Callahan Crossley CFR 2016
The name Callahan Crossley became much more well known this season in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. She won round one in Wainwright for $2,393.95, Williams Lake for $4,043.88, Round 1 in Strathmore for $3,304.56 and Strathmore Average for $3304.56, Cranbrook for $1,334.24 and in Armstrong, B.C she took home $3,944.24. Callahan also ran in the mud at The Calgary Stampede this summer as she was 2nd at Ram National Circuit Finals last year. She also won the 2015 College National Finals, and won on the 2015 Columbia River Circuit Finals.
This is Callahan’s first year running in the C.P.R.A and her first trip to the Canadian Finals Rodeo. She will running her gelding Brownie Bi Bogie aka Brownie, who is by Bogie Biankus out of a Leo Bars bred mare. Together they ran at 18 rodeos and won $28,187.45 heading to Edmonton in the Number 2 position.
How would you describe his style?
I would describe his style as kind of boring to watch but very effective. He isn’t the flashy horse that you think wow that was fast! He makes up his time with super straight lines and no wasted steps.
What kind of quirks does Brownie have?
He is truly one of a kind! He has more quirks than I’d like to admit to. Occasionally he won’t load in a trailer.. sometimes he won’t let me bridle him.. and sometimes I can’t even pick out his feet. Oh and he is 18 I guess that you could say I love all his crazy quirks though, because those are the reasons he became my horse.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given regarding barrel racing?
The best advice I’ve ever been given regarding barrel racing is to keep your feet moving!
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the C.F.R dream alive for you?
My C.F.R dream was kept alive by the great friends that came into my life and literally took me in, while in a foreign country, alone for the first time, and showed me the ropes, gave me and my horses places to stay and their positivity. Couldn’t have done it without them!
What is one thing you can’t live without on the road?
While on the road I can’t live without candy!
What was your favorite Canadian rodeo this year and why?
My favorite Canadian rodeo this year would have to be Strathmore. I chose Strathmore because that is the most money I have ever won at one rodeo before, and my Mom got to be there with me.
What is your exercise routine for getting your horses legged up?
With my old horse I usually do exercise routines that involve lots of long trotting. I try to stay away from arenas on him and get out so that he doesn’t get nervous and think barrels all the time. I also try to breeze him often. There are times when even the most seasoned and old horses need a tune up. Occasionally I will make a training run, but usually that’s just one run.
Riding a seasoned barrel horse, what exercises do you do for tune-ups on the pattern?In rodeo pretty much every time is a gamble. You just have to be confident in yourself and know that it’s going to turn out however, and a lot of times in barrels it’s out of your control. I like to picture the run I want to have in my head before I go and try to duplicate it.
We all know that being competitive takes mental strength. What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo?
I have been very lucky with Brownie. It wasn’t until this year that he got his first injections at age 18! Still figuring out injections, mostly concern more about keeping hay in front of him at all times and keeping him healthy in that way. I like to keep him on senior equine and ulcer guard.
What qualities do you look for when looking to buy a young horse?
My family raises and trains all of the horses we ride and own. It is always fun to see how smart, sassy, or quickly a young horse catches on. I personally, prefer a horse that is broke enough to do whatever you ask. That will make things so much easier when you show them the barrels.
Who is your barrel racing idol?
I would have to say my mom, Maureen Crossley is my barrel racing idol. She has taught me everything I know about barrel racing. She knows how to train the best barrel horses and would give it up in a second for any one of her daughters. How do you think I got Brownie..
