Suzanne DePaoli CFR 2026
Quick Info
Horse: REDTAG “SWING ON BYE” 11 yr old sorrel
STEVEN, “CV STOLEN BY CHOICE” bay
Rodeos Entered:47
Won: $37,065.14
Qualification #: 5
Saddle: WOODY & Tiany Schuster Brazilian
Pad: Woody & Professional Choice
REDTAG purchase from Baylee Jo Haeberle 2023,
STEVEN purchased from Rebecca Miller 2026
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
This will be your fifth CFR appearance after an 18 year hiatus. How does it feel to have qualified again at 74 years YOUNG!
I feel great at 74 years young. My first CFR was in 1998, then 2002, 2003, 2008, and now in 2026. It feels AMAZING!
I went senior pro, and won that in 2013, and thought I won’t go back pro, but then thought, why not! So here we are. Along the way I sold a lot of good horses I could have made CFR on, but that’s what we do.
How did you get into horses, and rodeo?
I was born and raised on a farm in Mossleigh, Alberta and used horses to move cattle. I was about 5 when I got my first horse. My parents were into the Arrowwood Gymkhana Club, and that is where I met Frances Hargrave. Lee Phillips was the President of the CPRA years ago, (Layton Green and Kasper Roys grandpa) and when I was 14 my dad took me to see him, and thats how I learned how to rope, and got into the All Girls rodeo. Frances took me to the All Girl rodeos when I was 19, the first one I went to was in Edmonton! I remember Chris LeDoux being there with everyone in 1971 singing and playing guitar, and of course he went on to be famous after that. When I married Don, he rodeoed all the time, so off we went together.
How do you balance life on the road and also operating the iconic Buffalo Head Ranch?
My team roping husband, Don DePaoli and I travel most of the miles together. We run yearling steers on the BUFFALO HEAD RANCH. We have hired cowboys to check & doctor cattle while we are gone!
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
I am very proud of being Reserve Champion at Ponoka Stampede, and winning my hometown rodeo at High River, Alberta.
Do you have a pre-run routine that helps you get into the right mindset?
I warm up my horse early and get off to walk him. I breathe deep and do my stretches before I run to warm up my body.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How did you stay motivated throughout the season?
I have always loved running barrels, it’s exciting, so no motivation needed! When the runs aren’t going as good as I would like, I focus on all the great runs I’ve had in the past!
What's one part of your horse's care program you refuse to compromise on?
I really take care of my horses lungs and stomach. Other than regular vet maintenance, breathing and ulcers are very important to stay on top of!
What goes through your mind in the alley before a run?
Going down the alley, I focus on my pocket to my first barrel and try to keep my mind clear. Just ride hard, and prepare for the turn!
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
The biggest challenge this year was the pouring rain, especially the Ponoka Short Go! We were soaked to the bone! Then I had to go to the calcutta & prepare for the finals!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to chase the CFR dream?
Anyone with a CFR dream needs to ride with a great trainer, learn the basics, and start training or purchasing horses, until they find the best horse! It takes skill, and horsepower!
Who has been your inspiration or mentor over the years, and what have they taught you?
My mentor was the late great Isabell Miller, many time Canadian Champion! I took lessons from her for years. I was always inspired by Jerri Duce & Frances Hargrave!!!
Who has been in your corner the most this season, and what have they done to help you get here?
I spend hours on the phone analyzing my runs with Marci Laye! Vanessa Salisbury and I discuss many aspects of barrel racing too! Plus, Dr Chad Hewlett, for vet advice & horse care!
Thank you to my Husband Don DePaoli of 44 years for driving most of the miles!! To our sons Colter & Steele & their wonderful wives & kids for cheering me on!!!
Thank you to my long time friend Marci Laye for the late night conversations as to how to make my runs a bit better!!!
Vanessa Salisbury for her advice. Thank you to Chad & Lyle Kurtz & everyone at CVS CONTROLS for letting us camp at their Ranch!!!
Thank you to Roy Anderson Rockin R Equine for his Cryotherapy treatments!!!
Thank you to Michelle Anderson for training me with her BODY BUILDING techniques!!!
Thank you to Dr Leslie Gurr for Acupuncture treatments !!!
Thank you ENERGY EQUINE & crew, Dr Chad Hewlett
All my friends that traveled with me when Don couldn’t come… Amara Finnerty, Katey Jackson, Anna Mathison, Tara Benstead & Di Barkman from NZ!!!
Thank you to Bob Frazer & the High River Rodeo Committee for the great ground !!! Plus the beautiful Champion Buckle I won!!!
Thank you to Ponoka Stampede for the great ground in spite of the challenging weather!!!
Thank you to everyone behind the senes that make this sport of RODEO Happen!!!! What a GREAT COMMUNITY of people!!!!
