Mikenna Schauer CFR 2025

Mikenna Schauer is set for her third Canadian Finals Rodeo qualification, cashing in $19,208.90 after entering 43 rodeos, placing at 17 and winning one. She rode Hollwood Starlight (Von Starlight x Dun It With Chic) aka Max, and Wimpys Lil Star (Wimpys Royal King x Voneeta Starlight) aka Kat.

Breakaway interviews are presented by, Crown + Crow Coffee. Good things come to crows who wait. But first, coffee.

What is your main mounts 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?
The two horses I used this year are Max and Kat. What’s kind of neat is that we actually got them from the same place, Skyview Performance Horses, at the same time as weanlings. They’ve both stayed on the ranch ever since.

I started Max myself, and right from the beginning he had such a calm, easygoing personality. He was very straightforward to train, and by the end of his four-year-old year I started taking him to college rodeos. Honestly, that’s when I knew he was going to be something special, he was winning at some of the very first rodeos he ever went to.

Kat has her own story too. My dad originally heeled on her, then my brother took her to college and calf roped on her, and eventually she came back home. After Calgary this year, Max just wasn’t feeling 100%, so I ended up taking Cat on the East Run. She really stepped up, and we had a lot of success together, so I just stayed on her for the rest of the season. She’s super easy to rope on and actually feels a lot like my old mare that I qualified for my very first CFR on. That familiar feel, combined with how consistent she is, really made me feel like she was going to be a good one too.

What was your most memorable run this season, and what made it memorable?
My most memorable run this season was definitely running my first calf at the Calgary Stampede. Even though my week there didn’t quite go the way I had hoped, it was still such an incredible moment. To be one of the very first breakaway ropers to nod my head and run one in that iconic Calgary Stampede arena, it’s something I’ll never forget. Just having the chance to be part of that history made it really special.

What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year? 
This year felt a lot different for me compared to last year because I had so much more confidence in myself. Even though I will be going into CFR in about the same position as I did last year, I felt like my whole season was stronger. I was more confident in my roping, more confident in my horses, and I trusted that if I just put myself in position to make a good run, it would be there. That confidence really changed everything for me this season, and it’s something I’m excited to carry with me heading into 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?
The main challenge I was kind of thrown with this year was switching horses. Kat and I are still figuring each other out, and changing mounts can always be a bit of an adjustment, but she really stepped up and gave me the confidence to keep things rolling.

Like anyone in this sport, I’ve also had my share of slumps. What’s helped me most is focusing on the mental side of the game. Instead of letting a bad run carry over into the next one, I remind myself that every calf is a fresh start. I really try to trust the work I’ve put in at home, trust my horses, and believe that if I just do my job, the runs will come together. Keeping that perspective has helped me push through the tougher stretches and keep my confidence even when things aren’t going exactly as planned.

Tell readers something good that happened to you this season, other than winning or placing at a rodeo?
Something good that happened this season was getting to haul my three-year-old mare, Fluffy. I was able to take her to two futurities in the four-and-under as well as some jackpots, and she did really well. It was so rewarding to see her handle everything, and it makes me really excited for her future.

What would be your rough estimate of vet work annually to get to the Canadian Finals Rodeo? Do you know a rough estimate of what it cost (without factoring in truck/trailer cost)  to make a run at the CFR?
I feel pretty fortunate that my horses are on the lower-maintenance side compared to some that make it to the CFR. That being said, there are still costs that add up quickly. I do keep them on a regular schedule of injections. Usually stifles, hocks, and a few other things—which can run several hundred dollars each time. On top of that, they’re shod every six weeks, which is another ongoing expense throughout the season. By the time you add everything together, it’s easily in the range of $3,000–$5,000 a year just in vet and farrier work alone.

That’s just the veterinary and farrier side, and when you add in all the other costs of hauling up and down the road, it really shows how expensive it is to make a run at the CFR. I’m really lucky to have great sponsors behind me that help make it possible. Equiboss performance has been a huge part of my program with their NeutraBac pH product. It helps neutralize stomach acid, which keeps my horses lower stress, helps them drink more, and really works to prevent ulcers while traveling. I also rely on Alliance Equine. I use their magnet sheets on the road and their boots in the arena. It gives me peace of mind knowing my horses’ legs are as protected as possible. Up In Stitches plays a big role too. I use their sheets, slinkies, and tail bags to keep my horses comfortable and clean, which makes a huge difference during the long hauls and busy rodeo weeks. Having that kind of support is a big part of what allows me to keep my horses feeling their best all season long.

What was the best restaurant you stopped at all year? Any hidden gems to mention?
My traveling partner Shaya and I are pretty simple when we’re on the road. Most of the time we just stick to Subway and maybe treat ourselves to some ice cream lol. But our one must-stop whenever we’re going through BC is Fruit World. It’s honestly the best, we always look forward to it, and it’s become kind of our little tradition on the road. 

What is your least favourite part of being on the rodeo road, and what is your favourite?
My least favorite part of being on the rodeo road is definitely the driving. I’m really not a fan of spending so many hours behind the wheel. But my favorite part more than makes up for it. It’s the time spent in the rig with my traveling partner and friends, and all the fun memories we’ve made along the way. Those long drives turn into some of the best stories and laughs, and that’s what makes the miles worthwhile.

What therapies are a must have for your horse? 
My horses stay on a pretty consistent program throughout the year. They’re always on Hoffman’s Elite Ration, and I’ve recently added the Silver Lining Total Body Supplement, which I’ve been really happy with. They’re also on NutraBac to help support their digestive health.

As far as therapies, there are a few must-haves that really make a difference for them. Their EquiPod and EquiStreams are a big part of keeping them feeling their best, and I also rely on my Alliance Equine magnet sheet when we’re on the road. Those are the key things I’ve found that keep them comfortable, healthy, and performing at their peak.

How do you manage to balance life at home/work with life on the road?
Balancing life at home with life on the road definitely takes a team effort. I work on my family’s ranch, and I’m also finishing up my last year of elementary education, so there’s always a lot going on outside of rodeo. I’m really lucky to have the support of my family, they help keep things tied down at home when I’m away, and that makes it possible for me to chase these dreams.

Being able to juggle school, work, and rodeo isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that with good support and organization, it’s doable. I feel really grateful that my family is so involved and encouraging, because without that, I wouldn’t be able to be out here competing at this level while also preparing for my future career. 

Who did you travel with this year? Do you have a funny or heart warming story you could share about your time together, or anything you would like to share about them?
I traveled with Shaya Biever this year, and honestly every trip was full of memories. We were always filling the rig with laughs. One thing we quickly realized was that we need to add at least an extra hour onto the arrival time for every rodeo, because we can’t resist stopping at little places that catch our eye, usually involving ice cream or fruit. And fun enough, the very first rodeo we entered together, we actually ended up tying; we were both a 2.9!

How are you preparing for the Canadian Finals Rodeo practise wise? What is your routine like to be ready for Edmonton?
My practice routine leading up to the Canadian Finals Rodeo will stay pretty similar to how it is during the season. At home, I’ll rope calves whenever possible and spend lots of time on the dummy. I really feel like dummy work is one of the most important parts of preparation. I’ll also focus on keeping my horses sharp and solid in the box, and we’ll be working on taking some quick, smart shots to be ready for the setup in Edmonton.

On top of the physical side, I’ll also be working on keeping my mental game sharp. For me, that’s just as important as the roping itself. Making sure I’m confident, focused, and ready to make the best run I can every time I nod my head.

If your horse was an actor/actress in a movie, who would play them, or if your horse was a character from a movie, which character do they remind you of and why?
If Max were a movie character, I think he’d be like Forrest Gump. He’s steady, loyal, and always gives his best no matter the situation. Max has a big heart, and even though he isn’t always the flashiest, he has a quiet way of surprising everyone with how much he can accomplish.

Kat, on the other hand, is completely different. If she were an actress, I’d say she’s a lot like Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde. She’s short, snappy, a little sassy, and she definitely likes to be front and center. She loves attention, but at the same time, she’s very independent and likes to do her own thing. She’s got that bold personality that makes her stand out, and that’s exactly how she feels in the arena too.

If you could swing a leg over another qualifier's horse, who would it be and why?
If I could swing a leg over another qualifier’s horse, it would be Keely Pugh’s mare, Miss Piggy. She’s such a quick, catty little horse who actually reminds me a bit of Kat’s style. She just looks like she’d be super fun to rope on, and I think it would be a blast to see how she feels.

Are you a type A or type B breakaway roper?
I’m definitely a type B breakaway roper. I tend to get pretty distracted while doing things. Shaya is always teasing me about it. I’ll start by brushing my horse, then put the saddle pad on, then wander off to do something else, and a few minutes later I finally get around to finishing saddling. It might look a little scattered at times, but I promise I’m always in the box when my name is called. I may not always be early, but I’m always right on time.

How many breakaway horses do you currently have in your string?
Right now, in my own string I have two breakaway horses. There’s Max, of course, and then a three-year-old named Fluffy that I just got last fall. She’s coming along nicely, and the plan is for her to hopefully be ready to go to some futurities here soon. And then Kat has also been in my trailer this year, so between the three of them I’ve had a really solid lineup to rope on.

What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
My biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to make the Canadian Finals Rodeo is that consistency is absolutely the key. You don’t have to win every rodeo or be the fastest everywhere, the key is in consistency. That really comes down to having strong mental control and keeping yourself level. Don’t let the highs get too high or the lows get too low, and remember to always enjoy the journey. At the end of the day, rodeo is supposed to be fun, and keeping that perspective makes all the difference.

I would like to thank my family first, my mom and dad for always supporting me, helping me down the road, and picking me up when things get tough. I’m so grateful for my siblings and the rest of my family who are always in my corner.

To my sponsors, thank you for believing in me and my horses and for helping us do what we love. A huge thank you to Roper, Tin Haul, Stetson, Alliance Equine, Equiboss Performance, and Up In Stitches for all of your support this season it truly makes such a difference and I’m so grateful to represent each of you.

Breakaway roping has grown so much thanks to all the committees who are adding us in and supporting our event, it truly means a lot to every one of us.