he is more famous than I am! Boozer is more like my best friend than my horse. Sometimes we get along so well, and sometimes Boozers head gets too big and we fight. (you have to knock his ego down quite often). At the end of the day, Boozer knows when to show up and even on our bad days, he can still find a way to make me laugh even when I am beyond mad at him.
What is your go to saddle, pad, and bit on your main mount? What do you like about them?
My favourite saddles are Double J because of the quality and of the ability to fit my horses like no other! Pad is the Professional Choice Air Ride pad. I recently switched, and I am absolutely in love with them. Bits, well I think I have more bits than anyone I know, but Dash on the other hand will only ride in one bridle, and as most have seen it’s the most ratchet thing ever. It looks like something a sale barn horse would ride in, but ironically there was only about 10 of them made so if I even lose his headgear he will just be retired.
What is your horses story?
I purchased Boozer when I was 17 and he was a three year old. I decided after being told I couldn’t make my own, I had a point to prove. I took him to futuritys and we also went pro his futurity year. He went on to win BBR futurity horse of the year and help qualify me for my first NFR at just the age of five. I think we proved our point, but honestly Boozer is just what I needed on my life; he keeps me laughing and has won the heart of so many people, but he has also taught me how to have patience. I am still learning how to deal with all his antics, but I definitely don’t think I would be the jockey or trainer I am today without having to learn the difficult ones like boozer!
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season? Two words…. BE WATER (See more..)
What does your feed program look like?
I feed Hallway feed prep 14. They get 2 scoops twice a day. For supplements, I give them Lixotonic, Lubersyn, Kimmies Cocktail, OE Solutions, Succeed, and Equinox.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
Pre CFR consisted of no stress. I worked hard on getting them sharp in the weeks prior, but the week before we both took a mental break. Boozer just did some light exercises, and I took a trip to the Bahamas to make sure we where both mentally good.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or barrel racing?
Don’t compare you progress with someone else’s ruler!
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
Definitely winning the semi finals at Rodeo Austin! It was the most rewarding run I ever made because it was the run that turned my year around. I had done absolutely terrible the first 6 months and then finally Rodeo Austin turned it around!
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
DASH TA FAME! Everything I rode this year was either by DTF himself, or out of a own son or daughter! I will say they are not for everyone, but I am forever thankful for the stallion and the opportunity to ride his offspring.
What has been your favourite Canadian rodeo, and why?
Ponoka. I think we all know why! But for real, it was the rodeo that gave me my push to helping me accomplish all my goals this year!
What are your goals for 2023?
I am excited to get invited to some of the bigger rodeos so I am hoping I can capitalize on them, and be a little easier for me and my horses. However if we don’t get that done we will buckle down and go hard!
