Kirsty White CFR 2017
After 43 rodeos, and $23,713.71 won, Kirsty White has qualified again for the Canadian Finals Rodeo with her great mare Racey aka Special Tack (by Plain Special out of a Cutters Bonanza (Major Bonanza) mare.) This will be White’s fifth CFR, and they are coming in HOT in fourth position!
How would you describe Racey’s style and personality?
Racey is very present, forward and pushy in addition to being very sensitive, she has a very strong personality and is the most reactive horse I have ever been around. She is a difficult horse but has so much try its off the charts. She turns on all four and is very correct but feels different on the left side compared to the right, which is why I went left. She has changed my life. I love her with all my horse. She has the most try out of anything I have ever rode.
Can you tell us about your other horse?
Raisen is exactly the opposite of Racey. Very laid back, easy going but super spooky. Probably one of the finest horses I have ever trained. She wants to use her hind end in the turn, has a great style and is very easy to ride fast. She definitely makes you look good. She is a five year old by an own son of Corona Cartel and out of an own daughter of Raise A Secrete, who is out of Bugs Alive in 75. She is crazy fast and efficient. I am so excited about her
What was your favourite rodeo this year and why?
I have two favourites. The last run in my pool at Calgary because I won it, and have tried to win it for a long time, and Okotoks because I won it on Raisen! I was over the moon with her.
Over the years, what has been your most memorable run you’ve made?
Gosh, thats a tough one. Racey worked unreal at Ponoka in the long round this year. I was thirteenth out and she tried her butt off. I won third and then I won Okotoks inside one year by three tenths, almost a flawless run. There are so many great runs, I am just lucky to go fast when I get to.
Who is your barrel racing idol?
Rayel Little, without question the best trainer of all time on the planet!
Will you be rodeoing south the border this winter?
Yes, I got into Houston and San Antonio so I was hoping to have both the horses ready.
Riding a seasoned barrel horse, what exercises do you do for tune-ups on the pattern?
Just exercise every day. Sprints, speed control, slow work, and always long trotting in the field eery few days.
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 just try to stay positive and get all my physical prep done. The mental game when I’m training is patience, sometimes to stretch the ride out is better than dying on that hill. Sometimes they just need time to process. If I’m in a jam, I just retract or ask in a different way, but keep asking and try to wait them out. For competition a person just needs to figure out how to be present and relaxed. Usually deep breathing works best to expel thoughts so as better to react and feel and try to get where you can practice this, away from the chatter.
What is your go to product for keeping your horse feeling her best for the season?
Corvet, Ty Corbiell is my go to. I have complete trust in him and he helps me read my horses needs really well. He cares.
What is the best piece of advice you could give a person who wanted to run pro?
Try not to expect too much and have an open mind. There is so much info our there. Don’t get too high or too low, and try to do everything you can to be prepared. Try to just have one main go to, keep trying and never give up.
What is one thing you can’t live without on the road?
My horses head gear.
Kirsty would like to thank her sponsors, Back On Track , SharpEdge, & Corvet- Ty Corbiell
