Mariah Mannering CFR 2021
Covy Moore Photo
British Columbia cowgirl, Mariah Mannering is heading to her very first Canadian Finals Rodeo this November. Her and her gelding, Happy Hour Special aka Moonshine, (by Firewaterontherocks and out of Eazy Fame by Dash Ta Fame) placed at Teepee Creek, Bonnyville, Bowden, Medicine Hat, Regina, and Hanna. Together they pocketed $6,455.92 and are headed to the finals in ninth position.
When asked if her horse has any quirks she said, “Moonshine always likes to have a friend right next to him, he is especially fond of Shelby Spielman’s Hot Donna, however, Donna does not reciprocate the love. He won’t eat a cookie if he is mad. He does not let you forget when he has had a day or two off and will most likely be snorty with a hump in his back and his tail in the air. He is just full of so much personality.”
What is your background with horses and how did you get started barrel racing?
I grew up having horses and started out going to gymkhana’s and local barrel races, which led to amateur rodeoing and high school rodeo. When I was twelve I went to a Katie Garthwaite clinic and it only snowballed from there. After that I spent my spring breaks, and summers living at her house throughout junior high and high school.
What is your go to saddle, pad and bit on your main mount? What do you like about them?
I ride in a Martin BTR with a Schneiders pad. I really like the fenders forward on it, and that it fits my horse. This year I started running Moonshine in a combination bit and I like the feel that I have with it.
What is your horses story?
I bought Moonshine from Whitney Godinez and Twisted J Ranch out of Stephenville, Tx as a 6 year old. Whitney trained and futuritied him and made him what he is. After seeing a few videos and a phone call to Whitney, I had a plane ticket booked to try him. We went to a jackpot the first day I got down there and I broke pattern coming back on the wrong side of first barrel. It didn’t change my mind about him, we just laughed about it and moved on. I called to scheduled a vet check the next day. I didn’t know Whitney prior to buying Moonshine, and am very thankful that our paths crossed. I have lived with her for 10 months and talk to her on a daily basis; she is crucial to my success.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo and how do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I try to focus on the task at hand and don’t stress something that is out of my control. I think surrounding yourself with positive people that are goal oriented in important. This season I travelled with Shelby Spielman and Colby Bonnett, we always had fun and they were very supportive, we all wanted to see each other succeed.
What does your feed program look like, keeping your horses in peak condition going down the road and even in the off season?
If we’re being honest it depends on what Moonshine feels like eating that week, or day. He is currently getting Renew Gold senior with Platinum performance Wellness, and Succeed. He gets free choice Alfalfa and I keep him turned out on grass as often as I can. I try to let Moonshine rest as much as possible, while keeping him in top physical condition.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
I do my best to keep Moonshine fit, healthy, and happy as I can. I like to ride him in and out of the arena to change things up when exercising him so he doesn’t get bored. I currently am breezing him to help build his air up, doing hill work, and keeping him feeling sharp.
Sheila Armstrong Photo
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses or barrel racing?
Katie Garthwaite has always told me, “Never let the highs make you feel invincible, and the lows incapable” and it has stuck with me. She is my go to for advice in all aspects of life.
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
Tuscon Rodeo in 2019. I had bought Moonshine the month before and it was our 2nd rodeo. Once I got out there I almost turned out because I didn’t think it was fair to him or going to be a good experience for either of us. I just imagined us touring that huge arena and being a runaway, for no particular reason. Moonshine was oddly calm and laid down a run, qualifying for the short go and ended up 4th in the short go and average. I think what made this so special is that I had zero expectations at all and he really proved what he can be.
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
I don’t personally have a favourite bloodline, I like anything that has heart and wants to be a willing partner.
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
My Weiner dog, Tipsy. I don’t go far without her. Second would be a London Fog or a vanilla iced coffee.
Favourite Canadian rodeo and why?
I really enjoy La Crete. I’ve hit barrels both times I have been there and I still love it. They have amazing hospitality and put in a great effort for us to have good ground and a good time.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance?
How is a person supposed to choose just one? I don’t think I could do him justice, but Lynette and Cowboy make it look so effortless.
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
This year I worked for Kassie Mowry. She taught me a lot inside and outside of the arena, and that there is always time to stop for a latte. I am excited to go back and learn more from her.
What are you most looking forward to at your first CFR?
I am looking forward to the first round, and getting to make 6 runs in one place.
What are your goals for 2022?
To be more consistent.
Canada lost rodeo last year. What did you do with your time off, and what does it mean to you to have rodeo come back and to now be headed to finals?
With no rodeos happening last year up here I got a job running equipment doing road construction, with Reigning Canadian Champion Barrel Racer, Brooke Wills, being the flag girl for a few of the jobs. (We are both certified to hold the stop sign). Following that, I went back to Texas where I worked for Kassie until the rodeos started up here in July. It was great to see the committees come together to have rodeos in uncertain times. Qualifying for the finals was just a cherry on top.
I’d like to thank everyone who has given me a place to stay, Shelby and Colby for making this season so memorable, my family for being supportive, and my horse for all of the opportunities he has given me.
