Shelby Spielman CFR 2021
Covy Moore Photo
Texas Native, Shelby Spielman is heading to the Canadian Finals Rodeo in seventh position after competing at 23 rodeos and pocketing $6,639.69. Shelby placed at Bonnyville, Strathmore, La Crete, regina, Millarville, Coronation and Hanna on Fame N Red Hot (by Dash Ta Fame out of Had A Kanita x Docs Rocky Top) aka Hot Donna, and won the Bowden rodeo on HR Chasin His Memory (by Chasin Firewater and out of Go Wilma Dash).
When asked if her horses have any quirks, Shelby said, “I think she (Hot Donna) is perfect! My traveling partners always laugh at me because I always tell her “She’s beautiful, perfect and smart”. Spielman went on to say, “She is quite the character and knows she is my number one. She lets you know when she does or doesn’t like something. She likes a routine and you can always count on her to be waiting at her gate in the pasture when it is time for grain each night.”
What is your background with horses? How did you get started barrel racing?
I have been around horses my whole life. My parents have cattle, so we have always had horses and used them daily. I honestly don’t have a great answer on how I started barrel racing other than it was just an event you did along with every other event when you were a kid.
What is your go to saddle, pad and bit on your main mount? What do you like about them?
I ride in a Martin Stingray. I really like the way this saddle feels and where it places my feet. I use a Classic Equine Saddle Pad with a Hansbosaddle pad liner underneath. And I switch between two Dave Elliot bits depending on if the run is indoor or outdoors.
What is your horses story?
I bought Hot Donna from Jake and Jessie Telford in 2017. One of my great friends, Rainy Robinson, who is Jessie’s great friend as well lined up Hot Donna for me to try. The crazy part is that I drove to Idaho to try a different horse but, in the meantime of waiting to try it, Jessie offered for me to just get on Donna and see if it would even remotely be a fit. I loped Donna through the pattern twice and knew she was special.
We have had ups and downs but she always seems to pull through when I need her to. Having her for 4 years now I know the setups she loves and the ones she hates… so nothing really surprises me as far as when I know she will lay a run down and when she will stand up and take care of herself.
Tell us about the stud horse you've been running this year.
Elvis is 6 years old. He belongs to Robert Benson from Clarendon, Texas. I was extremely thankful to have him with me this year to help Donna out. He really impressed me this summer especially when he won the first rodeo, I ever ran him at. He is so kind and truly tries so hard, which in return makes it easy for me to haul him.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
Rodeo can be hard as far as the mental aspect goes. I always try to tell myself to just let things go how they are going to, and it will either be great, or I will have something to work on. I think its easy to get discouraged but you will never do great things by quitting or letting things defeat you. I think surrounding yourself with winners and watching how they act and carry themselves is a key part in having success.
What does your feed program look like, keeping your horses in peak condition going down the road and even in the off season?
My feed program is simple. My horses stay turned out on grass in a pasture and get oats every evening with each of their supplements.
What do you do to condition your horses leading up to the season, and what does your pre CFR routine consist of?
I am a huge fan of riding out in the field. I love the feeling of long trotting with no end in sight and I think my horses enjoy it as well.
I also send my horses to Coulee Equine for conditioning and am always impressed with the way my horses look and feel each time they come back.
What is the best advice you’ve been given regarding life, rodeo, horses or barrel racing?
Enjoy the ride! I remind myself of this before every single run.
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
Am I allowed to say every run at Calgary this year? Donna completely blew me away with how hard she tried there. She was so confident and in return made me feel like we could do anything that week. That week was just so fun, and I could never repay her for the way she made me feel. She is just the best girl!
What is your favourite barrel racing bloodline, and what do you look for in a prospect?
Well, I have come to realize I really love a Dash Ta Fame. The two horses I rode this summer both have Dash Ta Fame on their papers. As well as two others I had the opportunity to take a spin on, Chic, owned by Colby Bonnett and JFK, owned by Lance Isaak. They all had Dash Ta Fame on their papers, and they were all some of the grittiest horses I have ever rode.
What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?
Colby Bonnett, Mariah Mannering, and lawn chairs. Good traveling partners are a must, and so is somewhere to sit when you are waiting for a rodeo to start.
Favourite Canadian rodeo and why?
My favourite CPRA rodeo will always be La Crete. The committee is amazing, the ground is outstanding, and the crowd is unreal.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance?
I would love to ride Cowboy. Lynette did an amazing job with that horse. I think he might be the fastest horse I have ever watched. They are a great team and make it look so effortless.
Who has been your barrel racing/rodeo mentor and what is something they’ve taught you?
This is a tough question. I have had a lot of great people help me throughout my barrel racing career. Each has given me great knowledge that I use daily.
Being in Canada full time this year I have been able to ride with Colby a lot. I really enjoy watching her work horses and find myself taking things she does and applying them to my own horses.
What are your goals for 2022?
To be honest, I haven’t set any yet… still working on 2021.
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?
I was in Texas most of the summer last year. I gave my horses a break from rodeoing and mainly focused on client horses and young horses that I had. It feels great to be back rodeoing in Canada. Last year was a great reminder to always be thankful for rodeo and the committees that put them on. I am so grateful to be going back to the CFR and even more thankful it’s on my favorite mare.
Thank you to all of my sponsors who make a huge difference in mine and my horses lives. Coulee Equine, Olive Insurance Agency, Cor Vet, Neutrabac Ph, CEP, and Hansbo Sport
