Lynette Brodoway CFR 2022
Lynette Brodoway is set to compete at her fifth Canadian Finals Rodeo this year, a veteran among the pack of women headed to Red Deer, Alberta. Lynette and Taylor Manning have each qualified for five Canadian Finals Rodeos thus far in their careers.
In 2022 Lynette won both Kennedy and Armstrong, split first at Falkland with Bradi Whiteside, and also split first at Okotoks with Kaycee Liptak. She placed at Dawson Creek spring rodeo, Medicine Hat spring and summer rodeos, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Newell Pro Rodeo, Airdrie, Ponoka, Williams Lake, Pile of Bones- Regina, and Olds rodeo.
What is your background with horses? How did you get started barrel racing?
I started out in the Team Roping pen as a kid. Both of my parents roped and that is what we did as a family.
Barrel Racing was just not something I had the opportunity to compete in as a kid, but I was always intrigued by it. I would play around with my rope horses on the barrel pattern, but did not officially enter until I became an adult.
I started out competing at the amateur rodeos and then moved into the futurity and derby scene. I also spent a lot of time taking horsemanship clinics and working to sharpen my skills. I did all of this for several years, entering the odd amatuer and professional rodeo along the way.
Enter ‘‘Freeway’.
‘Freeway’ (SR Root Sixty Six) was a very successful futurity/derby horse. After his derby year, I was faced with the decision to either sell him, or see how far he would take us professionally. So I took a chance, and headed down the rodeo trail. Freeway’, was the first horse to get me to the CFR in 2016.
‘Freeway’ is now retired, but I have since trained and competed on two of his siblings. SR Root Beers Boots offspring have a huge blessing to me over the past decade. ‘Rocket’ (now owned by Kayce Liptak) has taken me to the CFR, and ‘Cowboy’ has carried me to the finals again this year. I am so grateful for these horses, and for the horses that came before them, who taught me so much.
What has been your most memorable run from this year, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run this year is the win-split with Kayce Liptak at the Okotoks Pro Rodeo. I am so impressed with how well Kayce is jockeying ‘Rocket’ and the many great years they will have together.
What equine discipline would you ride in if you did not barrel race?
If I didn’t barrel race, I'm certain I would still be involved in team roping. I have family members who are very accomplished in this discipline and would be extremely helpful to me. In my lifetime I have really enjoyed starting young horses in the roping pen and competing. Team Roping feels like old, comfortable shoes to me, and it just feels good to do it. Plus, I would have built-in roping partners!
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo?
When I feel I need to, I take some quiet time to form a positive mental image of what a good run would look like in a particular set up. I think it through from the approach in the alley, all the way to the end of my run.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or barrel racing?
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn” ~ John C Maxwell
What is one piece of advice you would give to readers regarding, life, horses, or barrel racing?
I would tell people to require less external approval. When you worry too much about what others think, you can’t focus on what is really important – your performance! This mindset causes you to avoid mistakes. This is such a shame, in my opinion, because this is where real growth happens.
“I really appreciate my amazing team of experts that have helped ‘Cowboy’ and I get to the finals again this year. Carlotta Weerstra for her endless dedication towards equine therapy and conditioning, Synergy Equine and Dr. Hewlett, Pursue Victory for their great attire, Martin Chrysler, and Herbs for Horses.
I am also grateful for those who have helped us along the way, such as my various traveling partners and my friends who have offered ‘Cowboy’ and I a safe, comfortable place to stay. Many thanks to my family for their endless support and encouragement and for picking up the slack when needed. I have to single out especially, my good husband Ken for all he does to help me get up and down the rodeo trail."
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the deserving competitors who qualified for this year’s CFR. I wish you all a safe, successful and fun week in Red Deer.”
