Bobbi Henderson - CFR50
Bobbi Henderson has punched her ticket to CFR50, her first Canadian Finals Rodeo qualification. Henderson and GRAY ASHES OLENA aka Popcorn hit up 42 rodeos, and pocketed $18,528.88. The pair finished second in the regular season, $3,040.20 behind number one Breakaway Roper, Lawrie Saunders.
This interview is presented by Endurance Equine, Canada's first and only equine Aqua Walker exerciser!
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
GRAY ASHES OLENA aka Popcorn has been nothing but a blessing to me! I got her in 2022 from Tee McLeod. It’s kind of a funny story because I was just supposed to be riding her for Tee but my Papa Gord really liked her and was always asking me to see if Tee would sell her. I wasn’t sure I needed another one at the time and my mom was certain that I did not need anymore horses! Papa Gord always had an eye for the good ones so before I even knew it, he and Tee worked a deal out and I continued to ride her. When mom realized Papa Gord and I had bought her, she wasn’t too happy. We knew after a couple days the horse would grow on mom and turns out it didn’t take long for mom to see Popcorn’s potential, sweet demeanour and big heart! Fast forward a few months and this mare stepped up in a big way for me, she was certainly the horse that I needed to bring my roping to the next level. I can’t say I’ve ever rode a horse that loves her job as much as Popcorn does and is so naturally athletic. I think what makes this mare so special to me is that I wouldn’t have her without my Papa Gord’s good eye for a horse, (nor without his perseverance when told he shouldn’t buy another one). She was the last one we got to buy together before he passed away, for that memory, I am grateful. Popcorn has not only made my dreams come true, she has fulfilled Papa’s goals for us.
What rodeos did you win or place at this year?
First I’d like to just say a big Thank you to all the committees that held breakaway roping this year, the opportunity to place at this many rodeos has never been a reality until this year. In 2024, I won Stavley, Okotoks, and Dawson Creek.
I really like the outdoor set up at Stavely, which I know the committee has worked hard on the last few years and you can’t beat the crowd and awesome energy at Okotoks.
Dawson Creek was a really important win for me this season and brought my confidence up. I was very fortunate to place at quite a few other rodeos this year, ultimately moving my way up the standings to qualify for my first CFR.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
Dawson Creek Fall rodeo was a great run, I knew the calf I had was one to win on and I was able to have my horse Popcorn really healthy on the north run and it all came together really nicely. It was the win I was needing to take some pressure off, so looking back it is most memorable that I could finally breath and finish the season strong. There is lots of good money up in the fall, and girls are really aggressive and rope sharp so having a little confidence in the fall is helpful.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
This year I would say I had a lot of faith in my horse, and I was able to relax knowing I could count on her. My mental game improved, I was able to concentrate on the business side of entering, surrounding myself with others who are strong mentally. And lastly, I was able to get down into the warmer weather this spring, and I think that just gets your mind and body ready. Although I didn’t enter too much, being around rodeos and jackpots just gets you so excited for rodeo season.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
I have a bit of trouble with confidence in my roping. It is something I have to really keep working on. I am so fortunate to be able to do this and live my dream, but there are many sacrifices from myself and my support system, so the lows can really be consuming. Just something I am always working on for sure.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
This season I was able to get a taste for performance horse sales, all the way down in Arizona. I have always enjoyed the excitement at the big sales in our area and when I got the opportunity to consign into a sale down south, its was great. I now have another prospect I am working on and plan to consign to a sale this coming February!
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
The past few years I have been a bit of a gypsy, when I was younger, I was able to travel to rodeos with my family and that was always really special. Now I like to see what works best for me and makes most sense with my draws. I started out the 2024 season traveling to some rodeos with my boyfriend Tee, which is really great because when I travel with him, I am never late, nor do I go hungry! I’ve also learned a lot from him, as far as entering the best way and being a better competitor. He’s always there to cheer me on in the highs and pick me up in my lows!
There are a couple of local girls, Lawrie Saunders and Aubry Ross and when it works out, I like to travel with either of them. Aubry is a winner and she has that mindset while being humble and easy to be around. Lawrie is very much the same and I am always able to relax and enjoy my time spent with her. Aubry being 2023 Season Leader and Lawrie 2024 Season Leader is really awesome and it is certainly a benefit to my own game when surrounded by travelling partners that are so competitive, yet humble.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
Coming from a family that never rodeo’d, I can say that it takes a village to rodeo and your support system is very important. In competition and with horses I think it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to never stop learning.
With horses I like when they have been rode in other training programs and not just roping. For example, I like to have my colts started with some cutting/working cow horse skills. After a 30 day start I take them and put some more buttons on them I think they need to have the ability to ride out of the arena or at a branding, really helps their mind and they learn to use their bodies.
Good horses don’t last forever so don’t ever take them for granted.
What was your favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
It’s pretty hard to pick any favourites because I’m so thankful for each committee that puts breakaway in there rodeos. The sport of breakaway is growing tremendously and it wouldn’t be possible without the awesome committees on board with breakaway!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
I would probably have to say Caitlin Dahms horse, Gummy.
I’ve always admired this horse and the try he has. I know how much work and dedication Caitlin puts into her horses and it shows with Gummy and I’ve got to watch him really come into he’s own this year. Caitlin is a real hand and makes outstanding horses!
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
As far as my horse goes I like to keep it pretty simple! She always has Alfa Alfa pellets in front of her and a hay bag full of hay. She gets a healthy serving of Equinty supplements daily, especially when hauling. I have an amazing vet, Trevor Hook at Central Vet out of Ponoka that does her maintenance and always makes sure she is feeling her best! I like the quality and trust Alliance Equine Boots for Popcorn, and I like to keep her comfortable and looking sharp with Up in Stitches products.
As far as anything else I always have my dog Bird with me and I can’t go without Dr Pepper!
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
This is something as I mentioned before that I am always working on, I think as the highs and lows of rodeo come and go, there are going to be easier times but forever something that needs work, even in day to day. I do listen to podcasts to help mindset. I find myself really drawn to Kobe Bryant’s way of thinking about competition, I often find reading his quotes helpful. That has taught me to look outside of rodeo and take into consideration other athletes from sport, life and things. Most of the best strategies are useful in many aspects of life I think.
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
I won’t be going down to rodeo, no. As I said, I’ll spend time down there for a horse sale and hopefully get to rope and sharpen up. As for entering, this year is so unique with fall rodeos counting for 2025 as well as Maple Leaf Circuit Finals, I will keep my focus on CPRA rodeos.
Do you have any up and coming prospects, and or, what do you look for in a prospect that you could share a little about with readers?
I always try to have a couple young ones around the farm and some sale horses.
I have a super cool 4 year old, by Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet. She’s a super versatile horse we are hoping to show her in the heeling, breakaway any possibly the barrel racing as she’s royal crown. There’s a couple more kicking around that should turn out to be pretty cool!
I like a kind eye, put together horse. It really always depends on what I’m using the horse for potentially when looking at prospects. I am very open to color, bloodlines and size, just try to match the horse to the job.
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most?
La Crete (Field of Dreams Rodeo) and their hospitality is really great. I am grateful for them taking such good care of the competitors and their families. I think everyone knows about the ‘water quad guy’ and he is just my favourite! He and his fellow committee members really make a person feel at home and sure make the drive up there worth it.
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
You know you’ve been one lucky person to have too many mentors when you can’t possibly name everyone. I love that so many people are willing to share their experiences, tips and tricks. From people helping me with my roping, horsemanship, the business side of rodeo to people helping me in my everyday life and business- all these things have helped me get where I am at. I want everyone to know I am grateful for their support and I am proud to be going to CFR this year to prove their time was valuable and the lessons that they taught me are truly helping me.
My Papa Good was so involved in my entire family’s start in rodeo, he was definitely my partner in all things roping, horses and rodeo. He was my biggest fan and now that he is gone, I often see examples of him and his influence in my life. It is important to me that I make his dreams for me come true.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
You should go in understanding that this is not something that you can do alone. It starts with your dream but it takes a huge support system, emotionally and financially. You’ve got to work on your relationships as your loved ones will need to be on board as well. As I mentioned above, having a good network of mentors and people willing to show you the way is very important. Lastly, we need to recognize those that support us financially, including personal sponsors as well as sponsors like CVS Controls that help roping and rodeo as a sport, making it possible to earn a living at this. It takes more than one person can give so be ready to gather a team.
It takes a team and mine is one of the best. My family is always there for me and are my biggest supporters!
I would like to thank each committee member, judge, volunteer, and rodeo sponsor throughout the season. Thanks to my fellow breakaway roping competitors, such an awesome group of girls that make competing fun and enjoyable, while pushing harder for our event’s success.
I don’t think I can thank my sponsors enough for standing behind me all season, I truly couldn’t do this without each one so thank you!
Mach Energy Services Ltd.
Kiros energy marketing
Glover International Trucks Ltd. / Glover Idealease
Comet Welding Ltd.
Lakeview propane Group Ltd
Fraction Energy Services
CN Grain and Cattle
Alliance Equine
Jones Boys Saddlery and Western Wear
UP IN STITCHES
Central Veterinary ClinicTrevor Hook
Streamline Heavy Duty Mechanic
