INNISFAIL - Innisfail barrel racer Sydney Daines continues to turn heads.
Daines, 20, rounded up her rodeo year with an impressive fifth-place finish at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton Nov. 9 to 13. Her placing at the CFR earned her $25,000.
It was her second performance in the Canadian Finals Rodeo competition since she placed third overall in her first visit to the CFR in 2014.
Daines competed in six rounds from Nov. 9 to 13 and finished as the fifth best barrel racer in Canada.
“I was very consistent. Two of my runs on Thursday and Friday night I ran the exact same time. I was at a 14.98,” she said.
“This year was pretty good. We didn't hit any barrels this year and last time we hit two barrels.”
The CFR is the last rodeo event of the season, noted Daines, and like last time, there were several key factors that contributed to her success at the event in Edmonton.
“My horse Flame is 12 years old now and he's getting more consistent,” said Daines, noting she works to keep her horse healthy and in good shape. “I didn't make the CFR in 2015, so that was a goal of mine, to make it back again this year.”
She also credits the experience she gained in 2014 and the dedication of her parents.
“You have 15 seconds to win, so in that much time it's a one-shot deal for rodeo,” she said.
“Knowing what the feeling is like to race there, it makes you want to get back. I was very focused on,” she said. “My mom and dad helped a lot too.”
Daines is now in her third year of post-secondary studies. She spent two years at Red Deer College and is now in her first year at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Although the CFR wraps up the rodeo season, the 2017 rodeo season begins at the end of November with an event in Regina, noted Daines, adding she is ready for the next challenge.
“I think I've improved on the mental aspect of the (sport),” said Daines. “You get nervous before you run, but I've really worked on visualizing and controlling my nerves before the run. I just try to go out, win and get the job done.”
With her second outstanding performance at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Daines is looking to the future and a new and exciting rodeo season in 2017.
“My goal for this year is to make CFR again,” said Daines. “We'll go rodeo by rodeo and I'll work to keep (Flame) happy and healthy. That's all I can ask for.”
Sydney Daines
"I just try to go out, win and get the job done."
