Bobbi Henderson CFR 2025

Bobbi Henderson has qualified for her second Canadian Finals, with her great horse Gray Ashes Olena ( CD Ben x Zans Dondi Jo), aka Popcorn!

She and Popcorn had a great east run, winning Morris, Manitoba, and Kennedy, Saskatchewan, as well as Medicine Hat and Taber. Together, they won $24,751.17, to qualify for her second CFR in fourth position in the regular season standings!

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

What’s 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?
GRAY ASHES OLENA, aka Popcorn, has been nothing but a blessing to me. I got her in 2022 from Tee McLeod. The funny part is, I was only supposed to be riding her for Tee at first. But my Papa Gord really liked her and kept asking me if Tee would sell her. At the time, I wasn’t sure I needed another horse—and my mom was certain I didn’t need one!

Papa Gord always had an eye for the good ones, though. Before I even knew it, he and Tee had worked out a deal, and I just kept on riding her. When Mom realized that Papa Gord and I had gone ahead and bought her, she wasn’t exactly thrilled. But we knew it wouldn’t take long for her to see what we already did—and sure enough, within a couple of days, Mom recognized Popcorn’s potential, her sweet personality, and her huge heart.

Fast forward to now, This mare stepped up in a big way for me. She was exactly the horse I needed to take my roping to the next level. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden a horse who loves her job as much as Popcorn does, or who is so naturally athletic.

What makes her most special to me, is that I wouldn’t have her without Papa Gord—without his good eye for horses and his persistence when others said we didn’t need another one. She was the last horse we got to buy together before he passed away, and that memory makes her priceless to me. Popcorn has not only helped make my dreams come true, but she’s also carried forward the goals and hopes that Papa and I shared. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

What was your most memorable run this season, and what made it memorable?
First off, I want to thank every rodeo committee that added breakaway and put up the money they did. Breakaway is growing every year, and it’s so exciting to watch. None of this would be possible without those committees supporting and including the event.

My most memorable run this season would have to be getting the chance to run one down the alley at Ponoka. Growing up, watching that rodeo was always one of my favorites, and the idea of actually running down that famous alley didn’t feel realistic until this year when they added breakaway. The feeling of backing into the box and looking down that long score was absolutely electric — it was definitely one of the highlights of my year. Popcorn adapted to that setup so well and made it such a fun experience.

I can’t thank the Ponoka Stampede enough for making this dream a reality. All of us breakaway ropers are so thankful, and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow. A big thank-you to the sponsors for supporting breakaway and helping make opportunities like this possible.

What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year? 
Honestly, as much as I’d like to say it was a perfect year, I felt like I struggled more this season than I ever have before. I wasn’t roping as consistently as I was the previous year. I came off winning the circuit finals and the first rodeo of the year, but after that, I couldn’t seem to catch a calf to save my life.

I kept going, hammered some things out at home, and switched back to the same ropes I was using last year. Just as things were improving my good horse, Popcorn, got hurt at Ponoka and was out for a couple short weeks. I didn’t have anything seasoned at home, so I started breakaway roping on my boyfriend’s futurity horse, she worked really well so I decided to take her to a couple of rodeos. Even though I didn’t win any money or catch every calf on her, I was super happy with how she handled everything — and very thankful Tee let me take her.

Once I got Popcorn back, things started to click again. I really focused on my mental game, and that turned things around for me. This year taught me that good horses only last for so long, so you can never take them for granted.

What challenges did you face this year, and how did you overcome them? How do you keep confidence when things aren't going as planned, or you are in a slump? 
I touched on some of my struggles in the previous question, but this year definitely didn’t go the way I had planned. One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to be okay with the outcome, no matter what it was. I had to remind myself that all I can do is my job to the best of my ability — and whatever happens, happens.

I think surrounding yourself with people who are mentally tough makes a huge difference. My boyfriend Tee has one of the strongest mental games of any one I know, and I really strive to have that same mindset. He always reminds me that you can’t go back in time — the only option is to go home, practice, improve, and keep trying. That perspective helps pick me up and gives me a fresh outlook when I back in the box for the next run.

With all the time I spent in the truck this year, I listened to a lot of podcasts on the mental game. Podcasts were the best way to kill time and add new tools to my toolbox. 

Tell readers something good that happened to you this season, other than winning or placing at a rodeo? 
Last August , a very special little cowboy came into my life. It all started when his mom reached out to me about giving him roping lessons and of course, I said yes. She then shared his story with me—that he had brain cancer, a similar type of cancer that we recently lost my uncle to. I saw Sull’s scar and realized it was identical to my uncle’s and in that moment, it was clear that life has a way of bringing people into your path that you didn’t even know you needed.

Fast forward, and we became very close. Sull was like a little brother to me, and he taught me so many lessons in life—things you’d never expect to learn from a child. We went to Vegas together, spent countless hours roping the dummy, and more than a few sleepovers. I’ll be forever thankful that he came into my life, even if only for a short time, because his impact on me was greater than words can ever fully describe.

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? 
That’s a tough question, because there’s really no way to put an exact number on it. The cost varies so much between contestants, depending on their event and the kind of program they run. At the end of the day, it almost feels priceless, because it’s not just dollars—it’s everything you pour into it.

For me, the expenses add up fast: truck payments, horse maintenance, entry fees, fuel, and countless other things. But the biggest takeaway is how thankful I am for the support I have around me. My sponsors are truly what keep me on the road and able to chase this dream. My vet, Allie Hiemstra, has been a huge blessing this year—always just a phone call away and making sure my horses feel their best. And having Jones Boys Western Wear only 25 minutes away means I can always grab what I need, whether it’s for my horses or myself.

At the end of the day, my sponsors are the reason I can keep my head above water and make a run at the CFR.

What was the best restaurant you stopped at all year? Any hidden gems to mention?
We stopped at the Cactus Club in B.C., and when we first walked in, I thought it was way too fancy and wouldn’t have anything I’d like. But they ended up having the best chicken fingers and fries hands down lol. 

What is your least favourite part of being on the rodeo road, and what is your favourite?
My favourite part of being on the road is getting to see all the different places we travel to for rodeos, and of course, seeing everyone every weekend, I’m definitely a social butterfly lol. 

My least favourite part would be being away from home so much. It can be hard to keep everything balanced. 

What therapies are a must have for your horse? 
I like to keep things super simple with my horses and not overcomplicate it. My parents have a Bemer blanket that I’ll use once in a while if my horses are feeling a little muscle sore, and I do think it helps. I also have an XLR8 blanket that I love because it’s so convenient to throw on them in the trailer or while they’re standing tied. As for supplements, I don’t feed any, but I do use rice bran and beet pulp, and Hoffmans is a huge staple in our barn. At the end of the day, I believe a simple, solid feed program and a good vet are the real keys.

How do you manage to balance life at home/work with life on the road?
My family are the ones who keep the wheels turning and hold me accountable in so many ways. Growing up, my dad really helped me see the business side of things—not just the “living the dream” mindset—because life on the road can get tough and busy. It’s easy to forget that you still need a roof over your head and a future plan, since rodeo alone can’t provide everything. I truly believe that having a strong team and setting realistic goals is what keeps me motivated.

My mom is incredible—she’s always just a phone call away, whether I’m coming off a slump or simply need advice in all aspects of life. On top of that, I’m a hairstylist and run my own salon, which gives me a pretty flexible schedule, and my mom helps a lot there too. I’m so grateful to my amazing clients who understand how busy the summers can be, and I can’t thank them enough for always supporting me. 

Times like this encourage me to share my appreciation for my family and their support, but they deserve it every single day. 

I also take on client horses throughout the year, which is something I really enjoy. Every horse is different and comes with their own goals. Having the opportunity to work with such great horses keeps things refreshing and an opportunity to keep working on my own horsemanship. 

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’ve always been a bit of a gypsy over the last couple years when it comes to traveling. 

Lawrie Saunders lives down the road from me, and we get along really well. We practice together all year long, and when we’re drawn up, we’ll often travel together. I really enjoy being on the road with her and truly look up to her. She’s one of those people with an incredibly strong mental game—always in your corner, lifting you up through the highs and the lows.

This summer, during the North Run, I got some really tough news about a little boy I was very close with who had passed away. I honestly believe Lawrie was the reason I managed to stay on my feet and keep going. She pushed me, supported me, and was there exactly when I needed her. Her whole family has been such a blessing in my life as I’ve grown up.

I think it benefits my own game to be surrounded by traveling partners who are not only competitive, but also humble, supportive, and always there for you no matter what.

How are you preparing for the Canadian Finals Rodeo practise wise? What is your routine like to be ready for Edmonton?
This year looks a little different compared to last year. I’m going to focus more on having my horse fire out of the corner and in the field. Last year at CFR, I felt like I really focused on having perfect practices and making sure my horse was scoring like a shot dog. But with how fast the setup in Edmonton was, I don’t think I set myself or her up for success like I could have.

I’m also going to take advantage of my practice horses and rope for myself on those ones. I think practicing with other girls always helps too—nothing like a friendly, competitive practice!

If you could swing a leg over another qualifier's horse, who would it be and why?
The breakaway world has grown so much, and so has the horsepower. I think it’s really cool to sit back and watch everyone’s horses, the way they work, and all the different styles they bring.

If I could swing a leg over one, I’d have to go with the Whitesides’ horse, Teacher. That horse is a freak and so good at his job. His style is one of my favorites—he’s so fast out of the corner and just looks so predictable every time. Plus, both Bradie and Kylie can make any horse look good. They’re so handy and talented, and I honestly wish to be like them when I grow up!

Are you a type A or type B breakaway roper?
I asked a couple of friends this question, and most of them said I’m definitely type B, which made me laugh. I’d say that’s pretty accurate — I’m not usually too worried about showing up on time, and it seems I’d rather be late than early. We call that “Henderson time.” I’m also not afraid to keep a few different ropes in my bag. That being said, when I’m traveling on my own, I have to tap into a little more type A to make sure everything gets done the way it needs to.

How many breakaway horses do you currently have in your string?
I have my good mare, Popcorn, and I recently purchased a four-year-old roan that I’ve been starting in the breakaway. On top of that, I like to steal a few of Tee’s horses to rope on, and my sister Harleigh has a really nice six-year-old mare she lets me rope on as well. So, we’re never short of breakaway horses around here!

What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
My best advice is to realize right away that making the CFR isn’t something you can do on your own. It might start with your dream, but it takes a strong support system both emotionally and financially to see it through. The people closest to you have to be on board, because rodeo is a commitment for everyone, not just the competitor. Surround yourself with good mentors and people who are willing to guide you; that kind of knowledge and encouragement is invaluable. And don’t overlook the role of sponsors, whether it’s personal backing or companies like CVS Controls that invest so much into roping, they’re a big part of what makes our sport sustainable. At the end of the day, it takes a whole team to get you there, so be prepared to build yours and lean on them.

It truly takes a village, and I’m lucky to have one of the best. My family has been in my corner every step of the way, and their support means the world to me.

I want to extend my gratitude to every committee member, judge, volunteer, and rodeo sponsor who helps make each event possible. To every other breakaway roper what a great group of girls to rope with. You girls make the sport both competitive and fun, and it’s amazing to see how hard everyone works to keep our event growing.

And of course, to my sponsors—your support allows me to chase this dream. I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and standing behind me all season long.

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