Brooke Pomeranz CFR 2025
With $18,345.48 in season earnings, including nearly $7,300 as Reserve Champion at the Ponoka Stampede, Brooke Pomeranz has officially qualified for her second Canadian Finals Rodeo. She and her horse ZBAR BP MR DJ CACTUS aka DJ entered 44 rodeos, placing at 11 to secure 8th 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 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?
I got him as a two year old from Stan Geotz; I just liked him cause he was black. I really didn’t know how good he was going to be! I was young and just picked him out of a pasture.
What was your most memorable run this season, and what made it memorable?
Most memorable run for me was the Ponoka Showdown round with the top four. It is my hometown rodeo, and when I roped my last calf, the crowd was so loud, it was such a great feeling.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year?
This year I was able to put myself in a good position in the standings going into the last few weekends. It was okay when things didn’t go my way, it didn’t feel so stressful.
Also this year I was full time working flat out during the week shoeing horses. At the end of the week, I was so happy to be rodeoing, it felt like a vacation on the weekends. It put it into a good perspective that no matter how it went. I was so happy to be on the trail and not working.
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?
Well all the highs and lows that we all deal with. I had the best week of my life during Cowboy Christmas, and the next weekend I came home to one of my best horses had died. The emotions were so up and down. Overcoming that was tough, but I had no choice to keep my head up, and to keeping roping. I don’t let myself say that, I am ‘in a slump’, there is no such thing. I know I rope good, and I also know it is going to turn around. I think failure is fuel for the next one.
Tell readers something good that happened to you this season, other than winning or placing at a rodeo?
I competed on two of my four year olds in a breakaway futurity in May. These two were special for me, because I started them both ground up and did all the work. I roped all my calves and they showed great.
I also bought a new truck to shoe out, of that was exciting I didn’t have to go shoeing in a little beater car anymore.
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?
Well if you look at how much we make in the standings, know that we don’t have that much in the bank. Most of us break even. Might give you a rough estimate.
What was the best restaurant you stopped at all year? Any hidden gems to mention?
I have to eat gluten free, so this is a struggle for me. I can’t really eat out except for Edo and Bar Burrito. If you want a cool answer maybe check Caitlyn’s answer on this one.
What is your least favourite part of being on the rodeo road, and what is your favourite?
Least favourite, probably the driving and trying to find somewhere I can eat on the road if I don’t pack a meal. Favourite part is everything else! The memories you make, and when you nod your head and rope a good one.
What therapies are a must have for your horse?
I am pretty lucky with ol DJ. He is a tough low maintenance guy. He gets chiropractor work every month about. I love the Streamz magnetic bracelets, and for feed he gets Hoffmans Mineral, with the Elite Ration.
How do you manage to balance life at home/work with life on the road?
I am lucky enough to make my own schedule with what I do. My sister, and my mom help me with baby sitting my dogs, and making me meals to take when I don’t have time.
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 a lot different girls this year.
Some funny things was when Laurie almost set the microwave on fire when she trying heat up noodles in a cup. Or when Willis was racing some cowboys in foot races in La Crete (and winning), or when Quinn was ripping around on an electric bike too hard, and wiped out so hard I thought that might be the end of her. She hit the bike so hard into the ground, it broke the steering.
How are you preparing for the Canadian Finals Rodeo practise wise? What is your routine like to be ready for Edmonton?
I am making sure DJ is feeling his best. I will be practicing on Rio to get more reps in while DJ gets rest, and working on myself to be confident and sharp.
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?
My horse gives Wednesday Adam’s vibes; dark, quiet, not a big personality, but serious about his job
If you could swing a leg over another qualifier's horse, who would it be and why?
Teacher would be cool to ride!
Are you a type A or type B breakaway roper?/
Well, I had to Google what this means, and I think I am Type B; the relaxed and easygoing one.
How many breakaway horses do you currently have in your string?
I have two; DJ, and Rio is a four year old, up and comer.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
If you have a good horse, and you’re confident in your roping and scoring, you already have the tools. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and put in the work during the week, it will come together.
I would like to thank you everyone who has helped me get down the road this year! My family of course for all there support and work they do behind the scenes. And my awesome sponsors:
Threestars Fuel Hauling & Convenience
Jim Nevada with: Tin Haul / Stetsons / Roper
Rocky Acres
Alliance Equine
CN Grain & Cattle
