Mikenna Schauer - CFR50
Mikenna Schauer has qualified for her second Canadian Finals Rodeo with her horse Hollywood Starlight. She placed at eleven rodeos, split the win at Teepee Creek, and won Cranbrook for a total of $17,153.74 in season earnings, and finished the regular season in sixth position.
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
I got "Max" as a weanling and he has come up through my little training program. He is 6 this year and this was his first full year of pro rodeos. I find myself forgetting that he is still pretty young as he has the personality of an old man. He's always pretty laid back and has been such a fun and easy horse to season.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
I would have to say my last breakaway run at the CNFR (College National Finals Rodeo) I ended up splitting 4th in the third round with a 2.3. I broke out in the second round so I knew I didn't really have a chance to make it back to the short go. Although it wasn't the fastest run I've had, it was very rewarding to ride out of that arena for the last time knowing that I ended my college carrier on a high note.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
This was the first year that I was able to go to Armstrong as well as the other 'end of season' rodeos. I usually leave for university around mid August so I haven't been able to make it to those rodeos. Armstrong definitely lived up to my expectations! Although I didn't do well at the rodeo, it is such an intense environment being in that arena and I can't wait to go back next year. I still missed around 15 rodeos this year due to school and other commitments, so I'm pretty excited for the 2025 season as I will be able to go to a lot more rodeos!
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
I think my biggest challenge that I had to face this year was trusting myself and my horse. This was the first full season on a young horse for me so I found myself overthinking some things that I usually wouldn't think twice about on a seasoned horse. I'm still so thankful for Max and how much heart he has!
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
My old breakaway horse Betsy (Bet Im Smokin) had her first baby! Although it was quite the process to get them both happy and healthy in the start, they are both doing very well now and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this baby!
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
I travelled with Lawrie Saunders to the majority of the rodeos this year. Fun fact I don't think we ever placed at the same rodeo the entire year lol. Lawrie has been the best to travel with, she always has everything planned out from entering rodeos to knowing what routes are the best to get to the rodeos, it is also a major bonus that she can reach all the top hangers and the horses windows in the trailer without having to crawl up the saddle rack or the side of the trailer lol
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
The best advice I would give to readers about competing is to always focus on improving yourself rather than comparing yourself to others. It's important to set personal goals and work towards them, rather than getting caught up in the competition and feeling discouraged if you don't come out on top. Also, remember to have a positive mindset and enjoy the process of competing, rather than solely focusing on the outcome.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
I would have to say Sundre. I have been fortunate to place at Sundre for the past three years on a different horse each year. In 2022 I was a 2.3 to place third on my heart horse Betsy. In 2023 I was another 2.3 to get third again on Gambler (Betsy's full brother) and this year I was a 3.4 to tie for ¾ on Max! The Sundre committee is also really good about helping the competitors. They always have great stock and work hard to make the ground the best it can be.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
Bobbi Hendersons "Popcorn" she looks like a very honest horse who can get in the dirt and I love watching her and Bobbi go to work.
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
Winston the winner dog! I'm sure anyone who knows me knows I don't go far without my little sidekick Winston.
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
I struggled a lot with my mental game and getting down on myself in college rodeo, so I got really into listening to every podcast or book anyone recommended. I felt almost overwhelmed with trying every tactic to stay mentally tough so I took a step back and just tried to figure out one or two things that helped. My main thing is a short memory, this really helped in college rodeo as I was competing in three different events so if one didn't go as planned I would reflect quickly on what happened and how to fix it in my next run, then I moved on to getting ready for the next event.
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
This is the first fall that I won't be in school so I plan on staying home and working. We have quite a few young horses at home this year so I think that will be my main project this winter as well as going to some more team roping jackpots.
Do you have any up and coming prospects, and or, what do you look for in a prospect that you could share a little about with readers?
I am so excited for the up and comers we have! I have a 2 year old out of Von Starlight (Same stud as Max) and she has been coming along nicely. We also have a few weanlings that are out of some special mares, and I believe they will have promising futures ahead of them!
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most?
I'm going to have to go back to Sundre again. I wasn't up in the slack, but they had a breakaway and barrel racing slack to try and help everyone make it on time to all the rodeos that weekend. With that the breakaway ropers were quite short on pushers so the Sundre rodeo committee president, Shane Crouch, jumped in and started pushing calves!
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
I have always looked up to Lary Dee Guy, her success and dedication in this sport demonstrate the power of perseverance and hard work. Her positive attitude and sportsmanship also serve as an inspiring example of how to approach both competition and life.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
It is a marathon not a sprint! Staying consistent is something that I still try to work on at every rodeo I go to. You don't need to win everything, just consistently placing will get you to the top of that season leader board.
I can not thank my family enough for all they have done to help me and my horses this year. I wouldn't be able to do this without their continued support. I would also like to thank my sponsors foe getting me down the road. Cactus Ropes - Canada, Equiboss Performance and Alliance Equine.
