Shayna Weir CFR 2021
Covy Moore Photo
The number twelve cowgirl, Shayna Weir has $5,789.70 won after 21 rodeos in the 2021 season. This year her and her great mare Moons Dyna aka Dyna, placed at Bonnyville, Drayton Valley, Okotoks, Benalto, Medicine Hat, La Crete and Cranbrook.
Shayna has rode horses her entire life. “As a kid we would ride at my uncles, chasing cattle and his mares. We would also ride out in the mountains a couple times a year.” How did Weir find her love of barrel racing? The same way many Canadian barrel racers do; at a Dee Butterfield barrel racing clinic. She went to the clinic when she was about 14 years old and says, “from that point on, I was not planning to quit.”
Weir describes Dyna, (by Moons Handsome Bug (by Honor Lady Bug) and out of Red Hot Gem who is by Red Hot Lena), as a horse that doesn’t love people and would rather not be loved on. “She prefers to just do her job as that is when she is happiest. Her biggest quirk would be that she can be very hard to catch.”
What is your go to saddle, pad and bit on your main mount? What do you like about them?
I use the Impact Gel pads on all my horses. They are amazing saddle pads that protect my horses backs and are very comfortable. For Dyna's bit it’s just an o-ring snaffle.
What is your horses story?
Dyna came from Chad Muldoon. I was in search of another great mare to replace my old one. A good friend of mine had noticed Dyna at the ABRA finals and told me I needed to buy her. So long story short, I contacted Chad who told me he thought she had what it would take and after one ride, I knew I wanted her to come home. I bought her as a coming 6 yr old. Of course we had a rollercoaster of a first year seasoning as she is very sensitive and was scared of everything. But, once we got over those hurdles, it was off to the races and she has been amazing ever since.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I try not to worry about what everyone else is doing. I have plan and goal going into the season and then also into every weekend. I work on what I need to do and what my horse needs from me that week. I also like to learn from others, so I won't hesitate to ask a question or for help when needed.
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 a good quality hay and oats along with the Purina Athlete and Purina Optimal bagged feed. I like to give my horses rest when they need it and always give them some time off in the winter to just be a horse. As for during the season, I cater the program to the horse and what they need worked on at that time so this program does change.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
When bringing horses into the season I take my time; I don't rush it. I believe that for every month they have off takes a month to get back into shape. And as for going into CFR, I don't like to change much if the horse has been working then I keep with the same program.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses or barrel racing?
Don't beat yourself.
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
My run in the short go at Ponoka Stampede. My long go run was on the bottom of the ground and by the end of the long go, I was in the bottom hole to make it back to the short go. It was a long shot at making it back to the Showdown as they only take the top four in the average. I ran first, then the waiting game began to watch what everyone else did. Dyna ran an amazing run and clinched our spot in the Showdown. I’ll never forget that pressure, or excitement.
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
I don't have a preferred bloodline I look at the horse. I want a kind eye, good conformation and some bone. I also look more at their style of movement and how they look after themselves.
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
I dont need much when I’m on the road but this year I really enjoyed having my kids with me when they could come. It’s so much fun to see how much they love the sport too,
Favourite Canadian rodeo and why?
Ponoka Stampede! The excitement , the production, the over all experience is amazing to run down the long score into that big pen with the electricity from the crowd.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance?
Oh wow, honestly I would be lucky to swing a leg on any of those awesome horses. But if I had to pick, probably Justine's or Shelby's. I think they would suit my style the most.
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
I don't have one mentor per say. I love finding people that inspire me and learn from them. But I would have to say if it wasn't for Dee Butterfield who showed me the ropes to barrel racing and then has been an amazing person to go to through out my career whenever I needed some help, I wouldn't be where I’m at. And she was also the one who introduced me to Chad Muldoon who has helped take my riding to the next level while also supplying me with some amazing up and coming horses. But the biggest mentor would be my Dad who believed in me from the beginning, and agreed to buy my first barrel horse and has been with me at every milestone in my career. He is still my first go to when I have a question, and he's always the first to tell me not to beat myself just go out and get the job done.
What are your goals for 2022?
My goals are always to improve and get better. So I will work at bringing on my young horse to be more competitive and of course work towards the 2022 CFR.
Canada lost rodeo last year. What did you do with your time off, and what does it mean to you to have rodeo come back and to now be headed to finals?
With my time off, I spent it with my family. We had a bunch of time to catch up on projects around the farm and got alot of camping in. It was also fun instead of heading to a rodeo to saddle up and take the kids for more rides out in the field. Its great to have rodeos back. I missed the racing and the people. It’s like a second family, so it’s been fun to see everyone again. The kids have also enjoyed going down the road as they ask every week where to next. Of course we are very excited to head back to the CFR for our 2nd time.
I would like to thank my friends and Family for the support and being patient with me as I'm usually MIA during the summer. and thank you to my sponsors who help me get down the road.
Central Veterinary Clinic, Redneck Barbie, EquiPurina, Irvines Tack and Western Wear, Impact Gel Pads and Custom Tent and Flag Company.
