Carlee Otero - CFR 2023
Carlee Otero is no stranger to making a finals. She is a three-time Wrangler National Finals qualifier, the 2012 Reserve World Champion, and now a three-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier.
This year she did very well at the Ponoka Stampede, taking home about $11,624, to bump her up in the Canadian standings. She also did well at High Prairie, Grand Prairie, and placing at others, riding five year old, Blingolena aka Sly, who is by the great Blazin Jetolena, and out of Dash of Bling (Dash Ta Fame).
What is your main mounts back story?
Sly has had an incredible life and has been in all the right hands. He was born on the Busby ranch, and ridden for a short time by Jolene Montgomery before being purchased by my great friend Erica Blakeney, and trained and competed on through his 4 year old year by the great Brett Monroe. I was the next call to help take him into the next stages of his career and I am so thankful and blessed. This industry wouldn’t be what it is without great breeders, trainers and owners. I never take any of them for granted.
What quirks does your horse have?
Sky is very friendly and ornery, he keeps everyone on their toes at all times. He loves my kids, loves to be in everyone’s business and absolutely loves rodeo life.
What has been your most memorable run this year, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run for 2023 was Greeley, Co. we ended up winning the second round and winning 2nd in the avg and winning the finals. This was his rodeo where he learned to handle the rodeo ground and win.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
Our greatest challenge this year is seasoning and entering because I enter with my husband so our boys can always be with us.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
We had several highs and lows this rodeo season but the best thing that happened was meeting new friends, especially in Canada. I keep my faith in God and he really showed me so much grace and put me in a position to meet so many great people.
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
I travel with my husband, Michael Otero, my two youngest sons, Hudson and Houston.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
The best advice I can give to anyone wanting to accomplish rodeo goals or any goals in general, stay laser focused on your goal, don’t let everyday set backs discourage you and always always trust Gods plan and live your life in a way that you can be proud and glorify God in all you do. Without God we can’t accomplish a day in this life.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
I truly love all the Canadian rodeos, but my favorite is always Ponoka.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
Oh gosh, I’d like to ride any of the CFR horses. These girls are so fun to be around and so talented that I’d be honored to ride any of the horses they own.
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
I have had several mentors through my career. My ultimate role model and just horsewoman in general is Kassie Mowry, not only is she a great trainer, she is a great human and she truly truly loves her horses. I watch her every move and how she conducts herself won lose or draw and she is truly a gift to our industry. I look up to Makala Pierce, she has a way with horses from colts to problem horses and can ride anything. She is very humble and always teaching me it’s ok to keep going even on my bad days. I have a ton of respect for Brett and Nicole Monroe, they have a history of training some of the best horses and they know how to keep them winning. They are always just a phone call away and I can’t imagine not having those types of friends to count on. my husband, he is always right there with me on bad days and good days. He is encouraging and brutally honest. I have an older son, Kale, an older daughter, Jacy, they traveled for years with me and have both decided to not be involved in the industry, but not a day goes by they don’t encourage me and tell me how proud they are. I am just so blessed to have everyone on my side and blessed for the best sister, father in law and parents of all time.
What products can you or your horse not live without on the road?
I absolutely can not survive without Equinety for my horses at home or on the road, Ulcer Guard, and my Spectra lasers. These three items keep my horses looking and feeling great. An individual we can’t live without year round is my farrier, Stetson Erickson, we aren’t to proud to say we can’t win without him.
Mental game; what do you do to stay sharp, and shake the nerves of competing?
I pray continuously about my daily life and my worries and my excitements. This is how I stay mentally strong because I know everything is Gods will.
I’d like to thank my family and my friends for always being a call away.
I would also like to thank my sponsors for their support! Equinety, Spectra Lasers, Stetson Erickson, & Otero Real Estate.
