Colby Gilbert CFR 2016
Colby Gilbert filled her card and filled her pockets enough this season to be headed to her first ever Canadian Finals Rodeo. With 43 rodeos in the books and $15,486.17 in the bank, she is Edmonton bound this November.
Gilbert is no stranger to success in the rodeo world. As a Junior in the Canadian Cowboys Association she made the finals in 2008, 2009 & 2011. She won the Junior Barrel Racing title in 2008, and took home horse of the year and season leader in 2011. In 2014 it was Colby’s Rookie year in the ladies, where she ended up winning the Rookie of the Year title as well as Ladies Barrel Racing Champion. 2015 she bought her permit and hit up some CPRA rodeos, but it wasn’t until this year that she filled her card.
2016 started off with a bang where Colby won Drayton Valley for $2092.44, later in the season she also won Hand Hills for $1,431.15. And she did this on the up and coming Canadian Streak of Fling stud horse French Streaktorodeo.
Does Rodeo have any quirks?
Besides being a stud, Rodeo doesn’t have much for quirks. He does get super excited for his grain or water and will nicker and shake his head, which can get quite dramatic and comical. He is one of the nicest minded, easy going horses I have ever had the privilege of having on the road with me. Rodeo holds a very special place in my heart as his first ever rodeo run was only last year. Not many horses, let alone studs make it to the CFR only a year after first starting out. He has blown me away this summer and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to promote such a great stud, he is truly one in a million in my eyes.
How would you describe his style?
I describe his style as “4-wheel drive” he is very correct and gritty. He seems to handle any type of ground and try in any type of setup which has helped to make him so successful this year.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given regarding barrel racing?
Smooth is fast. It’s something my mom has always said to me and I don’t think there is a much more accurate way of putting it. The runs I went out to just be smooth and solid were the ones I was most successful in. Whenever you go out trying to be fast is when it all seems to fall apart.
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the CFR dream alive for you?
For me it was just the pure enjoyment of being on the road. I had such great travelling partners and happy, healthy horses all summer that the year was just 100% enjoyment. There were many ups and downs for sure but having great support systems and knowing that CFR was a potential reality made it that much easier to keep going.
What is one thing you can’t live without on the road?
I had to ask my travelling partner Chelsea this because I just couldn’t think of anything specific and her answer was food! I can get a bit “hangry” as she put it, but other than that I don’t have anything specific that I can’t live without.
What is your exercise routine for getting your horses legged up?
I try to stay out of the arena and do a lot of long trotting and loping. I do breeze Rodeo once or twice a week but other than that it’s pretty simple.
Riding a seasoned barrel horse, what exercises do you do for tune-ups on the pattern?
For Rodeo it honestly comes SO easy I’m sure if I didn’t work him it wouldn’t make a difference. I do try to get him in the arena for my own piece of mind but I just try to keep him sharp. I’ll lope up to my rate point and walk around, making sure he doesn’t cut off the backside of his turn but other than that I try not to do too much with him.
What are your favorite bloodlines for barrel racing?
I really like the “A Streak of Fling’s” as both of the horses I made it on this year are by him but I honestly don’t have a preference. So many nice horses have come out of my Mom’s (Andrea Udal) program and they all seem to be a bit different, it’s more of a “feel” than a bloodline for me.
We all know that being competitive takes mental strength. What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo?
I try to just keep my mind on my own performance and not worry about what everyone else is doing. Rodeo is a great horse to be on because he always gives me the confidence walking down the alley that he wants it just as bad as I do and that makes it a lot easier to stay calm and just be focused on what I need to do to help him be successful (which is generally just stay out of his way).
What is your go to product for keeping your horse feeling his/her best for the season?
For products I use the back on track mostly and feed Buckeye along with the Formula 1, Noni to keep Rodeo feeling his best.
What qualities do you look for when looking to buy a young horse?
A few things we look for in young horses are a clean throat latch, low hock set, long hip, and we also like them to be light on their feet.
What do you do in the off season?
I currently am in my fourth year of nursing at the University of Lethbridge so that takes up majority of my time when I’m not on the road or riding my horses. It has been a busy year but making the CFR definitely made it all worth it.
** I’d like to thank everyone that helped me along the way this year! Corny and Maria Wiebe for mounting me on great horses, my family, friends, and travelling partners, it truly takes a village and I wouldn’t be where I am without all the support! **
