Kylie Whiteside CFR 2026
Quick Info
Horse: Hott for Teacher, teacher, sorrel gelding - (Spots hot x Peppys Stylish Lena)
Rodeos entered:45
Rodeo won or placed high at:
Won Tour finals, Lethbridge, Nanton, Teepee Creek. Split the win at Grand Prairie. Made the final 4 round in ponoka. Won 3rd at wainwright.
Total earnings: $26,504.77
CFR qualification #: 6
Saddle, Pad, Bit, Rope: classic equine pad, Myler high port or Blessing bit, Viper 9.5 or 10.0
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
What was your most memorable run of the season, and what made it stand out?
The tour finals because it was just one of those runs where I backed in the box, and focused, and it felt like everything was just a reaction and all came together on its own.
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
I felt like my season started out really rough, and I struggled mentally in the beginning, so I’m proud I kept pushing through that rough patch and didn’t give up because I didn’t think my season would end like it did.
How have you changed as a competitor since your first CFR?
I have spent a lot of time trying to work on my mental game and not beat myself before I get there. Just trying to keep a positive mindset no matter the outcome.
How has your definition of a good season changed over the years?
Enjoying all the memories and friends you make along the way instead of just the wins and appreciating the good horses you get to ride.
What's the hardest part about chasing the CFR dream that most people don't see?
The miles sometimes get hard when things don’t go as planned. And when you’re missing out on stuff at home it makes it tough to want to keep going sometimes. Even though I never want to quit it sometimes makes it tough mentally to keep pushing forward. Sometimes it feels like it pulls you in two different directions
If you weren’t a breakaway roper or barrel racer, what would you be doing instead?
I’d love to train and show a cowhorse!
Do you have any rodeo superstitions?
I used to not wear matching socks…. But I have tried to change my own mind and put matching socks on because my idea was to prove to myself it’s not my socks that make me win or not, and it’s all a mind game!
I still won’t put my hat on the bed tho or won’t rodeo with money in my pocket even if I do believe it’s just a mind game lol!
Do you prefer the training or competing side of the process more, and why?
That’s a tough pick but I think I love the competing part more, maybe because it’s one run at a time that you give it your all and do your best.
What's one part of your horse's care program you refuse to compromise on?
Good quality hay and good exercise program.
What goes through your mind in the box before a run?
Visualizing how I want my rope to go on the calf.
What are your best tips for mental toughness and handling pressure?
Don’t let one bad run change how you believe or see yourself, don’t let the outside world get to you. Don’t stress over the things you can’t control.
Pressure or no pressure, the job is the same every time, do whatever you have practiced countless times in the practice pen and prepared yourself for.
When you eventually look back on your rodeo career, what do you hope you remember most?
All the horses that took me to the places I wanted to go and what they were like to ride.
What do you hope the next generation remembers about you?
Just be known as a good genuine person that was successful at what they did.
Huge thank you to my family and my boyfriend for keeping everything going while we are gone
I’d like to thank my sponsors for all their help and support. Canyon rigging, BFG , K-Rae Designs, Back on track, and Eberglo.
And a huge thank you to Bradi and the Bamford family for letting me ride Teacher and Rico. So grateful they keep me mounted on such great horses! And also thanks to my sister for being the best travelling partner and best friend all year long!
