Caitlyn Wiswell CFR 2022
With $9,449.20 in her jeans after 32 rodeos, Caitlyn Wiswell is off to her very first Canadian Finals Rodeo. This year she won Lea Park, and placed at big rodeos like Lethbridge, Sundre, and Grand Prairie.
What is your background with horses? How did you get started roping?
My dad team ropes and my mom ran barrels. I have been around horses my whole life- college rodeoed, and non-pro rodeoing. We train a lot of horses and use them on the ranch before we take them to the arena.
What is your main mounts registered name, bloodlines, and does she have any quirks?
Bonitas Ranger is a 14 year old registered mare. She’s by a grandson of playgun and out of a cow bred mare. Extremely quirky. Will buck, hates concrete, and clapping.
What is your horse’s story?
My dad bought her as a two year old, and put about 20 days on her. She bucked him off and broke his back. She then was kicked out to pasture until she was a six year old. My freshman year of college I took her because I needed to make a breakaway horse and I had been roping calves on my dads head horse. She has bucked me off more than any horse I have ever stepped foot on. I didn’t know she was going to be special- I just knew we were broke and if I needed a breakaway horse I was going to have to make her work. In the first 30 days she wanted to track a cow/drag her butt. Her first year being hauled I made the college finals on her. This mare has made me the roper I am today. She has taught me what a great horse should feel like. She’s gritty and has so much try. When it’s time for her to be done, I hope to raise a few colts out of her. She will never leave my possession.
What is your go to saddle, pad, and bit on your main mount?
I ride an older Allen Ranch- it just fits my mare really well. I have always been a fan of 5 star pads- so that’s what I like to use. I ride a 3 piece dog bone with copper rollers on the center piece, made by Bull Parker.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I like to listen to podcasts while I’m driving. Positive, motivational, educational- I am into that. I try to just remember to be thankful no matter the outcome. We are truly blessed to live this lifestyle.
What does your feed program consist of, and how do you keep your horses in shape? What is your riding routine usually like?
Our horses are kicked out 24/7. If there’s grass- they just get salt and mineral. If it’s winter or we’re going down the road they get as much grass/alfalfa hay as they can eat, oats, and salt/mineral. We try to keep it as natural as possible.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or roping?
Life is short- spend it doing what you love and with who you love. I honestly never take a single run, memory, or scenic view for granted. I try to truly appreciate every day I get to wake up and move my feet!
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
Honestly- my most memorable run wasn’t even a rodeo win. It was the first calf I got to run on my mare after being treated for EPM. We didn’t know if she would come back from it and she did. Pretty sure I cried after I roped my calf in the practice pen on her!
Who was your travel partner this year, and what was your favourite moment together this year?
I have traveled with almost every breakaway roper in the CPRA this year! It was so fun getting to meet new people/new personalities. I enjoyed every trip and thankful so many people let me hop in their rigs!
What does it mean to you to have the Breakaway Roping at the CFR?
I am so grateful for the individuals who have worked their tails off for us to be able to not only compete at the Pro rodeos but also the CFR! I think I can speak for the breakaway ropers as a whole- we do not take this for granted. We want to work hard as a group to show up and make our presence and event better! It’s a pretty cool feeling to be warming up with World/Canadian champions.
“I would like to thank AJ’s Oyster Bar and Seafood. They have become a Title Sponsor for the Breakaway Ropers at the CFR. Thank you Alan and Heather Laird! Shannon Duncan with Lea Leather for all of our leather goods! Joe and Sandra Dahm for donating a steer for this years CFR fundraising auction. I also want to thank them for a place to stay, multiple pastures for my horses, a sandy arena, and calves to rope! Finally, Chad Wiswell, Dawson Dahm, and Heather Laird for the continuous love and support.”
