Blake Molle - CFR 2023
Blake Molle is ready for her very first Canadian Finals Rodeo! This year she won Bassano, and placed at twelve other Canadian Pro Rodeo Association events, taking home $20,085.69 after competing at 38 rodeos in the 2023 season, aboard her great horse, DHR Oh Mercy Moon aka Mercy, who is by Oh Whatta Boy, and out of Oh Mercy Mercy Me.
What is your main mounts back story?
My mom went to Oklahoma to go horse shopping and originally was looking at other horses but none of them stood out to her. She called Pete Oen to see if he had any for sale, and that’s where she found Mercy. She said she knew he was special - everything was so easy for him and she ended up buying him.
Mom ran him for a couple years and when I needed a step up horse, I got him.
In 2019, I won the CBHI Open on him with 17.1 the first day and a 17.2 on the second day. That was the beginning of our journey together.
What quirks does your horse have, and what quirks would you say that you have?
He gets quite hot before he runs, and when he eats he smacks his lips quite loudly. He also doesn’t care for attention - he’s very business like. As for me, I get super nervous before every single run I make.
What has been your most memorable run this year, and what made it memorable for you?
Strathmore, by far, was the most memorable run! It was so cool seeing my name up there with some of the best in the world! My family was also there to watch me which made it very special to have them by my side!
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
I would say I was far more confident with mine and Mercy’s abilities this year. I also put all my energy and focus to what I wanted. I wanted to make my first CFR, and I knew I had the horse to do it on!
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
Yes for sure, but what rodeo season doesn’t have challenges!? But honestly nothing that really sticks out to me, overall it was a very good season.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
I gained some life long friendships and made some great memories!
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
My mom is my traveling partner. She’s awesome , whether it’s driving all night to a rodeo while I sleep, or just being my best friend. We do fight like any mother and daughter, but she’s always there for me no matter what myself or Mercy needs!
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
You can do anything you set your mind to and there is no dream too big. My dad (Kris Molle) always says “Work hard, be kind, and success will follow”. I try to live by that as well.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
Sundre would be one on my favourites. The ground is always phenomenal, and Mercy loves that pen!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
Mariah Mannering’s Whiz, I love his style, and he’s such a cool horse!
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
My Mom and Kandi Horn are my mentors. My mom taught me what feel was. Whenever we were riding and she would show me something, she would ask “Did you feel that?” That taught me the most about how a horse should feel.
Kandi has also taught me so much. She is such a quiet rider, with quiet hands and a quiet seat. She has helped me with many of my horses on everything from pattern work to making competition runs.
What products can you or your horse not live without on the road?
I am have a very specific feed program with supplements tailored for each horse - so I couldn’t go without any of it. And of course I couldn’t go to a rodeo without my dog, Millie!
Mental game; what do you do to stay sharp, and shake the nerves of competing?
I try and make sure I don’t get on my horse too early. When I do get on, I don’t do a big warm up. I trot/lope a few circles and then step off and reset my tack. Deep breaths and dropping my shoulders also helps me stay calm.
What is your coffee order?
Not a coffee drinker, but my go to Starbucks order is a Strawberry Açai Refresher.
Thank you to my Mom and Dad, they have helped me immensely! To my boyfriend Kyle Wanchuk, whether it was walking me in or keeping me calm before I run.
Of course I would like to thank my amazing sponsors for being with me the whole season. You’ve helped make my dreams come true and allowed me to do what I love. Thank you SVM Equine Therapy, Go Tech Ag Solutions, Benoit Oilfield Construction, Split Arrow Apparel, Xtra Equine, Baredown Brand, Mat’s Oilfield and Pare Farms.
Also a big congratulations to all of the deserving competitors who qualified for this years CFR. Let’s have a safe, successful and fun week in Red Deer!
