Lane Wills CFR 2022
Pouce Coupe, BC cowgirl, Lane Wills, is going to her first Canadian Finals Rodeo in fifth position with $29,594.70, after winning Bowden and Bruce, second at Langley, Merritt (to her sister Brooke Wills), Dawson Creek (spring rodeo) and Leak Park, and finishing third in the first go and average at The Ponoka Stampede (being the only Canadian in the barrel racing showdown round),
What is your background with horses? How did you get started barrel racing?
My dad grew up on a ranch and rodeoed in BC for most of his life, so it was just second nature for my sisters and I to grow up around it too. I started in gymkhanas, little britches rodeo, junior and high school rodeo. I competed in the Peewee, Junior, and Ladies Open in the amateur British Columbia Rodeo Association (B.C.R.A.) for many years. I bought my pro permit in 2016 and filled it in 2017.
What is your main mount’s registered name, and does he have any quirks?
My horses registered name is, ASTREAKOFWOODBRIDGE. His barn name is, Halston. One of my sisters, Brett Wills, and I co-own him together. He is sired by Woodbridge, so we named him after a bridge in Kamloops, BC. His dam is Streakin CC, who is by Streakin La Jolla. She is proving to be quite the producer. Halston doesn’t have many quirks. Some days he can be very lazy, while others days he can be skiddish and jumpy. He is pretty much my dream horse.
What is your go to saddle, pad, and bit on your main mount?
I love my Double J Pozzi barrel saddle. I have had it for many many years. If I need a different fitting saddle, then I steal one of my sisters saddles. I use a wool pad from 5 Star. Halstons designated bit is a short shank 3 piece twisted wire gag bit, by Brittany Pozzi, made by Professionals Choice. I also run him in a loose tie-down.
What is your horse’s story?
Halston was bred and raised by Billie Bird. He was at Kirsty White’s for training the summer of his 3 yr old year (2017). My sister, Brett, and I saw him at Kirsty’s and loved the way he moved and thought he had an easy going personality. Billie then put him in an online farm auction and my sister and I bought him together. Kirsty continued his training for a few months after, and then Brett hauled him around with her to the rodeos as a four year old to see the sights. Brett futuritied him his 5yr old year and finished as the CBHI Hi-Point horse for the 2019 season. Then she handed the reins over to me. Covid happened, so we stayed close to home in 2020 and 2021 which I think ended up being a good thing for Halston. This year was his first full year at the rodeos, and he has completely exceeded my expectations. We are both so proud of what he has accomplished.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I always pick one or two things to focus on during each and every run. I like to have a clear mind right before I start my run that is open to anything and very present in the moment. Shaking my head, stretching, or yawning can help me achieve that. You need to be confident in yourself and your horse in the game of rodeo, especially at the pro rodeos. My family helps me stay motivated throughout the season. They are always there when I need extra support.
What does your feed program look like, keeping your horses in peak condition going down the road and even in the off season?
I feed Hoffman’s grain, or beet pulp and rice bran. My program doesn’t change too much in the off season. The staples in my feed program are, Platinum Performance mineral, Kentucky Equine Research (KER) products, Sharpedge and CEP herbs, and Farriers Formula pellets. I love to keep my horses out on grass in the field as much as possible too. Having a good relationship with a vet and farrier are also important. I can’t thank my vet, Ty Corbiel (Cor Vet), and my farrier enough for the care they have also put into Halston.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
I like to get out of the arena and ride in the fields or trails and long trot for good exercise. Or I will go around the barrels but not the pattern (barrels in a line or square etc). I will continue doing this up until the CFR and just focus on keeping Halston in good running shape.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or barrel racing?
It doesn’t matter what other people think, as long as it makes you happy.
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
One of my most memorable runs was when I filled my pro permit in Kennedy, Saskatchewan on a gritty mare of mine, that then had a career ending injury the next weekend. Also, Winning Bruce this year and getting to compete in the Showdown round at Ponoka. Bruce was very memorable because a huge thunderstorm came through in between the 1st and 2nd sections of the barrel racing performance. I was completely soaked from the rain, but I had a beautiful run in one of the worst weather conditions I’ve ever competed in. Ponoka was just a dream come true. I am so proud of my horse for trying so hard at both of those rodeos this year.
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
I like Frenchmans Guy, Dash Ta Fame, Tres Seis, and The Goodbye Lane. They are all so athletic and talented, but I also love the more “old school” breeding of Paddy’s Irish Whisky, Juno Dat Cash, Streakin Six, Bugs Alive In 75, Coup De Kas, Raise A Glass, Jet Of Honour, and Major Bonanza. I think mare power is super important, and I have to like the way a prospect moves.
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
I like to read a lot of books while I’m travelling on the rodeo road. My travelling partner and sister, Brooke Wills, and I also started listening to audiobooks this summer. I work full time so we had a lot of long drives back to Dawson Creek, BC.
What is your favourite Canadian rodeo, and why?
You can’t beat the energy at Ponoka, but I like getting to compete at the British Columbia rodeos where we also high school rodeoed like Falkland, Merritt, and Williams Lake. They feel like hometown rodeos.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance?
Kaye of Stacey Ruzika’s!
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
I have learned lots from my family and from some inspirational women in BC and Alberta. I feel so fortunate to have such supportive parents and amazing sisters who are all great barrel racers!
What are your goals for 2023?
My goal is to make more smooth runs, and end the season on a happy healthy horse.
“Once again I would like to thank my family, Cor Veterinarian Services, and farriers for helping Halston and I. This season wouldn’t have been possible without them. Jeff, Brenda, Brooke, McKenzie, Brett, Lane V, David: Ty Corbiell; Jordan D and Scott L.”
