Bradi Whiteside CFR 2025
Bradi Whiteside is the number one cowgirl in the breakaway roping standings. She and the 2022/2023 Horse of the Year, Hott For Teacher (Spots Hot x Docs Stylish Oak mare), aka Teacher, (owned by Ben Bamford) won $38,325.16 in the regular season, after entering 40 rodeos, winning eleven rodeos, with three being split wins. Bradi also took home $22,841.23 in barrel racing, finishing 15th, to bring her season total to $61,166.00. With these results, she has earned the prestigious number one back number at the 51st Canadian Finals Rodeo. This is Bradi’s fourth CFR Breakaway Roping Qualification, and her 8th overall.
Breakaway interviews are presented by, Crown + Crow Coffee. Good things come to crows who wait. But first, coffee.
What does it mean to you to be wearing the number one back number at CFR51?
Receiving the number one back number is very special to me and was also unexpected which I believe made it that much more exciting. Thankful for my horses that I rode this season to help me achieve this!
How does it feel to be the 2025 Ladies Breakaway Roping Season Leader?
Season leader has been a goal, I am proud to have been able to accomplish this goal against a tough group of ladies! I wouldn’t be able to do it without the two horses I got to ride this season.
What was your most memorable run this season, and what made it memorable?
Armstrong Tour Finals, both my runs at the Tour Finals are my most memorable for a couple reasons, one being they were 2 of the best runs I got put together this year and secondly, Armstrong atmosphere is so fun!
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year?
The reason this year was different for me is because I rode Rico a 6 year old of mine at quite a few rodeos, compared to past years I stayed on Teacher for all the rodeos.
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?
Every rodeo season challenges are thrown at you. I had my fair share of challenges this year from keeping horses sound to being in a slump. Being thrown these challenges you have to be mentally strong and find the positives. Thinking positive and believing in yourself helps a ton even sometimes when it feels hard to do.
Tell readers something good that happened to you this season, other than winning or placing at a rodeo?
I feel one of the best things that happened for me this summer is when I stepped away from the rodeos one Saturday and went to the Breeders Elite, where Riddle won the Showdown for $27,000.
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?
I have never added it up and not sure I want to, haha!
What was the best restaurant you stopped at all year? Any hidden gems to mention?
Kylie and I never eat out at restaurants while on the road. Always fast food or eating in the trailer.
What is your least favourite part of being on the rodeo road, and what is your favourite?
My favourite part is the memories you get to make and doing what I love, my least favourite would be, being away from home.
What therapies are a must have for your horse?
I use Back on Track products, Equiscope (Alexi Oborne) and Shockwave!
How do you manage to balance life at home/work with life on the road?
I’m really thankful for my parents, and Ben for taking care of all the horses at home while on the road, things would be much harder without them.
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 travel with Kylie every weekend, it’s great to have a built in traveling partner and always someone to talk things over with.
How are you preparing for the Canadian Finals Rodeo practise wise? What is your routine like to be ready for Edmonton?
Lots of practice and making sure I’m practicing for a purpose! Also working on my mental preparation.
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?
I’d say Baloo off of The Jungle Book, because his happy, loving and care taking characteristics.
If you could swing a leg over another qualifier's horse, who would it be and why?
I really like Bobbi’s horse Popcorn.
Are you a type A or type B breakaway roper?
I would probably be a type A.
How many breakaway horses do you currently have in your string?
I have 2 that I rodeo on, then a couple younger ones.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
Find someone that has been there and done that to give you any advice that you may need when entering or travelling to the rodeos. To be able to achieve your goals you have to work hard to allow them to become a reality. Horsepower is also very important.
Thank you to my amazing sponsors Canyon Rigging, Back On Track, Eberglo, BI Canada.
Thank you to my parents, and to Ben for letting me ride his horses. Also. a thank you to my vets that helped keep my horses feeling good.
Thank you to all the sponsors and committees that have made it possible for breakaway to become what it has.
