Kirby Penttila CFR 2026
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
Quick Info
Horse: SR Shezndabooktafame (Hezgottabefamous x Chicky Kilo Doc) aka Chic
Number of Rodeos entered: 44
Rodeos won: 2
Total earnings: $29,373
CFR qualification #: 2
Saddle, Pad, Bits:
My saddle is a Raylee Racer - I have one in almost every tree and they are my fave by far. I love where it puts my feet and it's just so comfortable to ride.
My pad is a Classic Equine felt pad.
The bit I use is a short shank Sherry Cervi with twisted wire dogbone - this bit seems to fit my hands the best and I've used it on several horses over the years.
What was your most memorable run of the season, and what made it stand out?
My most memorable run would probably have to be Regina at the Pile O'Bones. Up until the Maple Leaf Finals last fall, I would have told you that small indoors weren't our jam, but after changing my mindset about them and implementing some subtle changes in those indoors, I'll be darned if we didn't start placing in them! Winding up 2nd at this rodeo was particularly rewarding.
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
We may not have made any big splashes, but we made consistent runs throughout the season that got us to the pay window from start to finish.
How are you preparing for the CFR, both mentally and physically?
Mental prep is huge for me. I try to think through things that might present challenges mentally and do some coping planning on how I'll approach those situations when they arrive. It takes the fear and anxiety out of the moment when I've prepared ahead of time. Physically, we are both trying to stay in shape and stay sound!
What did you learn at last year's CFR that you're bringing with you this year?
Comfy walking shoes are a necessity. The boots can stay at the stall. I also have a better game plan for the alleyway - that's a tricky set up at Roger's! My first CFR felt a little rushed and went by so fast that I'm really hoping to stay present and enjoy it all.
What's something you used to worry about in competition that doesn't bother you anymore?
Oh gosh, there are so many things to worry about! Knocking a barrel, timing Lasix, alley issues, small pens, the list goes on. I really try to focus on accepting that these things can all happen (and the world won't end), which allows me to let them go before I go to compete so that I can go with the flow rather than letting these challenges take up too much space in my head.
What's something that Chic has taught you?
So many things! Stand with the bats (this is a phrase that helped me mentally work through alley issues and accept that it's part of what gets her fired up and excited so to use this to our advantage rather than fear it), don't put yourself in a box (if you think you can, you will and if you think you can't, you won't), if you dream it you can do it (set big goals!), you're not the boss of me (it's Chic's world and I just live in it).
What does your feed program look like?
I try to keep it simple with a good base and some high quality supplements. I'm not a fan of the more processed feeds so use alfalfa pellets as my base and top dress that with Platinum Performance Wellness (I cannot say enough good things about this supplement), Derm Support (for allergies), Balance (probiotic for GI health and ulcer management), and Healthy Weight (I love the omega 3:6 ratio of this product and feel it helps keep Chic's lungs healthy). I also use 4Cyte daily to help prevent inflammation in her joints.
What's one part of your horse's care program you refuse to compromise on?
Respiratory health. I think it's the most under-rated cause of poor performance in our sport. I'm incredibly diligent to limit her exposure to allergens to prevent airway inflammation, and make sure that I'm treating any inflammation before I think about running her. I'm not afraid to turn out if it's too cold, too humid, too smoky, etc - all the things that increase the risk of EIPH.
How do you handle the mental game and or pressure or rodeo, and of the CFR bubble?
The mental game in barrel racing is no joke. You can be on top of the world one day only to be completely humbled the next. I have to be very intentional about focusing on the mental game throughout the season. I think this consistency is what has carried me through the end of the season and helped me navigate the "bubble". I've now seen the CFR bubble from all possible angles: outside looking in, outside making my way in, and inside trying to hold on! I make time in my pre-run routine to do my mental prep before every single run and sometimes will go through it a few times in a day when there is a big run coming up.
What goes through your mind when you are coming down the alley about to make a run?
I trust Chic and I trust me. I go with the flow. I f'n send it.
Who has been in your corner the most this season, and what have they done to help you get here?
My friend Shannon Northcott is a sounding board that I can always rely on - everyone needs someone in your corner that isn't afraid to speak the truth and tell you exactly what they think. Also to draw pictures on napkins of how a person should run barrels (it's really very simple lol). My husband Cody is 100% supportive, which has been key in helping manage the guilt I feel being away so much.
I'd like to thank all of my clients that are so supportive and understanding that I'm not as available as I used to be. I'd also like to thank the incredible companies that stand behind me and help keep Chic feeling her best. Platinum Performance is hands down the best nutritional support I can give her so I'm thankful that they are here to support me along this journey. Boehringer Ingelheim is the maker of so many of the medications and products that help our athletes perform at their best (Gastrogard, Legend, Vetera Vaccines, etc). Interpath is the company that makes 4Cyte, the only joint supplement worth using IMHO. And last but not least, Flexineb Canada - the most reliable and durable nebulizer available to help support respiratory health.
This year has been particularly challenging for committees thanks to Mother Nature and there are so many that went above and beyond to make sure that the ground was as safe as it could possibly be for us to compete on (from tarping arenas to pumping water to completely replacing footing days before a rodeo - they literally did it all). It means so much to us that they care about keeping our horses safe and sound as much as we do - hats off to you all for your efforts and dedication!
