Jayden Wilson - CFR50
Headed to the Canadian Finals Rodeo in third position, cashing in $34,352.51 after entering 47 rodeos, is Jayden Wilson and her great gelding, Fame is Dynamite. The duo won Handhills Lake Stampede, Moose Mountain (Kennedy), Pincher Creek, and Lethbridge, placing at numerous other rodeos throughout the year.
This interview is presented by Endurance Equine, Canada's first and only equine Aqua Walker exerciser!
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
Everything! My family raised him, his mom was the horse my sister ran junior barrels on. He was my first futurity horse and has taught me so much. Probably what makes him most special to me is his personality and his heart. He tries so hard every run we make.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
It was in 2023 but counted for 2024, Round 3 at the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals. The crowd was probably one of the loudest I remember running in, I couldn't hear myself saying, ‘woah’ at third! It was just such a cool atmosphere, and then to win the round was so fun. Definitely one of my favourite memories!
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
I'd have to say Whiskey's confidence (and mine), and I pulled checks more consistently this year than ever before. Last year was the first year that I ran Whiskey everywhere at rodeos, so there was a bit of a learning curve with different setups and ground conditions. He's 7 now this year, and while he's always run super honest, he felt a lot more confident this year, and felt like he just ran stronger as the year went on.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
One of the biggest challenges for me is working full time while rodeoing, and trying to balance it all. May and June is a really busy time of year with my job so it's a lot to balance with rodeoing as well.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
It sounds cliché but the people! So many people have been so friendly and supportive, it sure makes being on the road and being so busy a lot more fun.
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
My parents or my sister. They're great to travel with because they're so supportive, and my parents help drive!
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
Love your horse first, and also have fun. That's why we do this! Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people are so nice and willing to help, and there's so much to be learned.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
Armstrong is always one of my favourites. They have the best crowd and it's such a cool atmosphere. I love the location, and the committee works so hard to put on a great show.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
I'd have to say either Cowboy of Lynette Brodoway's or Fling of Karli Cowie's. Both horses are so fast and incredibly talented, I love watching them.
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
For me - Good snacks for sure (I love a good charcuterie board and I almost always have ice cream in the trailer), my dog Ellie. And winter coats because we rodeo in Canada and you never know what the weather might do!
My horses - Whiskey really loves his food so I'd say that! Can't leave home without his Hoffman's, Platinum and lots of hay. I like being prepared, so just about everything I use on my horses (tack, vet supplies, blankets, everything!) stays in the trailer all summer so I never leave home without it.
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
Luckily this year seemed to have a lot more ups than it did downs overall. I try not to spend too much time thinking about the ups or the downs, and just trust my own plan. I like to stay off on my own before a run, and focus on my game plan. I'll sometimes listen to some podcasts, or like reading interviews with great athletes. If things aren't going right, that's when I'll go to someone for help.
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
No plans to head south this winter at the moment.
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?
I have a 5 year old As Good As Nick Gets gelding, a yearling Frenchs Hula Guy filly out of a Crimewave mare. And a A Streak Of Fling baby on the way (fingers crossed) out of my Smooth As A Cat mare Ruby I used to rodeo on that I'm really excited about.
As far as what I look for in a prospect, I'd say good papers, nice mover and good conformation. I don't buy a lot of prospects, but that's what I would look for first. Then incentives, because those can be a game changer. And I like horses with a big personality, it's what makes them special!
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most?
Anything that goes above what they have to is so much appreciated. Like food for us contestants. I really appreciate when committee's give us somewhere to clean out our trailers.
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
There's been so many people who have helped me over the years. Twylla Bruhn is like family and has been helping me since I was a peewee. She's always been so supportive and I can always call her for advice or hear her cheering from the stands. Jodie Jamieson is another person has taught me so much. She such a wealth of knowledge about so many things, and has been so supportive! And Lynette Brodoway has been a huge help to me. She is so knowledgeable about training, bits and keeping a healthy, happy horse. I've been going to her for advice since Whiskey was 4 an just loping the barrels, and I always learn so much from her.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
Trust yourself and your horse and go for it! You know yourself and your horse the best. Be prepared for highs and lows and just keep pushing towards that goal.
I'd like to send a thank you to my family, friends and everyone who has been so supportive this year. My sponsors Baredown Brand, FLAIR Equine, Strathmore Motor Products, and Equiscope Gal (Alexi Oborne). Everyone who helps keep my horses feeling their best: Dr. Chad Hewlett and Dr. Travis Kelter at Energy Equine, Melanie Lausen equine bodywork and Doug Sapergia my farrier. My parents who are so supportive, I wouldn't be here without them. And my sister Rylee for her support and sharing her horse GG so I have a backup at the finals!
