Kylie Whiteside - CFR50
Kylie Whiteside has qualified for her fourth Canadian Finals Rodeo in the breakaway roping!
She finished fifth in the regular season standings after 38 rodeos and $17,836.90 won aboard Breakaway Horse of the Year, Hott For Teacher, who is owned by Ben Bamford. Whiteside won Grande Prairie, Benalto, High River, Bowden and split the win at Okotoks and Lethbridge.
This interview is presented by Epp Financial. Insurance, Investments, Travel, Group & Health Benefits. Helping those from the rural way of life!
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
Teacher is so special to me because I know I can back in the box and he’s gonna do his job every time and make it easy for me to just focus on roping.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run this year was my tie for the win at Okotoks because I got to watch my dad receive his plaque for getting inducted into the pro rodeo hall of fame that same day.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons? Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
This season Coy my main barrel horse got hurt earlier on in the season so I ended up seasoning my 5 year old in the barrel racing. I also started the year on my 5 yr old breakaway horse and I couldn’t resist getting back on Teacher. Seasoning a horse in either events can be very humbling and sometimes it is hard to keep your head up and stay positive.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
This year I got to watch my dad get inducted into the Canadian cowboy hall of fame!
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
I’m so thankful to be able to travel with my sister, Bradi. We are always there to help each other out with whatever it may be. She’s also like having a built in cleaner for the trailer all summer lol
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
Treasure them great horses because they are hard to come by and they are your number one when comes to being successful.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
Armstrong because the atmosphere is so electric.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
Oh gosh they are all so cool in their own ways and it’s hard to pick one, but I’ll choose Shaya Biever’s horse Bullet, because he scores sharp, stands solid and calm in the box, runs to his spot and is so honest.
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
Well probably no secret to anyone who knows me but definitely my little dog, Cola.
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
Mental game is definitely one of the most important parts of rodeo. Find the good in the bad and move on, don’t hold onto bad runs. Short term memory in rodeo is something that really helps me.
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
Planning to try to get to some barrel futurity’s this winter.
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 couple prospects that I’m excited about. When I’m looking for a prospect a few main points for me are, kind eye, everything is proportionate, good mover and a big heart.
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most?
I appreciate every committee because they all put a lot of hard work into there rodeo. There are two that stand out to me this year; Strathmore really worked hard to improve their ground and arena. Secondly, Sundre because they have equal money in the breakaway and work so hard on making the rodeo the best they can!
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
I aspire to be like Ashley Schafer and Jolene Montgomery.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
There is a ton of ups and downs along the way. Set small goals and work hard. Don’t expect things to happen overnight.
Thank you to Ben Bamford for letting me ride Teacher! Thank you to my boyfriend, Lochlan Christianson for letting me run his horse Coy in the barrels. Thank you to my parents for all the support and help they give me. Thank you to my sponsors, these companies have done a lot for my horses and I! Canyon Rigging, Back On Track Canada, Kailani, Eberglo, BI Canada, Specialty Risk Insurance. Thank you Lipstick and Cowboy Boots for always being so great for the sport and posting results. Thank you!
