Aubrey Ross CFR 2025

After 39 rodeos, and $14,730.15 in the bank, Aubrey Ross and her horse DOC HICKOK (Hottish x Boonsmall Doctress) aka HotRod, is set for the 51st Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, October 1st-4th, at Rogers Place. This CFR will be a family affair as her brother, Denim Ross competing in the team roping as the number one heeler.

Breakaway interviews are presented by, Crown + Crow Coffee. Good things come to crows who wait. But first, coffee.

What is your main mounts back story; when and where you found him/her, and what was it about this horse that you knew it was destined for great things/what makes them so special?     
HotRod is a 8 year old red roan gelding, I bought him a year and a half ago. The trial went pretty bad, he was really strong. I missed a lot. My brother and Tyce told me not to buy him, but I went back to try him a second time and decided that he had a lot of ability and talent and I needed to own him.

What was your most memorable run this season, and what made it memorable?   
My most memorable run this year was definitely the second go at Ponoka! There was no cooler feeling than running down the lane that fast at such a cool rodeo in Canada.

What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year?  
This year I was riding a different horse. I had some soundness issues with my good horse Valentino, so HotRod had to step up and go everywhere this year.   

What challenges did you face this year, and how did you overcome them?  
This year I did not rope as well as I should have. I let a lot of really good chances slip away between some broken barriers and flat misses. 

How do you keep confidence when things aren't going as planned, or you are in a slump?    
I really made sure I kept practicing lots, making lots of runs, really focusing on just doing my job at the rodeos and going through my check list when I would ride in the box.

Tell readers something good that happened to you this season, other than winning or placing at a rodeo?  
This year my puppy lived through going to Armstrong and Merrit. 

What would be your rough estimate of vet work annually to get to the Canadian Finals Rodeo? Do you know a rough estimate of what it cost (without factoring in truck/trailer cost)  to make a run at the CFR?    
This year it seemed liked thousands. Other years I usually just get a couple injections twice a year, and it’s not that bad. 

What was the best restaurant you stopped at all year? Any hidden gems to mention?
Nothing too crazy. I’m kind of a Tim Hortons girl, I like to keep it pretty simple. 

What is your least favourite part of being on the rodeo road, and what is your favourite?  
I hate driving! But it’s hard to be upset when I love everything about going to a rodeo. 

What therapies are a must have for your horse?  
I had a friend use an EquiPod on my one horse that was coming back from an injury. I found it really helped him to move freely and take any fluid he had out, so I bought one of those right away and use it everyday on all my horses. 

How do you manage to balance life at home/work with life on the road?   
I have really great parents/family that always help make sure everything is looked after when we are all gone rodeoing. 

Who did you travel with this year? Do you have a funny or heart warming story you could share about your time together, or anything you would like to share about them?  
I travelled with Keely Pugh this year, and Denim and Kavis when it worked out. Keely was awesome to rodeo with all year, but we keep in pretty chill, we are more the strong silent type. Kavis and I did manage to get the keys locked in our truck at a gas station in Calgary by my puppy... side note, always keep the keys with you!

How are you preparing for the Canadian Finals Rodeo practise wise? What is your routine like to be ready for Edmonton?  
Roping on any horses I can everyday, roping with other girls to stay sharp, and having very efficient and good quality practices. 

If your horse was an actor/actress in a movie, who would play them, or if your horse was a character from a movie, which character do they remind you of and why? 
HotRod has a very big personality so as an actor I would picture him as Kevin Hart. Very bold, loud, always moving around lots, and always talking with his hands!  

If you could swing a leg over another qualifier's horse, who would it be and why?
I think I would ask Bobbi to jump on Popcorn. I have rode her in the practice pen before and she is easy to score on and to catch on.

Are you a type A or type B breakaway roper? 
I would say I am a type A.  I don’t like being late, I like to make sure my horse is warmed up enough and does everything right loping a circle. I hate being late and I have to make sure I have everything I need just so I’m prepared for anything that could go wrong.  

How many breakaway horses do you currently have in your string?    
Right now I have 3 horses that I would feel very confident taking to the rodeos! 

What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?  
Practice really hard make sure to surround yourself by good people who want to see you succeed and remind yourself that roping is supposed to be fun. 

Thank you to my great support system. My mom and dad, my brothers, Randon and Denim, Kavis, Tyce and my Auntie Jamie and Uncle Neil! Someone is always there to open the chute, drive me somewhere, push a calf or stand in the box, and I appreciate them all! As well, Zestarra, and Rattler to make sure i have everything I need. Ty Corbiell at Corvet is who I use for all my veterinary needs, he helps keeps everyone healthy and sound to go down the road.