Mikenna Schauer CFR 2022
Halkirk, Alberta roper, Mikenna Schauer, is slated for her first Canadian Finals Rodeo with $12,146.84 won in the regular season, which sits her sixth in the standings after 16 rodeos. Mikenna won the Wainwright long go and short go, won Teepee Creek, Strathmore, Pincher Creek, and La Crete, placed second in Lethbridge, and finished strong at four other rodeos.
What is your background with horses? How did you get started roping?
Our family ranch has always had horses so I was fortunate to be around them from a very young age. I started roping around 8 when my sister and I joined our local rodeo 4-H club. Although both my parents also grew up with horses my siblings and are first generation rodeo athletes. We all helped each other learn how to rope and with the help from family friends and coaches along the way, I got to where I am at now!
What is your main mount’s registered name, bloodlines, and does she have any quirks?
Bet Im Smokin is sired by Bet On Me 498, out of Peppys Smokin Oak. Betsy has quite the personality and has a few little quirks. She likes to back in the box slowly or she will squat, she only likes backing out of trailers, she always needs to get her grain before any other horses, and she loves treats after roping and will remind you to give them to her if you forget.
What is your horse’s story?
We got Betsy in 2013 as a young barrel horse prospect. My sister rodeoed competitively off of her full sibling so we knew she had the bloodlines to be great. I started roping off of her after a few years of owning her and it was a pretty long process to get to where we are today, but it has been so rewarding to know how far we have come! I honestly don’t know where I would be with my roping career without this mare! She is a one in a million and has taught me so much!
What is your go to saddle, pad, and bit on your main mount?
I rope in a Slone Saddle that has a custom fit tree to Betsy - this saddle also fits almost every other horse I put it on and is very easy to rope in. 5 star saddle pad - Good fit to my horses back and withers and has lasted me a long time with very little signs of aging. I recently started using a hackamore on Betsy and she seems to like it. She is quite automatic so I decided to give it a try and it seems to help her stop on her back end a little more and she feels very comfortable and responds well to it.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
Keeping a “short term memory” is key as well as a positive attitude. Overthinking bad runs and getting upset for a long time will never help your roping. I am a victim to this and it has taken me a long time to get past the bad thoughts and self doubting. I think that the best thing a person can do for their mental game is stay positive and confident.
What does your feed program consist of, and how do you keep your horses in shape? What is your riding routine usually like?
I like to always have good quality hay available to my horses in a slow feeder. I also use Purina Ultium and Lubrisyn to keep my horses healthy and their joints feeling good. I don’t rope on Betsy much outside of our rodeo runs, but she still gets long trotted about 5 times a week to keep her in shape.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses, or roping?
I can’t think of just one piece of advice but having supportive parents, friends and coaches have helped me in a big way to get to where I’m at.
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
Wainwright Pro Rodeo 2022. This was my first pro rodeo that I entered and I won the long go, short go, and the average. My cousin, Scott Guenthner, also won the steer wrestling in Wainwright so it was a pretty exciting weekend for the whole family!
Who was your travel partner this year, and what is your favourite thing about your travel partner?
I travelled to most of the rodeos with Brooke Cooper we definitely made lots of fun memories during the season! I also went on the north run with Kendal Peirson and Kyla Gordon and I gotta say, I think that was my favourite rodeo run. We shared a lot of laughs, and made some fun memories!
What does it mean to you to have the Breakaway Roping at the CFR?
It’s so exciting and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be roping at the CFR! There was a lot of awesome committees that added breakaway this year as well as more added money in the breakaway! The competition in the breakaway was very tough this year and I’m excited to see how it all works out at finals!
“I’d like to say a big thank you to my family for being so supportive and helping me down the road this season.”
