Jennifer Neudorf CFR 2022
Jennifer Neudorf is off to her very first Canadian Finals Rodeo in eighth position, with $23,485.43 pocketed after 39 rodeos. They won the Stavely Pro Rodeo, and are the new arena record holders. Neudorf also won Rocky Mountain House, Sundre, and Langley, finished second in Innisfail and Taber, and made the top 12 at the Ponoka Stampede. A stellar year for Jennifer and her string of horses.
What is your background with horses? How did you get started barrel racing?
I have a reining background which I am so proud of because of how broke reiners get their horses, and how enjoyable every reining horse is to ride. I love to put that into my barrel horses as much as I can; getting them soft, stopping good, and easy for anyone to ride or run.
What is your main mounts registered name and does she have any quirks?
My #1 mount is Fames Syzygy aka Big Z (by Frenchmans Fabulous out of Dash Buttercup). She is the best horse when it comes to handling any situation, and the easiest to be around! We started pro rodeoing together and she has always handled it like she’s done it already. She’s the sweetest mare that loves to be personable one on one. Every direction I point her in she does it with all her heart. I think we are such a good team because of all the firsts we have had together. Her first futurity was my first futurity, her first slot race was my first slot race, her first year rodeoing was my first year rodeoing! It just makes her that much more special to me.
What is your go to saddle, pad, and bit on your main mount?
I can run Z in any bit and she will still be the same, but I usually just run her in a short shank twisted dog bone. I love the fit and look of my Usher saddle on her as well!
What is your horse’s story?
We did a partial train with one of our colts with Summer Hatch for Z, and it was the best decision ever! We got her sight unseen, with only watching one video and looking at her pedigree.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I haven’t gotten lessons from anyone In the barrel industry. I just took a lot of my reining knowledge and modify it into what I do with my barrel horses, which was a hard thing to do at first when I would go places and watch what everyone else was doing, it made me question the program I made for myself. But I learned to push through and keep doing what I was doing. This year I focused on me and what I knew worked for both me and the horse, and wasn’t influenced by what anyone else did. I would still change things when needed but I trusted my program and my own decisions. It also helped so much to realize even with the best programs there still isn’t always perfect runs and that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong or have to change what you are doing completely but I always still keep an open mind to make myself better in any way I can.
What does your feed program look like, keeping your horses in peak condition going down the road, and even in the off season?
I make sure my horses get good alfalfa hay, and if I don’t have enough alfalfa in the hay I will give them alfalfa cubes with their hay. They are on a very strict grain diet with all the supplements they need to be looking and feeling their best! I also use a full tube of Vetline electrolyte paste after I run to help them replenish. It helps so much with keeping weight on them when we are on the road 24/7.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
I do two types of conditioning with my horses which is half the rides I’ll only work on keeping every part of their bodies super soft and responsive, and the other half is conditioning their lungs by sprinting them and long trotting to help build muscle and stamina.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or barrel racing?
You’re running your own race. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my horse, they should always come first!
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
Setting an arena record in Stavely was such a cool experience to be able to have accomplished. Every run I get to make on any of my horses is memorable to me because it has all molded me into the rider I am today.
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
I love Dash Ta Fames either on the bottom or top side. They all have such a cool consistent style.
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
I don’t think I could get down the road without Redbull. My hauling partner, Taylor Manning and I are not picky people when it comes to rodeoing. We usually don’t have power, running water, heat, or AC so when our generators actually work, we are the happiest people around!
Favourite Canadian rodeo and why?
For sure Armstrong, because the atmosphere is so exciting and fun!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance?
I would choose Shelby’s mare, Hot Donna. She looks so cool and I love her style
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
My mom taught me everything she knew and I have been learning for myself since! My mom taught me to never think or dwell on a bad run and to always be grateful.
“I also could not have done it without all the friends that supported me through the good and the bad. Also of course my mom who knows me inside and out and always knows what to tell me to help with either my mental game or making decisions plus I know she will always be there to support me no matter what! And my sponsors Usher Brand, Vetline Equine, Shayna Dyrland Equine Dentistry, for helping my horses look good, feel good, and do good. Also for The Medicine Shop Grande Prairie for making sure I feel and do my best too!”
