Angela Ganter CFR 2019
Angela Ganter grew up in the city, but when she was six years old, her parents brought her to Indian Creek Stables where she spent ten years learning to ride on trail horses. Finally her Uncle purchased her her own horse, where she rode on her Dads land. She had always wanted to run barrels, so her Mom found Kay Blandford who was just an hour away and would teach Angela lessons.
“The rest they say is history.” Ganter says.
“My parents did the best they could, but neither one rode so I spent countless hours making the horses they could afford into the best they could be. I used what skills Kay taught me and some I inherited, to try and become a better barrel racer everyday. I owned some of the best futurity and derby horses for years under many different trainers but really never competed on a Pro level.”
In 2010 Angelas life changed in the blink of an eye. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“If being a single mom since the death of my husband, and Jackies father wasn’t enough, I now got to spend the next eight years trying to stay alive. My riding career was over. My salvation was the fact Jackie took over the reins of all the barrel horses, so I got to be a part of a world I so dearly loved through helping her learn to ride the best she could on what horses were given to her. Amazing what Chemotherapy does to your body. I was totally back to square one on the ability to have any balance but with the encouragement of my daughter I spent countless hours with a trainer and bought an old horse back I once had owned and began a journey I really thought was out of reach. I started slow and gradually started to see I could be better than ever before with a little more try. I then set goals and as I reached them set new ones. I went with Jackie to Canada and after she made the second CFR and I said to myself, “this is where I want to be”. “
In the last two years Angela has won Hand Hills, Brooks, Grimshaw, Bonnyville, Cranbrook, Pincher Creek and the Grass Roots Finals.
“I guess you might say nothing could top that but to be able to compete on this level along side my daughter is the best honour I could achieve.”
This year, Angela is headed to Red Deer in sixth position with $21,789. She will be bringing, Bogies French Bug aka Bugs, who is by Frenchmans Bogie out of a First Wrangler mare, and Marthas Sixshooter aka Shooter, who is by Bug In My Frosty, out of a Martha Six Moons mare.
What quirks does your horse/horses have & their style?
Bugs eats and sleeps all of the time. He is very lazy and a very push style horse. Shooter on the other hand is a hard keeper and I don’t think ever sleeps. He is always ready to go and a lot bigger challenge to ride.
How have you and your main mount grown from last season?
Bugs was a gift from God and we just got along from day one. I know where to run him and where not to run him now.
What would you say is your horses weakness?
Crowds!! Hates them. Also deep ground.
Did you ever almost give up with your main mount?
I never give up on anything so I would never give up on him. If something isn’t working I figure out why it isn’t and fix it to the best of my ability.
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the CFR dream alive for you this year? Tell us about the highs and the lows.
That’s easy. I learned a long time ago that if you want something bad enough nothing or nobody can stop you. You have to adjust to all variables.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I work out as much as possible to stay fit and I read lots of motivational sayings and verses. I watch tons of competitive sports and shows.
What does your feed program look like, keeping your horses in peak condition going down the road and even in the off season?
I feed HiPro Performance FeedSupplements: Red Cell, Acculytes, Hoof Master, Lactanase , Equi-BoneHay: alfalfa, coastal.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
We ride 2-3 days a week and swim the horses 2-3 days depending on our schedule. I keep the same routine all year the best I can.
What is an exercise you include in your routine to keep your horses working how you like them to that may help someone else?
I think lots of roll backs on a fence really keeps their feet moving. I thing quickness by reverse arcing is also a big key.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been told regarding life, horses, rodeo or barrel racing?
Second is first loser!! Its my motivation!
What has been your most memorable run over the years?
My first Canada run in 2018. I was invited to Cloverdale and I was so nervous to compete there with knowing others hadn’t been invited and I had to prove I was good enough to be there. It only takes one person to believe in you to change your life forever.
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
I am not a big bloodline person. I have never looked at a set of papers before I buy them. Great horses make themselves.
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
Coke Zero and my dog, Tessa.
If you could make a run on any one of the other CFR qualifiers horses which one would you choose and why?
Probably Lynette Brodoways horse. Solid and consistent
Who is your barrel racing idol?
That’s easy! Jackie Ganter.
What would you be doing if you were not barrel racing/rodeoing?
Working at my house, or watching football.
Favourite podcast to listen to on the road?
I don’t really but Jackie listens to crime stories or something like that. Makes me wonder what she will be in her next life!!
Angela would like to thank her sponsors, Hi Pro Feeds, Dufur Quarter Horses, INspectrailer, 5 Star Equine Products, Equi-Bone, The Rowdy Rose, Ulcergard, West Texas Equine, PHT Products, & Equiresp.
