Brooke Wills 2023 CFR
The 2019 Canadian Champion Barrel Racer, Brooke Wills has qualified for another Canadian Finals Rodeo, heading to Red Deer, Alberta in second position. Wills and her great mare, Fames To Blame aka Famey (by Lions Share of Fame, out of SX Frenchmans Peach), won Dawson Creek, Grimshaw, and the Tour finals round in Armstrong, and placed at 18 other rodeos, taking home $28,486.41.
What has been your most memorable run this year, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run would have to be my run at the SMS Tour Finals in Armstrong. I had already ran at Merritt slack that morning and Famey was one of the only horses that had to run twice that day. I just thought that showed her grit and desire to win. It was also a sold out crowd, and was nice to represent BC. That win also helped to put me in the #2 position going into the CFR.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
Last year was a tough year for me. I missed the CFR and just didn’t have much luck. I actually won more rodeos last year than this year but they were all smaller rodeos that didn’t pay as much and just didn’t capitalize where I needed to. I also always felt like something was wrong with my horse because of her attitude changes. When you spend so much time with them you know all of their quirks and get to be so in tune with them. This year I just accepted that her attitude was just how it was going to be and that there’s nothing wrong with her. Last year I also drove home more (to Dawson Creek) after rodeos, and this year I decided that if I was only going to be home for less than 3 days, that I would stay out in Alberta and not put as many miles on. It’s tough to compete with horses that live in central Alberta where we drive 8 hours to get to most of the rodeos. Shout out to Bowden Ag Society for being my home away from home. It’s a great place to lay over.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
This year I struggled with hitting some costly barrels and feeling like I wasn't riding as good as I could have. I was just slightly off the pace too and had a feeling something wasn’t quite right with Famey. I know what she’s capable off and I felt like she just wasn’t quite where I knew she could be. I felt like I wasn’t going to get the CFR made again but after one vet appointment, we got some answers as to what was holding Famey back, and it was game on after that. She placed at almost every rodeo I ran her at afterwards and my confidence went way up. You can make a lot of things happen when you have confidence.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
This year I got to see two good friends get married, got moved into mine and my fiancé’s house, and because Famey put me in a good position to make the finals, I skipped out of a few rodeos and got to go ocean fishing instead. It was fun to try something new.
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
My travelling partner is my sister, Lane. We get along well on the road, drive equal amounts and we take care of each other’s horses as if they were our own.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
Best advice I would give is to just pay attention to your horse. Something so small can actually mean a lot. And your gut is usually right.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
It’s tough not to pick La Crete as a favourite rodeo because the hospitality is so amazing. But I’d also have to say Dawson Creek outdoor was a favourite because I got the win at my new home town rodeo and it was only a 15 minute drive.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
If I could ride any other qualifiers horse it would have to be Dona Kay’s great gelding, Valor. He’s simply amazing.
What products can you or your horse not live without on the road?
I always make sure I have stuff to make a tea in the trailer. And I don’t dare leave the house without Fameys regumate. Also an impact gun to change a tire.
Mental game; what do you do to stay sharp, and shake the nerves of competing?
I don’t really get nervous when I’m competing. If I did the work during the week and feel like Famey is feeling sharp, then that’s all I can really do. Sometimes you just need luck on your side too. If it’s been a couple of weeks since Famey has made a run, then I’ll cruise her through to make sure she’s feeling good and staying sharp. Having confidence is huge. If I know my horse is feeling good and working good, then my confidence goes up.
What is your coffee order?
Tim Hortons- orange pekoe tea 2 cream 2 honey
Starbucks- London fog made with oat milk. This was accidental, and I ended up liking it a lot haha.
I like to thank my wonderful fiancé, Lane. He has to put up with me being gone A LOT. He’s a huge supporter of what I do and I really couldn’t do it without him.
Also my parents, they’re always there for pep talks and the good and bad phone calls.
And my sponsors, I appreciate them all so much. Cor Vet Services, SharpEdge Supplements, XLR8 Canada, Tim Cooper Custom Hats and Pro Earth Animal Health Canada( Pam Evenson) Thank you so much!
