Rene LeClercq - CFR50
Rene LeClercq placed at the first ten rodeos she went to this year, including getting the win at Falkland. Her and JEWELSROBINTHECASH aka Jewel, placed at multiple Pro Tour, and Maple Leaf events, to qualify for all three finals in the 2024 season.
After entering 44 rodeos, LeClercq made $25,090.28, finishing sixth in the regular season, and is set for her fourth Canadian Finals Rodeo.
This interview is presented by, West of the 5th Therapies and Wellness IV hydration and vitamin infusions!
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
She is a home born,raised and trained mare out of my moms best barrel horse from when she competed. She is a fourth generation of this line now, and by Preponita of Harts Quarter Horses, who I also used to run and has since passed now. It’s always very special to have your own bloodlines come up and be successful, and both sides of Jewel have a lot of sentiment.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
Falkland, because it was Jewels pro rodeo win. We had a very smooth run again a very tough group of girls.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
The last couple of years I had been seasoning horses to try and build up my team. This year things aligned a lot better, all my horses were super solid, and I was able to manage my season well with them. I was lucky to draw into some good perfs, and make my runs count.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
I lost Gracelyn for the season after injuring herself very early into the year. It was a tough blow, but I had to do right by her for her long term recovery. There is a saying I go by, “it’s a career, not a year”, and I feel that it’s super important to think about your horses long term future, even if it means sacrificing your year. Luckily I had a very tough team this season who all stepped up. Gracelyn is doing great and I think she’s more excited than me to be back next season.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
Getting to make some more runs on Flit again.
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
My Mom (Corleen) is my travelling partner anytime we take Jewel, and I enjoy most that she does all the driving.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
Don’t rush it! Trust the process and like I said, “ it’s a career, not a year”.
Enjoy the journey and all its moments. And try not to dwell on the “bad” runs. Take the lessons from them and look towards the next one.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
Bruce, it was my first run back on Flit this season and it’s always good to be at my old “home town” event. The committee did an outstanding job with the ground this year and it made for a really safe and competitive event. So big thanks to them for the hard work, it is appreciated by everyone more than they know!
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance and why?
“Famey” of Brooks Wills, because she’s just so solid, gritty and consistent no matter the pen or conditions. And I love her spunky personality.
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
CANDY!! I’m a sucker for on the road snacks, and an energy drink or two lol. My EcoNets, Neutrabac and Magboss from EquiBoss. My horses, definitely their back-on-track products and Roan & CO’s warrior bomb, and my Raylee racer saddles from Frontier.
Mental game; how do you stay mentally strong in the rodeo game, with many ups and downs?
I’ve played sports and rodeoed my entire life, and I grew up with an older brother. With that, and my Mom being the horsewomen she is, I feel like I was born to be competitive. That comes with great coaches and mentors to guide you and instil mental toughness.
I also have a great support group with my close friends who always pick me up when I’m down. Chris is really into positive thinking and affirmations, and is always trying to have it rub off on me.
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
No, I’m going to take the winter to work on some younger horses and be ready for the coming futurity/derby season.
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 have my SBL x AGANG mare “Mayday” and I’m super excited about my 3 year old out of our AGANG mare, by our stud “ Im Flingn Fabulous”.
I look for a good mind, and conformation. A willingness to learn and grittiness.
I’m very excited to see a lot of people’s prospects coming out of mares I’ve ran in the past and by our stud “ Im Flingn Fabulous”.
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most?
Not one, but all the committees that go above and beyond into making the ground safe, no matter the conditions or circumstances. This gives us and our horses the opportunity to do our best and makes for some incredibly tough and exciting rodeos.
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
My mom is a big inspiration and mentor for all she’s done in her own career and life and all that she’s done for me! And honestly I find so many girls to be an inspiration. Whether it’s the longevity of their career, their ability to make great horses or just their attitude and grit.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Try to plan and manage your season as best you can, but then take it one run at a time. Take inspiration from, but do not compare yourself to other girls. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
I’d like to thank my Mom, Chris and everyone who has encouraged and supported me this season.
And a massive thank you to my sponsors for standing behind me, I appreciate it so much and am incredibly grateful to you all.
-Frontier Western Shop
-Roan & Co
-Back on Track Canada
-West of The 5th Therapies and Wellness
-Kennedy Smith- Larc Test Technician
-EcoNets
-EquiBoss Performance
-Branded By B
-Equine Essentials Certified Equine Massage/vertebral Realignment Therapist
-Alberta Equine Salt Therapy (Kyloh Equine)
-Im Flingn Fabulous
