Jenna Dallyn - CFR50
CFR50 will be Jenna Dallyn’s fourth Canadian Finals Rodeo Qualification. She placed at 15 of 42 rodeos entered, taking home $14,016.86, where she ended up 12th in the regular season standings. A strong finish at the Tour Finals in Armstrong helped her solidify her spot in Edmonton. She will be competing on DF Whiskeys Tufnbusy, aka Doc.
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
I've had Doc since he was 5, and it's been 3 years since we started working together. He is the first horse that I have put so much time into training and finishing him out in the breakaway roping. We have had a love/hate relationship in the past where I felt like he had all the potential, but I wasn't able to get it out of him every time. I even tried to sell him this winter and thankfully no one bought him. So between all the time I have put into him, the ups and downs and then to finish this season on him when I needed to win was pretty special.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run this year was the short round at the NFR Open, it was more of a memorable week but my mom, aunt and uncle all got to be there for that win and it's one of those special wins that you'll never forget. I was 2.4 in the sudden death short round which was the fastest time of the week by a few tenths. I remember walking out of the arena just thinking 'holy crap, I can't believe I just did that.'
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
In 2022 and 2023 I was fortunate to have great circuit finals to where I had a decent lead going into the season and managed to hold my own throughout the year. This year was a little different, I had to make up all my earnings during the summer. I struggled putting the runs together the first half or more of the season so I was put in the position of having to win during the last few weeks of rodeos to give myself a chance at making the finals. There was definitely more stress the last two weeks than what I have been used to but I think going through that made me a better competitor.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
Like I said I struggled putting the runs together the first half of the season and that was mainly rooted from not getting great starts out of the box whether it was breaking the barrier or being late. I rode a few horses throughout the year and I made a little money on all of them, but it's hard to compete against some of these girls that have great timing and feel with their best horse. Fortunately, I felt like I got that piece of my run when I got on my horse Doc the last three weeks of the season. I did not ride him throughout the summer due to some minor soreness issues, so I was giving him some rest and recovery time but luckily I got him back when I needed him.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
I got the call to stunt double on the tv show Heartland a few times this summer, so that was kind of a cool opportunity to get to do it during the week and see all the behind the scenes of that industry.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
I would say if competing and going to the rodeos is something you want to pursue, always keep learning and have an open mind. I think if you never get complacent in your roping and horsemanship you will always improve in some way. At the same time, always have an open mind because you never know what your journey is going to look like compared to everyone else's. Trust the process and always keep moving forward.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
Armstong has got to be my favorite rodeo, I have been fortunate to pick up a cheque there every year and the atmosphere is crazy, we do not go to a rodeo like that all year. On top of that, Armstrong has put up great prize money for the breakaway ropers every year and we are very thankful for that!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
I would have to say the Horse of the Year Teacher, he is amazingly consistent with the Whiteside girls and does everything you want a breakaway horse to do and does it at a high level. He is very cool to watch.
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
For my horses, I always pack beet pulp, Ultimate Finish, and Equinity. For myself I mainly just need a phone charger and my Rattler Striker.
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
I like to listen to various podcasts with successful people whether they rodeo or not and hear different perspectives and motives, a lot of times I can pick up something to use in my own life.
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
Yes, between my Canadian earnings and my NFR Open earnings, I was given the chance to make a couple of the building rodeos in the winter in Texas. I hope to compete at Fort Worth, San Antonio and possibly Houston if I can end my season well.
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 one up and coming, he is a 4 year old gelding that I purchased as a 2 year old from the OU Ranch. I showed him at the Royal Crown Canada in Claresholm this past spring and was fortunate to win 2nd in the 4 & under division. I really like his athletic ability and demeanor so far, he uses his back end really well and is super smooth in his run and stop.
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most?
I appreciate the La Crete committee for feeding us really great meals over the few days we camped there.
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
I would have to say Trevor Brazile. I enjoy listening to what he has to say whether it is about horses, roping, or his perspective on the mental game. I think he is a great legend in our sport to look up to.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
One thing that any person will need is a good horse because you will see that the people with the consistent good horses have the most success. On top of that you do not need to be the most talented roper or most athletic, but a good horse and good fundamentals will take you a long way.
Thank you Cassie for doing these interviews every year to help support and showcase the breakaway ropers. I would also like to thank all the committees that continue to support our event and give us girls more opportunities every year. And lastly thanks to my family for their continued support each year. I'm very grateful to have the chance to compete at the CFR in Edmonton!
