Carman Pozzobon CFR 2016
Though she didn’t win a single rodeo this year, after taking home $19,405.51 & running at 34 rodeos,the Aldergrove, BC barrel racer is heading to Edmonton for the first time in 6th position.
Carman Pozzobon has been a Canadian Professional Rodeo Association member for 13 years, but has never focused on a Canadian Finals Rodeo qualification. Her main focus is usually on the futurities and getting colts sold. This year she managed to compete at both, and it paid off.
Pozzobon’s main mount Ripp had a solid derby year. They finished by winning the Derby Superstakes,the 1st go of the Derby and Open 1D at the Canadian Barrel Horse Incentive Futurity Derby & Open in Ponoka, Alberta this October. Rimes Girl finished 2nd in the Futurity Superstakes, placed in each go round, & finished 6th in the average. Lipstick & Cowboy Boots interviewed Carman earlier in the year about her program and horses she had running this year.
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses,what kept the CFR dream alive for you?Well my main focus was to prove my horses a bit more in the rodeo world and after the hard spring it made me realize we could get through anything and bounce back, so really the miles and ground were minor details. I had a goal to make the CFR since the day I came home from down south and wasn’t stopping ’til the very end. If I were to pick the hardest thing though for me would be the miles and being away from home. My sponsors are amazing and support me 110% so they helped me out a ton with expenses to keep that stress down.
What was your favourite rodeo this year and why?
I would have to pick Ponoka. You just never know how it’s going to go there. But there’s a ton of moneyto be made and it’s a great show.
Who is your barrel racing idol?I would have to say Sherri Cervi still is.
Will you be rodeoing south the border this winter?
So far, yes. One of the reasons I aimed for the CFR was to use it as a stepping stone to get into the bigger rodeos this winter.
How do you stay healthy on the road?Do you exercise or just eat as healthy as you can?
It is a struggle but I always try to eat as healthy as I can and stay out of the gas stations as much as possible. I try to fill my fridge with whole foods before I head out so I don’t stop out of convenience. I try to get as much sleep as I can to keep a healthy mind set. It’s a little hard when im making the miles alone coming back and forth from the coast. When I had Jace with me it definitely helped a lot. I try to get exercise in there whenever I’m not working horses.
Riding a seasoned barrel horse, what exercises do you do for tune-ups on the pattern?
I stay away from the arena as much as possible. When my horses are finished I don’t have to show them the pattern much unless it’s at the next competition. I want my horses to have a life to away from rodeo and have the chance to be horses. A lot of the time their tune ups are in a green pasture. But if I do have to fine tune I just make sure they are listening to my cues sharp, and are giving me the space I want on the pattern so they can work correctly and make sure they are soft and supple.
Regarding legging a horse up,what is your routine?I do a lot of long trotting and sprints. Depending where I am, I love to use the mountains. It keeps a healthy mind and really helps build muscle.
We all know that being competitive takes serious mental strength.What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo?
I believe sleep takes a big part in my mental game, and eating healthy. I will even meditate if I feel I need to. I will make sure to get a massage and even do reiki once in a while to release any negative energy my body is holding onto. I will never drink coffee prior to a run that day. I can’t handle caffeine before it makes me anxious and not think clearly.
What is your go to product for keeping your horse feeling her best for the season?
My horses stay on Equisure while traveling, Sharp Edge Supplements as a daily intake in their grain and I make sure they have the perfect balance of the omegas with Hemp Oil. They travel in the Hidez Suits and wear them prior to their run as well as after. They also have Hidez Ice Boots and Back On Track if needed. Revitavet lights get used on them as well.
