Caitlyn Dahm - CFR50
Caitlyn Dahm is back for her third Canadian Finals Rodeo! She entered 42 rodeos, and pocketed $14,135.47 in regular season earnings. Dahm finished tenth in the regular season standings with her horse Gum E Bear.
What rodeos did you win or place at this year?
I split the win at Sundre with my great pal Lakota Bird!
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
Haha, the list could go on for miles. I genuinely just love this horse. He has a huge personality. He will untie himself/other horses, open gates, sneak out of hot wire if it’s not on, chews on ropes/- you name it. He runs hard and scores so so good. In life you want a partner that will give you 50/50. He always gives me 100 even if I fail to do my part.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
Can I say all of them? I have learned something from every single run. I cherish every time I get to not my head and try not to take any run for granted- Good or bad.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
This is the first year I rode one horse for the whole entire season! Usually, I have a couple different horses to ride in different set ups. Dawson and I make our horses- so when the time comes that a horse is seasoned and ready to go to their new owner, we start the process again and on to the next one. (I am struggling to let go of Gummy- he might have to stay.)
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
Besides our tire passing us on the highway and our ‘24 dodge breaking down in Williams Lake- really a lot of good came out of it. The rodeo community is unlike any other. We had help getting horses home and the King family welcomed me with open arms in Williams Lake!
This year I really struggled. I went 10 rodeos where I either missed or broke out. But the hard part- my horse was doing his job. I was so frustrated with my roping/horsemanship I ended up getting in my own way. Don’t get me wrong, we all struggle at some point- it’s up to us as competitors to keep grinding through the challenges and keep putting the work in and it will turn around.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
So many great things! We are starting a breeding program at Coal Creek Ranch. We had our first foal that the Ranch owned/bred both the Sire/Dam! Traveled to new donut shops and learned how to make some new desserts!
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
Truthfully, as quirky as I am, I’m surprised that anyone wants to haul with me!
I hauled with Lilly Artemenko to a lot of the rodeos. And some fun trips with Chelsea Moore, Cati McArthur, Katelyn Branden, Lakota, Brooke, Mikenna, and Lawrie to name a few.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
Pressure is a privilege! There is so much more to life than Rodeo. Appreciate your health, family, and sound horses! Lastly, but should have been stated first- Thank God for all of your blessings!
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
I really enjoy La Crete’s Hospitality! (Those cinnamon rolls are to live for) as far as nodding my head- gosh I sure love the jitters of Falkland. I know it’s not the first rodeo of the year- but it feels like the start of summer to me!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
I would love to run one on the Whiteside’s ride- Teacher. I also really like watching Bobbi’s mare Popcorn.
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
In my opinion, my horses are fed the best feed in Alberta. My Father in Law, Joe, puts up the best quality Alfalfa/Oats that a person could ask for. My horses are fat and shiny. I’m so fortunate! Thank you Joe and Sandra! As for me, I enjoy stopping at the local bakery’s.
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
In the past- I obsessed over podcasts and books. But this year, I have been reading my bible more- I think that has helped me more than anything.
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 spend my winters in Oklahoma at the Bolling residence! They have a beautiful set up. I really enjoy wintering there.
I don’t plan on entering much, I have a ton of young horses that need broke/need to be put behind a calf.
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?
We have more than we can handle at the moment! Our plate is full with 2/3yos. I do like a bigger breakaway horse than most girls. So I want something 14 ‘3- 15 ‘1 big hip, lots of run, good feet, short back, and a short neck.
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most? |
Sundre’s committee member Shane Crouch, pushing ALL of the breakaway calves during the all girl slack at the pro rodeo! Thank you!
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
I’ve learned so much from my Dad and Roy Durfey. They both have taught me how to make a horse you can win on, how to appreciate those horses, and how to read cattle- (I’m still working on all of these things )
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
You can do anything you put your mind to. So if you want to make the finals, you will. But realize the action behind the word “want.”
Thank you to my Husband for supporting me all year! Buying an automatic chute opener- so I could rope while he was gone rodeoing! Shoeing my horses, riding the colts that buck, rescuing me in Williams Lake, and putting up with my 14 personalities.
To Joe and Sandra Dahm for looking after everything while we have been gone rodeoing. Feeding our horses and the best quality feed, all of the early morning breakfasts, late dinners and running the chute when Dawson was gone!
My family- Mom and Dad for always being a phone call away, driving to Canada for a visit, the opportunity to ride a great horse, and supporting the breakaway ropers year after year.
Thank you to my sister-in-law who also happens to be my veterinarian. Thanks for all the answered texts/phone calls, keeping my horses feeling their best, and for taking care of my team! I wouldn’t be here without you!
Thank you to Tim Cooper Custom Hats, and Elmer Ray with Ray-Agro for the sponsorship opportunity this year! I am so grateful!
