Smooth runs and fast times

Welcome to the 8th edition of The Arena Feed!

It was a profitable weekend in barrel racing land if you were in the money at the Yellow Rose Futurity and Derby. With go rounds and averages paying over $4000 to win, LTE’s were moving up quick.

The futurity average was won by Kirsty White and R Ace Of Spades who we have previously interviewed. Listen to that interview here.
Second in the average was Krystal Grad on CD Decked In Gold. We didn’t interview Krystal on this specific horse, but you can read her previous interview here. 

In the Derby, it was Bailee Switzer with a clean sweep. Learn more about her and her mare Unleashedsumtrouble in the interview below.
Taking second in the derby average was Jayden Wilson and Fame Is Dynamite.
Complete Yellow Rose Results can be found on their FB page HERE.

On the pro rodeo trail Taylor-Jane Gardner and her stallion A Frenchmans Ledoux took their first pro rodeo win in Coleman and split ¾ in Drayton Valley. The CPRA did a nice interview with her to celebrate her big weekend. You can read that HERE

The win in Drayton Valley went to Brooke Wills and her seasoned mare Fames To Blame. We hear from Brooke below.
 
Welcome to all the new subscribers and thank you to everyone here already that’s been sharing and reading. You’re appreciated.

In this issue:
➡From The Arena Floor: Interviews with Bailee Switzer and Brooke Wills
➡Upcoming Events & Deadlines
➡Featured horse
➡Road Apples - tidbits from around the web
➡Featured Ranch
➡Mindset Minute with Michelle
➡Meme of the week

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From The Arena Floor with Bailee Switzer

Bailee Switzer and her mare Unleashedsumtrouble had a clean sweep of the Yellow Rose Derby in Claresholm, AB May 3rd and 4th. They won both rounds of the derby, won the average and also claimed the open win taking home almost $13,000 before any incentive money.

Thanks Bailee for taking the time to share with us readers of The Arena Feed!

Tell us about Unleashedsumtrouble.   Who bred her, who owns her, who started her, who has been training er and what she is like to be around. 

Billy and Marci Laye, who own LDS Unleashed, had sold a mare in foal to Bonnie and Nick Pana and Nicole (Pana) Hicks and "Babe" is the result. They started her and Nicole trained her for barrels and ran her during her 5 year old year and winter of her 6 year old year. I know she was disappointed she didn't get to show her as much as she would have liked because she cut her leg during her futurity season that year, but she certainly put her magic touch on her and made such a nice solid horse. I got the chance to own her this time last year. Personality wise, she is sweet to me, but she is most definitely the boss alpha mare. She is sensitive, has a lot of go, and is fairly "opinionated", so we work with those qualities and do our best to keep her happy!

Bailee, tell us about yourself.   Where you're from, how long you've been barrel racing for and what you do when you're not barrel racing. 

I am from Aneroid, SK. I have been residing in Arizona for the last 4 years while I went back to university to get a nursing degree and worked as an RN there the last couple years. I've been barrel racing since I was little, so for probably 30 years, and I couldn't imagine my life without a horse in it.

What has been your training and fitness program to get your horse ready for the season?   

I've been fortunate that I haven't had a winter off season since I have been in Arizona for the last several years and the off season there is in July. She gets rode or ponied 5-6 days per week and pattern work maybe once a week. This winter I would try to compete once a week to keep fit, sharp, and have some timing down on my part. She got about a month break from competition when I left Arizona the end of March. I think we have both really enjoyed the wide open spaces up here in Canada and getting to just ride out of the yard and go for miles.

Tell us about your gear setup for your horse.   What are you riding in for a saddle, pad, bit etc?  Shoes or no shoes?

For headgear, she runs in the Stevi shank Boutin Bit, with a three piece mouthpiece that has a chain in the middle, and a loose cord curb strap. I've added a loosely adjusted Kim Smith Magic Tiedown which I really like the feel of. I ride in a treeless Bob Marshall Sports Saddle with a Tacktical felt pad. She has steel rims on all fours.

And how about his feeding and maintenance plan? 

Stanton Equine Veterinary team keeps her feeling her best along with Kay Dee Munns-Olson osteopathy and Trevor Duhon farrier work in Arizona. She is on grass pasture, alfalfa hay, and alfalfa cubes, along with Purina Ultium Gastric Care and Platinum Performance GI. I also feed Race Today and Equilytes powder and paste from Vetline.

What are your competition plans for the rest of the year?

I plan to go to the CPRA rodeos with her and whichever derbies or big races work with that schedule.

Do you have anyone you'd like to thank or sponsors we can promote for you? 

"Mom and Dad, best sponsors I ever had"
I don't have any sponsors but I really appreciate the team of people that go above and beyond to keep my horses feeling their best and my family and friends for all their words of encouragement and support in the highest of highs and lowest of lows. My mom has been my biggest cheerleader and #1 fan for literal decades and she deserves the biggest thanks. I am thankful to be back in Canada with the opportunity to attend so many high paying, well-run events and rodeos made possible by sponsors, producers, breeders, associations, committees, and volunteers. Last but not least, thanks "Babe".

From The Arena Floor with Brooke Wills

Brooks Wills came out on top at the Drayton Valley CPRA rodeo this past weekend winning $3825.99. Congratulations Brooke and thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for inquiring minds!

Tell us about your horse.  What's her registered name?   Who bred her, who owns her, who started her , who has been training her and what she is like to be around. 

Fames To Blame “Famey” is a 14 year old mare sired by Lions Share of Fame and out of SX Frenchman’s Peach. She was bred by Carisa Shearer and Stephanie Wheeler. Brian Wheeler trained and Futuritied her and later sold her to Ivy Saebens. They both had a ton of success on her. I purchased her in 2018 and she’s been with me ever since. Famey has an all business attitude. She doesn’t like to be messed with and She lets you know what she likes and doesn’t like but she loves to run barrels and has one of the biggest hearts. She never lets you down.

Tell us about yourself.   Where you're from, how long you've been barrel racing for and what you do when you're not barrel racing. 

I currently live in Dawson Creek. I’ve been riding since I was 2 years old and I’ve never stopped. When I’m not barrel racing, I like to work on our place or go see family and friends or spend time on the river.

What has been your training and fitness program to get your horse ready for the season?   

I gave Famey 2 months off after the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals which is the most I’ve ever given her so it was really important to make sure she was in good shape before I started running her. I spent 2 months in Arizona exercising her and then when I finally felt she was ready, then I got to take her to 2 jackpots. I ride for 12 minutes but each day is different with how long I walk/trot/lope but always no longer than 12-15 minutes and I’ll usually do a sprint interval day as well. This changes a bit when rodeo season is busy and she makes more runs but it’s something I love to follow.

Tell us about your gear setup for your horse.   What are you riding in for a saddle, pad, bit etc?  Shoes or no shoes?

I ride in a Woodys Saddle. Professional Choice saddle pad. She runs in a Kerry Kelly Ticket bit without a chin strap. I’ll exercise at home in an Flaharty Hackamore. And she has Aluminum wedges on the front and barefoot behind.

And how about his feeding and maintenance plan? 

Famey gets really good Alfalfa at home and on the road. She loves food. For grain she gets beet pulp, cool stance coconut meal, platinum performance and dermal support and Equinity. And then Every year she does a EPM/ dewormer cleanse from Old West Holistic Co. She gets Magnawave sessions a couple times a week, and lots of cookies! I spoil her haha. Fameys vet is Ty Corbiell with Cor Vet Services and he sees her every couple of months to make sure all is well.

What are your competition plans for the rest of the year?

I’m lucky that Famey has put me in a position that I can pick and choose what rodeos to go to. I know what she likes and doesn’t like and I usually skip lots of the spring rodeos because they’re too far away. We go to the close ones in May and then June gets very busy.

Do you have anyone you'd like to thank or sponsors we can promote for you?   

Thank you to:
Cor Vet Services
XLR8 Canada
Pro Earth Animal Health Canada
Tim Cooper Custom Hats.

Upcoming Events:

If you want YOUR event listed free, please reply to this email or use the “hot tips” form on the website. Everyone is welcome to help me out and submit events whether you’re the producer or contestant. ;)

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The 20th Twirl and Whirl in Brooks, AB set their dates for September 19-21st and announced $15,000 added. Info here

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I started a spreadsheet with many of Western Canada’s barrel races listed including 4 Provinces. It is a work in progress, please send changes or additions. Have a look HERE

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Use this post to buy and sell slots for the Red White and Gold Slot race in Biggar, SK

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Find info on each of the Canadian Barrel Futurities Events HERE

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Supernova Productions announced a move from Wetaskiwin, to Red Deer - Westerner Park for their event The Big Bang Aug 5-10, 2025

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The Calgary Stampede Ladies Barrel Racing Qualifier will be June 10 &11, 2025 at the Nutrien Western Event Centre. Competitors will have the opportunity to run for a chance at competing at the 2025 Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Entries Open April 15th and Close May 15th. Enter HERE
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CBHI announced and exciting 2D Slot Race to be added to their weekend. More info HERE The CBHI Flagship event is October (9TH-12TH) 2025 in Ponoka, AB. The have indicated this event and their approved race derby age is continuing to be 7 & under.
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The Rope & Race in Brandon, MB is scheduled for May 23-25. More on their FB page here. It is CBHI approved.

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The Prestige Barrel race is also noted as CBHI approved and scheduled for June 21-22 in Brandon, MB. There is a post running for those wanting to buy and sell slots. FB page here.

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Don’t Give A Buck Barrel Race and Roping is slated for May 17-19 in Virden, MB. The event kicks off with a wedding fundraiser jackpot for Janet and Ory, on the 18th, the 7th annual Don’t Give A Buck Barrel Racing $2500 WF approved JP in the 18th, concluding with a fundraiser team roping.

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Royal Crown Canada is back to Claresholm. Alberta 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟲-𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 With $𝟐𝟎𝟕,𝟓𝟎𝟎 added over the 6 days. Late fees now apply but you can enter right up to the event They run an open race as well as the signature events for Royal Crown Stallion eligible offspring. There are no late fees to the warmup jackpot.
Listen to our previous Royal Crown Canada interview in the last issue HERE.

Presented by: Rodeoclassifieds.com

RodeoClassifieds.com is 25 years young this year! To celebrate we are having an ad sale. Post now, pay later.  Free upfront, pay only if we have helped to sell your horse. Stallions and businesses only after 500 views. Post today, pay later.

🍎Road Apples - tidbits from around the web this week

🍎A Facebook user Dwayne wrote an informative post on fire safety for trucks and trailers that’s worth reading. HERE

🍎 Here’s a video demonstrating the Madigan Squeeze that I hope none of us need for our foals this spring but here it is if you need it.

🍎 Alliance Equine shared some pictures of a handy velcro hack for trailers. I’ve done this in my barn too and love it. See here.

🍎 Sharing this good foaling essentials and pH testing post from Elders Equine again so you have it handy if you need it HERE

Featured Ranch

Would you like your ranch or business featured? We’d love to promote yours, get in touch.

Mindset Minute with Michelle Davey

2 Good Things
There will always be something you wish you would have done different or something that went “wrong” in your run. But before you get into analyzing and picking things apart, it’s a good habit to look for the good first. As soon as your run is complete, make it a habit of finding “2 good things”.
We all have had those runs where it could be a stretch to find something good, but if you stayed on, your horse went in flat footed and your shirt stayed buttoned that could be the win. After you’ve found two good things, instead of picking things apart, have the mindset of finding what you can learn from what happened and what you’re going to work on before the next run. Perspective and your approach to things that didn’t go the way you hoped can make or break you. You are the architect of your mind and the conversations you have with yourself. Be mindful of the script you’re using and use one that supports yourself and builds you up for the next one rather than tearing you down. There’s no “good” and “bad” list. There’s the good and what you’re going to do different next time plan.

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Until next week,

Michelle