Bertina Olafson CFR 2021
Covy Moore Photo
The 2021 Calgary Stampede Barrel Racing Champion is headed to the Canadian Finals Rodeo this November. With $9,495.41 won after just 11 rodeos, Bertina Olafson sits in fourth position, $9,082.63 (about the amount of a go-round win) behind the #1 qualifier, Justine Elliot. This will be Bertinas third CFR with her gelding Alive N Smashing aka. Duke, who is by Ante Up Guy (Frenchmans Guy) out of a Lucks Runnin Bug mare. She split the 11 rodeos between Duke and Frenchmans Paradise aka, Zena (by Perks French Cash out of Tiges Doc X Docs Paradise) placing at Lea Park, Medicine Hat, Strathmore, High River and Hanna Pro Rodeo.
When asked about Dukes quirks Bertina said, “The list of his quirks are a mile long! He is a horse with a huge personality, bossy, very mischievous and observant to everything around him. Just when I think I know everything about him or how to work around his quirks, he will throw something new at me!”
Calgary Stampede Champion sure has a nice ring to it. Tell us about your experience at Calgary and what the title means to you?
The experience of Calgary is one I’ll always cherish. Restrictions and protocols made the rodeo different than other years. With it being the first year I’ve attended the stampede, it never dampened the excitement I had. All I ever dreamt was the alley, 3 barrels and making the runs with Duke. I got to do that!
To understand the importance this was to me is to understand that this was the rodeo that pushed me start rodeoing. Duke was quite young when I envisioned this was the pen he’d do well in. It was a dream engraved in my mind for many years, the driving force to most of the steps we made.
Earlier this spring I had contemplated stepping back from rodeo. I had a few reasons at that time. I knew stepping back from pro rodeo was giving up my dream of ever running at the stampede. I felt so torn with this decision, I needed a sign.
A couple days into trying to reach a decision, opportunity knocked with the invite to the Calgary Stampede. I opened that door with no hesitation. Decision was made, I was rodeoing!!
You never know how close you are to your dream…never give up!
Every run at the Stampede holds a special memory for different reasons. Reaching Showdown Sunday was surreal. The crowd was electric, the energy, intensity and excitement was more than I’ve ever felt before. To have my horse give me every ounce of his heart for the most important run in my life, gave me a feeling I can’t put into words.
I always knew if I had the chance to run at The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth it would be special to me. I never imagined just how special Duke would make it!
Covy Moore Photo
What is your background with horses and how did you get started barrel racing?
I was raised in a family with horses always a large part our lives. Travelling the chuckwagon circuit each summer as a kid I competed in gymkhana. After I graduated high school, I had a long break from riding. When my children were in their teens I began competing again.
What is your horses story?
I originally purchased Duke as a weanling for a stallion prospect. His personality won me over quickly and he was one I wanted to keep to ride. I didn’t have big plans for competing, that evolved as time went on. I gelded him as a late 2yr old after breeding him to a few mares. As 3yr old he was started by Kim Senkoe and had a few months barrel training between Rusty Woodward and Rylee McKenzie in the beginning of his 4yr old year. He was extremely lazy until he found his love for the barrels. In the early summer of his 4yr old year we started competing, he came up with his own style. He runs the same pattern consistently today. Duke has always been one of the most deceiving horses to watch run. He clocks and feels much faster than he looks! We started in gymkhana, jackpots, futurities, then derbies, KCRA rodeo, CCA rodeo and then joined the CPRA in 2018.
Over the last 9 years of competing he has given me many victories but has also served me my share of humble pie!
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses or barrel racing?
"Just Breathe” and, “Never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart.”
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
Frenchmans Guy. A kind eye, gritty attitude, athletic, confident, willing nature. Good feet and overall balance
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
Coffee, chocolate and Google Maps!
What is your favourite Canadian rodeo, and why?
In the CPRA, I have quite a few that stick out in my mind. Strathmore, Ponoka & LaCrete have always been my favourites. Lacrete’s hospitality wins me over every year, it’s one of the best rodeo atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. Outside of the CPRA, definitely The Calgary Stampede!
I’m truly grateful for all the rodeo committees, volunteers and sponsors, even more this year!!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance?
All of the horses coming into the finals are amazing athletes. To choose one would be Blondy. I could never ride her as strong as Justine but she would be fun!
What are your goals for 2022?
I have learned to be a lot more flexible in my planning the last 2 seasons!
For now, my goals penciled in is to get to a few US rodeos, compete at the CPRA rodeos to try make the CFR again and have my younger horses ready for a few Futurity and Derbies.
Canada lost rodeo last year. What did you do with your time off, and what does it mean to you to have rodeo come back and to now be headed to finals?
2020 was a year of catching up at home, spending more time with family, working and competing my other horses.
Duke had a big break from barrels after the CFR ‘19. I ran him at a few jackpots last summer. I was really excited to get back rodeoing this year to feel that spark within him again!
This is our 3rd year qualifying for the CFR, I’m excited to have the chance to run down that alley again!
I’d like to thank my husband Jason and kids Breanna (& Tyrell) and Justin. They understand my commitment and have always supported me!
A huge thank you to my 2021 Sponsors, Aim Engineering & Project Management, Cor Veterinary Services, Irvine’s Tack & Western Wear, CEP Canada, Equine Choice, MLS Animal Therapy, Skys The Limit Performance Quarter Horses, Scarlett Hair and Elite Three.
