Caitlyn Dahm CFR 2026
Quick Info
Horse: Gum E Bear, Gummy, Sire CD Blaze- Grand Sire- CD Olena, out of a Smartest Little Cat Daughter
Rodeos entered: 48
Rodeo won: 4
Total earnings: $20,018.89
CFR qualification #: 5
Saddle, Pad, Bit, Rope: Saddle -(Franks) funny story on the saddle.. and don't know if it is appropriate for the internet so if you're curious, ask! Pad (depends on my mood 5 star or Classic equine sensorflex), I ride a square hinge port made by Tristan Mahoney. TM Bits and Spurs. Rope- I change my rope like I change my pants. Everyday it might be something different.
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
What was your most memorable run of the season, and what made it stand out?
I know this rodeo did not count towards the CPRA standings but probably Calgary. Placing amongst the top 15 in the world and realizing your horsepower and your abilities can play with the girls going down the road was a cool experience. I am hoping in the future I can build up my team of horses and try to rodeo some down south.
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of how gritty I stayed. The season started off super slow. I stayed hooked, kept practicing and showing up. One thing about me, I will not quit.
How have you changed as a competitor since your first CFR?
My roping style has changed so much. I used to be the one to go catch. Now, I would rather max out the barrier and throw my rope and try to win first. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes I am trying to win first on a 5th place calf and that doesn't always work either. I am excited to continue working on my horsemanship and my weaknesses as a competitor as the years go on. This event is always evolving!
How has your definition of a good season changed over the years?
If my husband, my horses, and myself are all healthy after a season of rodeoing than that is a good season. I never want to take for granted the things we have been blessed with.
What's the hardest part about chasing the CFR dream that most people don't see?
The hardest part for any rodeo cowboy or cowgirl in my opinion is missing out on birthdays, weddings, baby showers, etc.. Rodeo is a choice I understand, but it is also a huge part of my business. It is easier to sell breakaway horses and get paid for clinics if you are being successful in the arena.
If you weren’t a breakaway roper, what would you be doing instead?
I am fascinated with the working cow horse world. In another life I would work for a trainer and really try to learn the ins and outs/pursue that career.
Do you have any rodeo superstitions?
Hahaha. I am not supposed to have any.. But gosh I hate $50 bills.
Do you prefer the training or competing side of the process more, and why?
I love the training aspect. I have sold every good horse I've ever made. The first rodeos or jackpots when years of training finally get to show off makes me grin ear to ear. However, I do love to rope. Not much of a gambler unless there is a rope in my hand.
What's one part of your horse's care program you refuse to compromise on?
Forage and turn outs. I am very spoiled and I know that. My father-in-law puts up the best alfalfa/grass hay. My horses are fat and shiny with forage/salt/mineral. Also, our horses run in herds kicked out on grass. They stay in shape, learn a pecking order, and get to play.
What goes through your mind in the box before a run?
The only thing I think about is my start. If I try to rope like someone else or ride like someone else it falls apart for me. I need to show up how I rope and how I score and the rest will work itself out.
What are your best tips for mental toughness and handling pressure?
Find confidence in your preparation. If I know that I have been working at it every day and keeping my horse working sharp then I should be ready to show up. I also try to constantly train my weakness at home. I don't practice to feel good, I practice to get better.
When you eventually look back on your rodeo career, what do you hope you remember most?
I hope I remember to thank everyone who has made it possible to chase these dreams. The feeling of a great run and a great horse. But hopefully with this event, we are talking 50 years from now ;)
What do you hope the next generation remembers about you?
I hope they remember I put God first and have a positive light. We are only here to glorify him!
What 3 traits do you look for in a prospect?
Good solid feet, kind eye, short neck, round hip and I want their back feet to over fill the tracks of their front feet (if they are yearlings-2yos I want the top dog in the pasture)
We have touched on you being a bit of a foodie in the past. Do you bake at home and do you have a recipe you would share with us?
YES! I am going to post a Caitlyn's Coffee Shop Chronicles - Where to stop along the CPRA rodeo road for the best coffee and baking. I have a gooood list. I have the BEST chocolate chip recipe that I stole from my coach, Cali Griffin in college <3 (The chronicles are at the bottom of the interview.)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe!
8TBSP Melted Butter
1/2 Cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 TBSP Vanilla (I like Mexican vanilla)
Mix all in bowl
In different bowl
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cornstarch
Mix and combine with wet ingredients
Add 1 and 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Mix with spatula
Then roll dough into big balls (I like bakery style so big and chewy) after rolling into big balls, dip the top of dough ball into a bowl of chocolate chips so the top of dough is covered. Most important part. Chill the dough for at least one hour in fridge before baking, or overnight and bake next day. Bake at 325 for 13-18 mins. Watch your cookies- depends on how big your dough balls are, and your elevation for your time. SECOND MOST IMPORTANT STEP- SPRINKLE SEA SALT OVER EVERY COOKIE RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN. Thank me later.
First, I thank God for this dream he allows me to chase with a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Second, thanks to my Husband Dawson Dahm. He shoes our horses, opens the chute, rides the horses that buck, has helped build our dream indoor, and been my biggest supporter since day one.
Dawson's parents Joe and Sandra Dahm thank you for helping us build the indoor, our road, gravel, feeding horses, calves, dogs, you name it they have looked after it while we have been gone. We would not be able to even think about rodeoing without their support. My parents, Chad Wiswell and Heather Laird from flying in to support us, letting us borrow a trailer for a whole season, investing in prospects, late night calls, and so much more -thank you. Thank you to my Sister-in-law Dr. Brandy Rimmer/Dahm with Highvale Veterinary Services for being on my team all these years!
Thank you Canada for continuing to stand behind Breakaway ropers from more rodeos, added money, and the opportunities. My first CFR was 5 years ago and we only competed in 3 rounds for way less money. So THANK YOU <3
Caitlyns past interviews:
2022 interview
2023 interview
2024 interview
2025 interview
Caitlyn’s Coffee Shop Chronicles along the CPRA rodeo road <3
Starting off strong with the beginning of year at Drayton Valley- “The Bakery” best apple fritters everrrrrr. Coffee is 6/10
Medicine Hat- Station Coffee Co. 8/10
Falkland, BC Okanagan - Market Place 7/10 Good breakfast and good brewed coffee
Golden (on the way to a handful of BC rodeos) Ethos- Hard to get through but worth it (Cati and Madison’s recommendation)
Leduc, AB - Dark Kiss Coffee (Cati and Madison’s recommendation) can get through the drive thru with a horse trailer!!!!
Grande Prairie, AB - Crumbs Cafe and Bake Shop
Rocky Mountain House, AB - Andante Coffee house 6/10 good but took a lonnnnnnngggg time
Innisfail, AB - Athabasca Coffee Roasters
Nanton, AB - Georgie’s Cafe (wish I was sponsored by them…with iced coffee and treats. I stop by anytime I can!!!)
Sundre, AB - Elk and Owl, I like better but also Backwoods Bakery!
High River, AB - Colossi’s
Claresholm, AB - Black Rock BUTTT- Stop at Roy’s for a Cinnamon Roll to go.. The only thing you will regret is not more napkins and some tums because you WILL finish that thing.
Stettler, AB (Cati and madison recommended this one too) Open road - Order the blueberry cobbler latte
Vermilion- Red Brick
Wainwright- HAS PINA COLADAS! mexican food in canada.. This one is goooood - Morales Cocina x Cantina 8/10
Ponoka, AB - Timber Coffee Co 7/10
Valemount - Bo Shamps Bistro - Get the breakfast burrito 10/10 coffee nothing special for syrups but coffee with cream 9/10
Cranbrook, BC Farmers Market!!!!!!! Middle of town 10/10
Lethbridge, AB -Bread, Milk, and Honey So clean 9.5/10
Merritt, BC - Kekuli Cafe (bannock cafe) LOVE this place 20/10 the have saskatoon and apple pie bannock
Vulcan - Ryeteous Cafe- Had GF options too! Very good and fun stop in the little town
Armstrong - Jenalios Authentic Italian Restaurant 10/10 little place on the side of the road good pasta and coffee shop PV Blvd- Homemade Syrups 10/10
La Crete, AB - I know you all know about the homestyle bakery and lunch center- but I had to mention it. Also the Espresso house. A Starbucks with crepes. 10/10
Okotoks - man enter for the slack and go to the kick butt farmers Market. I have never been sad there.. Fresh fruit, coffee, bread, cinnamon rolls, and wood fire pizza 100/10
Everyone is welcome to add their favorites <3 Life is too short for bad coffee and slow horses
