Mariah Mannering - CFR 2023
Mariah Mannering won Williams Lake Stampede, finished second at Morris, made the short round at Wainwright and Cloverdale, and picked away at others throughout the year, finishing the season with $19,865.71 won. This year she competed on her new horse, HR My Fame is Epic, aka Whiz, who is by Epic Leader, and out of Go Wilma Dash, a Dash Ta Fame mare.
What is your main mounts back story?
I purchased Whiz this February from Barbara Johnson. I had texted my friend Kyle Jack McEntire telling him what I was hoping to find in my next horse, and right away he started sending me videos of Whiz. I happened to be in Arizona at the time for a friends wedding, so I was able to go to Barbs to try him. I rode him for 10 minutes, and knew that I needed to own him. Barb had him so solid, he was able to make an easy transition into rodeos with me.
What quirks does your horse have, and what quirks would you say that you have?
Whiz gets upset if he doesn’t have other horses close to him, but then he bites them when they are close to him. I had only owned him a couple of weeks when a person got caught in the cross fire of him trying to bite another horse and they had to go to the hospital for stitches between their eyes. He will also crib on any surface that he can find.
According to my friends, my quirk is that I can’t control my laughter when I see a friend get in a wreck or hurt, not that I think it’s funny, I just cannot keep my composure. Even when I was sitting in the emergency room with Shelby who had a gash in her head requiring staples (not from Whiz) I got the giggles bad.
What has been your most memorable run this year, and what made it memorable for you?
Williams Lake was special to me; I grew up going to Junior and High School rodeos in that arena, it was my first pro rodeo win and my family was there for it.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
This year was different for me being on a new horse. I went into the year without big expectations and Whiz started off placing at the first rodeo we went to up here and kept the ball rolling throughout the season. He made it fun and I was able to have confidence in him.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
Fortunately I didn’t face any major challenges that couldn’t be fixed by making minor adjustments.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
I spent the winter living with Kassie Mowry. I highly value the opportunity that I am given to learn from her, and always look forward to going back.
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?/
Shelby Spielman and Colby Bonnett. We have travelled together for a few years, we get along great, have similar mindsets, prioritize our horses, we all value a Starbucks stop, and they normally can tell me where I have misplaced my wallet. They really are the best people to have in your corner (or truck). New to the rig this year was Bryce Bonnett, Colby’s one year old daughter. She doesn’t do much driving, but she is very cute, especially when she is sleeping, lol.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
I have been told, “everyday you are either training or un-training your horse”. It’s something I always try and be mindful of, and think it is valuable advice for anyone.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
I enjoyed Armstrong. Their night performances with packed grandstand and Brett Gardiner announcing have a different kind of energy to them.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
It’s hard to just choose one, but I would go with Brooke Wills’ horse Famey. After watching Brooke and Famey make runs for the past 5 years and almost every single one of them looks the same, you can always count on her to wrap three barrels. However, she might get me over her ears.
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
I’ve been fortunate to have to opportunity to spend a lot of time living with Kassie Mowry and Katie Garthwaite. They’re two people I admire and go to when looking for advice.
What products can you or your horse not live without on the road?
I bought an Acuscope and Myopulse machine earlier this year and it is something I use almost everyday on my horse, I wouldn’t want to go without now. I also don’t go many places without my wiener dog, Tipsy.
Mental game; what do you do to stay sharp, and shake the nerves of competing?
I try and just take it one run at a time and not let something haunt me if it doesn’t go according to plan. I think surrounding yourself with the right people is very important.
What is your coffee order?
A London fog, or an iced chai latte.
Thank you to Cor Veterinary Services for helping to keep Whiz feel his best, to my traveling partners, Shelby and Colby, my family for the support, and the Schmidt family for always making Alberta feel like home.
