She's corralled her passion for rodeo and is still lassoing the competition.
At 74 years old, Suzanne DePaoli is heading to her fifth Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) this October, a testament to her enduring passion for barrel racing.
DePaoli, who grew up on a farm just east of Okotoks, has been involved in rodeo since she was a teenager. She first attended the CFR in 1989 and has qualified for the event four more times, including this year, when she finished fifth in Canada with $37,065 in earnings.
DePaoli credits her active lifestyle and dedication to physical conditioning for her ability to continue competing at a high level. She lifts weights regularly and spends nearly every day on the back of a horse, thanks to her ranching work west of Longview.
Since she started racing as a teen, DePaoli has seen significant changes in the sport. Barrel racing was once considered less competitive and less serious than other rodeo events, but it has since gained recognition and respect. The sport has also become more inclusive, with the addition of breakaway roping and other female sports.
DePaoli will attend the CFR with two horses, Redtag and Steven, both of which she believes have the potential to excel in the competition.
“I still feel pretty young,” DePaoli said, reflecting on her age and her continued involvement in the sport. “I’m lucky to be healthy, and so I don’t have any health issues right now, so that’s exciting.”
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