Toni Dixon CFR 2015
Millarville, Alberta resident Toni Dixon is having quite the year! This is her first ever Canadian Finals Rodeo Qualification, and she has also qualified to go to RFD-TV’s The AMERICAN Semi-Finals in Fort Worth Texas, with hopes of moving on to run at The AMERICAN in Arlington, Texas for the One Million dollar prize!!! Also this year Dixon competed at the Senior Pro Rodeo Finals in Claresholm, Alberta where she won 1st and 3rd. I was able to interview Toni in September for her large added money jackpot she produced, The Calgary Barrel Classic, which was a GREAT success! Toni comes to Edmonton sitting in 6th with $19,995.34 made after competing at 39 CPRA rodeos, on her two horses Jig French Truckle ( RNJ Heckofafrenchman going back to Frenchmans Guy X Dat Fur Bunny going back to Sail on Bunny) aka “Muffin” the 11 year old Sorrel Mare, and Guys R A Mystery (Frenchmans Guy X Disarray who is out of Dash Ta Fame) aka “Sherlock” the chocolate palomino, 6 years old.
Do they have any quirks?
Muffin doesn’t like her cinch to be too tight if I am saddling her on cement. She worries and fusses. When I am doing up her cinch she likes to bite into the air. It is her ritual to act like a big tough racehorse. Guys R A Mystery (Sherlock) when saddling him he wiggles around then he does one big paw.
How would you describe their style?
Muffin is the type of horse that really engages her powerful hind end around her barrels. She gets low and is very smooth in her runs. Sherlock runs very similar to Muffin. When I was looking for a second horse a year ago, I wanted a horse with a similar style to Muffin.
Who will be your main mount during the CFR?
Jig French Truckle aka “Muffin”.
Has your routine changed with them as you prepare for CFR?
I gave her a few days off after a long season. My main plan is to keep her fit, lots of hill work and fitness work. Not too much barrel work. If I do barrel work I mainly concentrate on slow work. For me, I go to the gym and work out to keep myself fit.
What has been your favorite Canadian rodeo this year and why?
Armstrong. I love the energy in the arena. The crowd loves rodeo and you can feel their energy. It is a difficult arena for a lot of horses. Some rodeos you can see into the arena when you are waiting for your turn but you cannot see inside this arena at all for the gate in is tall and solid. Running into the arena at full tilt to the first barrel with the crowd super engaged is really an amazing feeling!!!! I also love Ponoka. It is an amazing rodeo. The biggest rodeo I have competed in. The crowd, energy, atmosphere is wonderful. There are many distractions being such a big rodeo, with lots going on. I enjoy the challenge to really test my focus.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given regarding barrel racing?
Mary Walker stayed at our place the first time a few years ago for 6 weeks. We have become great friends. She gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to strive forward to achieve my goals and dreams.
Any words of advice to those who want to chase the CFR dream?
Don’t give up. Never give up on your dreams, I am a goal oriented person. I like to set realistic goals and work towards them. One has to build on their goals. Once you have reached your goal, set more. Don’t get in a hurry. The best things in life are worth being patient for. I am in my mid 50’s and it is a dream come true for me to go to the CFR!!
What are your favorite pair of cowboy boots & favorite lipstick?
I really like my Ariat boots that I use to rodeo in. My Lane boots are my favorite for going out in. My favorite lipstick is by Bobbi Brown, Soft Berry.
