Rene LeClercq CFR 2026

Quick Info

Horse: “JEWELSROBINTHECASH” Aka Jewel -out of my mom's great mare “TROUBLESOME ROBIN” and is by Harts stallion “PREPONITA “
Rodeos entered: 47
Rodeo won: 2
Total earnings: $30,966.69
CFR qualification #: 5
Saddle, Pad, Bit: Raylee Racer, 5 star pad, Elliot spur up 3 with mpc 17 bit.

2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine

What was your most memorable run of the season, and what made it stand out?
Regina. It was my first win of the year and helped refocus myself for the last half of the season. 

Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
My perseverance, but mostly my horses. They gave me their best every run regardless of the conditions or circumstances. 

How have you changed as a competitor since your first CFR?
I think I’ve matured as a competitor and learned a lot about how to enter to set myself up. And who and how to ride each arena 

Has your definition of a good season changed over the years?
Not really. For me, the benchmark of a good season is just being consistent, having healthy horses and knowing that I gave my all, regardless of where I finished for the year.

What's the hardest part about chasing the CFR dream that most people don't see?
The financial stress/pressure while you’re going down the road. especially the times when what’s coming in isn’t meeting what’s going out. 

What did you learn at your last CFR that you're bringing with you this year?
Don’t overthink it. 

What's one quality your horse has that you wish you could bottle and put into every horse?
Definitely Jewels grit and try. She always gives me her all no matter what pen or set up I run her in. I know if I do my part, she always does hers. 

Do you prefer the training or competing side of the process more, and why?
Both. I have trained every horse I’ve had during my pro career. And most of them have been home bred and raised. So I've been able to both put the time and work into horses and then be able to see what their full potential is competing on them. 

What's one part of your horse's care program you refuse to compromise on? 
All of it. Because every little piece is important in the program working as a whole. 

What goes through your mind in the alley before a run? 
Do my job, so she can do hers. 

What are your best tips for mental toughness and handling pressure?
Ride the waves. Don’t get too high during the highs and too low during the lows. And for pressure, just reassuring myself that I’ve done the prep work to succeed. 

What bloodlines do you look for when considering prospects? Do you have a favourite? 
Honestly, I don’t have a favourite. I have ridden so many horses in my career and there has been so many amazing ones all bred completely different. My biggest thing I look for in a prospect is their willingness and their try. I will take a horse with a huge heart over anything else. 

You chipped away all season, but made a huge leap near the end. Tell readers what the last quarter of the season was like for you. 
It was a huge push by all the girls. This has been such a close season and no one has really run away with it. Which also made for a crazy battle to make the CFR. I feel like I stepped up my riding when it really mattered and that helped me secure my spot. 

You've now qualified for the CFR 5 times. What does this achievement mean to you now compared to the first time?
It still feels the same, because each year is such a battle to qualify. We have so many amazing and talented girls and horses up here that even to qualify for one is an incredible accomplishment. 

First, I have to thank my mom without her I would never be where I am today! I also wouldn’t have a horse without her since she is the owner of Jewel. I also have to thank Chris for always being in my corner and helping me stay on track all season keeping my head in the game. 

Thank you to my amazing Vet Chad Hewlett for keeping my horses feeling their best and always being just a phone call away whenever we need you!

A huge thank you to all my sponsors for all their support. Means the world to me. 
Frontier Western Shop
Back on Track Canada
Roan & Co.
K Rae Designs
Kennedy Smith- Larc Test Technician
Three Sisters Ranch
Equiboss Performance Canada
TSR Pulsate
Branded By B
EcoNets
Equine Essentials Certified Equine Massage/Vertebral Realignment Therapist
Im Flingn Fabulous

You can read Rene’s previous interviews here:

Rene 2016 Interview
Rene 2017 Interview
Rene 2018 Interview
Rene 2024 Interview