Braidy Howes CFR 2015
Many miles, $14,666.96 won and 31 rodeos later, HH A Famous Cherokee (Dash Ta Fame x Charmin Cherokee) and Braidy Howes are headed to the 2015 Canadian Finals Rodeo in 12th position. The duo won La Crete ($1401.54) and High Prairie ($1312.71) this year, and this will be Braidy’s 4th CFR.
Does Gringo have any quirks?
He’s full of quirks! He hates being alone so he always needs a buddy to haul with. He will constantly whinny when I’m warming him up and he shakes his head anytime you pull on him just like he’s saying, “I do what I want!” Even when I go to get in the saddle if I hold onto the reins he will make a point to rip them from my hand right as I’m getting on. He won’t eat grain on the road because he thinks your putting something in it, he’s a character that I love to death!
We bred and raised Gringo ourselves. He is out of the dam my mother won the aggregate on at CFR and the morning she was foaling, we believe a coyote bit him on his right hind hip taking a good chunk of muscle tissue out. As Gringo grew up we never thought he’d become what he is today just due to the lack of muscle. He was stubborn right from day one and probably was what kept him alive!
Gringo was bit by a coyote when he was just being born, but it hasn’t stopped him from taking Braidy to the CFR!
How would you describe Gringos style?
Gringo has what I call a level style, meaning he is not overly elevated but also he’s not on his front end. He just stays level with his conformation which is part of the reason why I think he handles ground so well; he uses all of himself.
Has your routine changed with your horse as you prepare for CFR?
My routine stays the same, whether it be a regular rodeo season or finals. I want my horses in the best shape possible. With Gringo we go riding out in the pasture for about 45-60 mins. Majority of his work out is long trotting I want to build and maintain his wind, have it operating at full capacity. I never want to have the excuse of “he ran out of air on the way home.” I consider Gringo a seasoned barrel horse now so he very rarely will see a pattern at home, he makes rodeo runs and that’s it, plus I hate riding in the arena. I want him to enjoy what he does so I am very careful to make sure he doesn’t get sour with arena work.
What has been your favorite Canadian rodeo this year and why?
This is a toss up so I have to pick 2! Maple Creek and la Crete this year were awesome rodeos, their ground was great and they always treat the contestants great, they are happy we are there where as some rodeos we attend over the season, have a police like attitude treating the contestants like their just lucky to be there. I appreciate the committees who take the contestants interests to heart.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given regarding barrel racing?
You will never know it all! Constantly every rodeo I learn something new. For the young girls coming up that I talk to, I always remind them to stay humble and be open to learn, rodeo is not for the faint of heart and you will never reach your goals if you will not be open to learn. There will always be someone with a faster horse or maybe a stronger rider than you, use this to challenge yourselves to get better! And remember karmas a b**ch! Be positive and keep working at it, you only get what you put in at this game and sometimes not even that lol rodeo is very humbling!
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the CFR dream alive for you?
To be honest I used to freak out about making it, and one day a good friend of mine (Nancy Csabay) were talking and she gave me the best piece of advice ever! One rodeo at time and remember to have fun. We have to enjoy what we do just as much as our horses, and I think as competitors we tend to easily be swallowed up by the race to the CFR and it can turn fun weekends into immense stress and pressure. I am very excited that Gringo has made it again and will enjoy every round up at Edmonton with my family and friends who have supported us all season!
Who is your barrel racing idol?
My mom Gayle; she has taught me everything I know and she’s had an amazing career over the years. She’s been a Canadian champion, she went with team Canada to the Olympics, she has picked out endless great horses that I have been able to ride and her greatest accomplishment thus far has been beating cancer. My Dad Bob, has been such a great supporter of my rodeo career. He has drove endless hours with me and has shared all of the ups and downs of rodeo with me. He is always the one you see behind the camera forgetting to hit record because he’s just so intensely watching my run ha ha. He is to me the best dad on earth but I’m a little biased.
What has been your favorite memory or moment on the road this year?
This season has been very eventful. I spent most of it hauling in a stock trailer with no living quarters with my boyfriend and his brother. So we would pull into the rodeo with 5 horses and the bubble wrapped barrel horse, make our runs and move onto the next one! We BBQ, used a horse bucket as a sink and brushed our teeth with a water bottle. I’d say I roughed it and I can honestly say it has been a lot of fun and anyone who knows me was quite shocked the first little bit at just how well I was taking it! But number 1, Gringo had the best of conditions and that’s all that mattered, I could handle no LQ as long as he was looked after.
What are your favorite pair of cowboy boots & favorite lipstick, lip gloss or lip chap?
I don’t particularly have a favourite pair, I hate breaking in new boots! Currently I go between Boulet Ostrich and a really cool pair of Corral West boots with Gator inlay. Favourite lipstick is Christian Dior brand, love the long wear of it and doesn’t have a sticky feel. Lip Chap Eucerin Aquaphor it’s actually a hand lotion, I saw it on Dr.Oz and for once he was right! It works great but remember it has to be the Aquaphor line.
