Justine Elliot CFR 2022
The number four cowgirl, and reigning Canadian Ladies Barrel Racing Champion, Justine Elliot, won Lea Park, Williams Lake, and placed at several others in the 2022 season, pocketing $30,872.94 after competing at 46 rodeos.
How was your experience at the Calgary Stampede this year, making it to Showdown Sunday?
Calgary was a whirlwind. Making Showdown Sunday from the Wildcard round was an experience I’ll never forget, the whole goal of Calgary is to make it to Showdown Sunday. I remember I kept telling myself and Blondy “I don’t care how we get there, but we’re gonna be there Sunday.” The atmosphere and energy on Sunday is unbelievable, it’s enough to make your heart skip a beat.
What has been your most memorable run this year, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run this year was the wildcard round at Calgary. Blondy saved her best run for that day and smoked a run to put us second in the wildcard round, taking us to Showdown Sunday. I remember the adrenaline just running through my body before, during, and well after my run was over. Blondy definitely got some extra grain and cookies that night.
What was your first horse’s name, tell us about him.
My first horse, Snoot, was my dads old “do everything horse”. Snoot was a short little buckskin, that took such good care of me. We did everything from barrel racing, pole bending, and even jumping. He was the best boy I could have for my first horse to learn on.
What horse over the years has taught you the most?
I don’t really have a specific horse that taught me the most. Every horse I’ve had has taught me something which has really helped me out with my riding.
If you were not barrel racing, what other horse discipline would you be in, or what else would you be doing outside of horses?
If I was in another discipline, I would love to do cross country jumping. I think it would give you just as much if not more of an adrenaline rush than I get from barrel racing.
How was your Derby year with A Frosty Fling? Tell us about him.
A Frosty Fling had a great final derby year. I took him to many jackpots this summer in between rodeos, and he was in the 1D every time. Frosty is owned by Cody and Kayla Wolbeck. He is a very sweet and kind stallion, he wants to please, and you could definitely call him a pretty boy. He has such a cool style when he runs, he’s hard to keep up with sometimes!
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or barrel racing?
When things get tough or you find yourself in a rough patch, never give up. In barrel racing and rodeo in general in inevitable we’re going to find ourselves on a downslope, the most important thang is to trust your ability and your horses ability and keep going. Hard work and dedication is key.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
My favourite rodeo is always Armstrong. The atmosphere there is truly amazing, and just a super fun rodeo to run at.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
I would swing a leg over Taylor Manning’s horse, Bling or Shelby Spielman’s horse Hot Donna, both of them have such a cool style of running!
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
My dad is my mentor, he has taught me pretty well everything I know about barrel racing, riding, and horses in general. I’m very grateful for everything he has taught me throughout the years.
What are your goals for 2023?
My goal for 2023 is to get my futurity horse to as many futurities as I can, and go down the rodeo trail again and push for CFR.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to my sponsors for their endless support; Synergy by Weaver, Weaver, Flexineb, Luck Star Ranch (Cody and Kayla Wolbeck) and Jody Elliott Training Stables.”
