Jessica Gunsch CFR 2026
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
Quick Info
Horse:
CR DRIFTS JA BAR, Doc, Fintry Driftwood Ike x Bar F Chantell Rey
10 years old. Owned by Jim Gunsch - Dad
Number of Rodeos entered:44
Total earnings: $17,759.07
CFR qualification #: 1
Saddle, Pad, Bit, Rope:
Jones Boys Trophy Saddle I won 2018
Professional Choice
S shanked square hinged port
Rattler 9.5 Viper
What is your main mount's 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?
My Dad bought Doc from Breeder Rick Borgen when he was 4 years old. My Dad did all the training on him to be a heel horse first then he decided he might make a good rodeo horse because he has so much try to do whatever you ask of him. Doc took a little bit of time to get seasoned, but this year he turned a new leaf and became a complete “pet of a rodeo horse” as my dad says. Nothing phased him, and his want to just do whatever you asked really showed, especially at the last rodeos when I needed a big win to get into the CFR.
What's one quality your horse has that you wish you could bottle and put into every horse?
Doc is very easy going and just goes with the flow. You want to take him by himself, or travel with 4 other people? He doesn’t care. He’s just up for whatever you ask of him, and it makes my job easier not having to stress that he’s uncomfortable on the road.
How does it feel to have qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, and what are you most excited for? Take us back to the moment you realized you had officially qualified. What happened?
I'm so grateful, and a bit nervous. I'm most excited to just experience it all, and have my friends and family there to cheer me on. I think part of me still is in shock that I qualified, as it was at the last possible opportunity. After I broke out in Merritt on the drive back to Armstrong, I started to figure out the math in my head, and I knew I likely had to be top two in the short go at Armstrong. I drew a pretty good calf, so I knew I had a chance. After I roped my calf, and Brett announced the time, and I knew I got out at the barrier, it started to dawn on me that it might be working out. When it was over and I rode out of the arena, my boyfriend came over and gave me the biggest hug and said, “you did it.” That’s when it really set in that I made it.
What was your most memorable run this season, and what made it memorable?
I would have to say that short go run in Armstrong was the most memorable. Just hearing all the cheering and knowing I pulled off a big win with so much pressure. But a very close second would have been my run in Strathmore, as it changed my whole summer into a position of being confident that I had a chance to win against all the super tough ropers up here, but also maybe make the CFR.
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 struggled a lot with my confidence with my start at the barrier. I would say I'm an overthinker, and I like to make it more complicated than it should be for myself. Especially between Strathmore and Armstrong, it seemed like I either broke out or was way to late. So I really went back to the practice pen, and went back to basics on my roping. Then I had the realization that I was trying too hard to make runs develop faster than they could, since I was feeling the pressure of needing to win to try make CFR. Before Armstrong, my Dad told me something I kept going back to. "Just make the run you can whatever is going to happen after that is out of your control."
If you could swing a leg over another qualifier's horse, who would it be and why?
Caitlyn Dahm's Gummy definitely would be one that I think would be really fun to rope off of! She always has such nice horses and he is so responsive and tries so hard for her every run. He also handles any set up you can run one down or be super fast on him.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
Find what works for you and be confident in how you do it. I would also say, surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed its hard to stay positive in the lows when your surroundings are in a negative vibe.
What goes through your mind in the alley/box before you nod?
Just a quick reminder to get my arm up and throw at the shoulders.
Do you have a pre-run routine that helps you get into the right mindset?
I have a little bit of a routine, but I mainly just focus on what I can do to make sure my horse is ready and comfortable, especially if were in a loud performance.
Who has been in your corner the most this season, and what have they done to help you get here?
I don't think there is one person I can give all the credit to for helping me because I have a few that definitely kept me going when times got hard. My parents deserve special shout out, they have always been in my corner since the start they make sure we can keep going, and keep the spirits positive. My sister, Ashley was also a great help, as we travel together so we could bounce ideas off each other, and help remember what calves did at past rodeos. My boyfriend, and a couple close friends were also there to help build confidence after bad runs, or get prepared for the next with words of encouragement, or what I could do to improve.
Do you have any rodeo superstitions?
I have some, they’re not very extravagant. I don't like putting my hat on the bed, and I have shirts that I think are luckier than others.
Was there ever a point where you seriously considered walking away? What kept you going?
I think I’ve had lots of moments where I wanted to give up especially when I’ve hit a slump but then i remember roping is what I do for fun and one run can turn everything around!
I would just like to give a thank you to everyone who makes the rodeos possible from committees, to fans, to the stock contractors and especially the sponsors at all the rodeos. This lifestyle wouldn't be possible without all of you.
