Jayden Wilson CFR 2026
Quick Info
Horse: Fame Is Dynamite, Whiskey, sorrel gelding (Frenchs Hula Guy x Wranglers Dynamite (Doc O Dynamite)
Number of Rodeos entered: 46
Rodeo won or placed high at: 28 (won 3)
Total earnings: $37,141.14
CFR qualification #: 3
Saddle, Pad, Bit: Robbie Phillips, 5 Star, Elliott Spur Up 02 MPC 13
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
What was your most memorable run of the season, and what made it stand out?
Ponoka short go was definitely the most memorable. It started raining when Austyn ran before me, and as they opened the gate it was pouring so hard you could barely see the barrels. Whiskey still went and did his job (with not much help from me lol) and ended up placing 3rd in the round! It definitely was something I've never experienced but was a very memorable run!
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
Just getting back to the CFR is something I will always be proud to accomplish, especially this year. Our year started out with some issues that I just couldn't get figured out, Whiskey still was running good but just not himself. I had been to the vet, ruled out every issue there is but still things just weren't working. Thanks to some help from some great people we were able to work through it, try some different training strategies, and get Whiskey back going like himself again. It definitely challenged me as a rider and I had to not be afraid to ask for help, but I'm proud of what we accomplished this year, and sticking with it with my horse.
Tell us about your time spent south of the border this year, at the winter rodeos you got into as the 2025 Canadian Champion!
This winter I was lucky enough to qualify for Fort Worth and San Antonio rodeos and spent February in Texas for the first time. They were amazing, those rodeos treat the contestants so well! The rodeos themselves were so fun to run at, with sold out crowds in big buildings. It was so cool to experience, and the people were so nice. I was lucky enough to stay with the Fischer's in Texas who were amazing hosts. Overall it was such a great experience and I hope to go back again someday!
How have you changed as a competitor since your first CFR or first year in the CPRA?
Since my first year in the CPRA I definitely think my ability as a rider has improved, and my ability to still compete in all kinds of situations when the stakes are higher. Now having competed everywhere I know what all the pens are like, what the ground is like and have more of a strategy for entering. Now having been to the CFR before I have more of a plan for my run itself, know the setup in the arena and know what to expect that week more than my first time.
What's the hardest part about chasing the CFR dream that most people don't see?
I think the hardest part is the work behind the scenes that people don't see. I think we all see results and highlights from competitors, but don't always see the struggles even the best have. Rodeo definitely can be trying, and when you have 3-4 runs per week you have to be able to turn around and focus on the next quickly, whether it went great or bad. Then there's the things you can't control like the weather (this year you really needed a good mudder!) that can be a challenge all on its own.
What's one quality your horse has that you wish you could bottle and put into every horse?
His heart and consistency. I always know that he will give me everything every run, no matter the conditions, setup or arena. It's hard not to be confident running in when I know exactly what he's going to do every time. But really there's nothing I would change because all his quirks and personality are also what make him great!
Do you have any rodeo superstitions?
I still won't wear yellow, and I won't run with money in my pocket.
Do you prefer the training or competing side of the process more, and why?
There's nothing like competing at a great rodeo with a great crowd, that would probably be my favourite. I do really enjoy the training process also, so getting to compete on a horse that I trained is the best of both.
What's one part of your horse's care program you refuse to compromise on?
Just going that little bit extra for them. He tries so hard every time, the least I can do is try and make things easier for him. Whether it's a little extra walking when stalled, bringing shavings everywhere (Whiskey loves his shavings) or just paying attention to what he needs.
What goes through your mind in the alley before a run?
Just trying to keep it simple and think about my approach to first, just one barrel at a time. I try not to think about what's coming too much at this point, because I should have prepared enough before now. And as I'm running in always send him hard when I'm running Whiskey!
What are your best tips for mental toughness and handling pressure?
For me, the biggest thing that I find helps in situations where there's more pressure is always having a plan. I feel much more prepared to handle pressure when I know that I've done my homework, and prepared myself and my horse to the best of my ability. And with that, I know what to do if things don't go perfectly and you have to make a quick change of plan.
When you eventually look back on your rodeo career, what do you hope you remember most?
I hope to remember the experiences. The last two years I've tried to go to some new places and go experience every rodeo I can. I think those are what I'll remember most. The cool places, nice people everywhere and running in some fun atmospheres are the things that will stick with me.
What do you hope the next generation remembers about you, aside from being a Canadian Champion?
I hope they remember me as a good person most of all. Someone who loves her horses and the sport, and is always willing to help out when I can.
I have so many people I can say thank you to. My family who always is my biggest supporters. Chad Hewlett and Travis Kelter at Energy Equine. Tyler Thomson turned my whole spring around with his help with Whiskey. Jodie Jamieson for always being there with advice and tips. My sponsors Flair Equine, XLR8 Equine, Simply Straw, Strathmore Motor Products, Marketing with Shelby for everything they do. And all the committees for all they do to give us these great places to compete.
Jayden’s Past Interviews :
