Shaya Biever CFR 2026
Quick Info
Horse: Poppy (Bay)- Poppy for Resort by Rodeo Resort by Popular Resort Figure
Out of Lena Freckles A Tari, a home raised mare that Randal Graf bred
Number of Rodeos entered: 48
Rodeo won: 3
Total earnings: $24,479.42
CFR qualification #: 5
Saddle, Pad, Bit, Rope:
Equitech Calf Saddle
CSI saddle pad fleece bottom
Flat bar hinge
GT4 or Triton XXS
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
Shaya Biever is an Alliance Equine sponsored athlete!
What was your most memorable run of the season, and what made it stand out?
Hanna Indoor rodeo, I went 1.9 to spilt the win with Caitlyn Dahm. That’s the first rodeo run I finally broke into the 1’s on my bay horse, I’ve been sub 2 seconds on my black horse lots, but to finally do it on my other one was very fun.
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
I’m probably most proud of how much I’ve grown mentally. There were still definitely some highs and lows, but I learned how to stay in it and keep going even when things weren’t going my way. I was able to start my season strong and end it strong.
How have you changed as a competitor since your first CFR?
I think I’ve changed how I truly handle adversity. In this sport I don’t think you ever stop learning ways to get better and be better. Rodeo has a way of humbling you that’s unlike any other sport. I feel I’ve figured out how to handle my emotions better, and flip it into something positive and use it as a way to get better.
What’s one quality your horse has that you wish you could bottle and put into every horse?
His try and his want to be a team player. I love a horse that wants to win as bad as you do, and doesn’t quit on you. I always say you have to have a horse that’s on your team that you don’t have to think about what they’re doing because you know they are just gonna do it. You can teach a lot of things, but that kind of heart is something you can’t really teach.
What 3 traits do you look for when considering a prospect and why?
Size, build and athleticism. I don’t like my breakaway horses too tall or long that it’s hard to see on them or their stride is too long. I also like to look for one that’s gonna be built slightly up hill, and have fast feet.
What’s the hardest part about chasing the CFR dream that most people don’t see?
The hardest thing for me is letting the bad runs go. Everyone strives to get better all the time but at some point you have to draw the line between getting better and letting the bad runs consume all your confidence. You have to be disciplined to find the positives figure out what needs to get better and then just go do it and not bring the last run into it with you.
Do you have a pre-run routine that helps you get into the right mindset?
I try to keep it pretty straight forward. I don’t want to be thinking about too much right before I rope. I envision myself roping the calf and making a good run.
What do you do when you feel yourself getting inside your own head?
I try to bring myself back to something really simple. Instead of thinking about the whole run or what could happen, I focus on one or two things I can actually control. Sometimes I just need to take a breath and remind myself that I’ve done this before and I know what I’m doing.
What’s one part of your horse’s care program you refuse to compromise on?
Keeping them feeling good. I’m pretty particular about making sure my horses are comfortable, sound, and getting the recovery they need. They give me everything they have, so I think taking care of them properly is just part of the job.
What goes through your mind in the box before a run?
Honestly, I try not to think too much. I try to think about something easy and simple so I can just go out and do my job, it changes sometimes I think about my how my horse is standing usually and then just let myself go rope.
What are your best tips for mental toughness and handling pressure?
You have to learn how to separate what you can control from what you can’t. You can’t control who you’re running against, what time they ran, or what happens after you leave the box. You can control your preparation, your attitude, and how you respond. I also think you have to be willing to have bad runs without letting one bad run become a bad season.
When you eventually look back on your rodeo career, what do you hope you remember most?
I hope I remember the people more than anything. The trips, the late nights, the wins, the laughs, and all the people who helped me along the way. Some of my best friends and now family I’ve met through rodeo, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the memories made.
What has been the best advice you’ve been given regarding rodeo and/or roping?
Probably to trust my preparation and not try to make things happen. You can’t control everything once you back into the box. If you’ve put the work in, you have to trust it and let yourself compete.
Who has been in your corner the most this season, and what have they done to help you get here?
Logan Cullen. No matter how stubborn or hard headed I can be, he always makes sure to help me, tell me the hard things so I can get better, and never stops pushing me to be better. He also always has the most confidence in me even when sometimes this season I didn’t have it in myself.
I would like to thank my family as well for always cheering me on, helping me out and supporting me and my dreams. As well I would like to thank Levi and Rebecca Simpson for being the best landlords a person could ask for, as well as Paul and Dee-Ann Bonnett and family for everything they’ve done for me this year.
Lastly huge thank you to each and every sponsor for all their support this season!! Wilson Feeds, Alliance Equine, Weston Manufacturing, Tim Cooper Custom Hats, CSI Saddle pads, Equstreamz, NeutracBac, KRAE Designs, Rattler and CN Grain and Cattle.
