Suzanne DePaoli was busy on her ranch near Longview on Thursday morning. She was helping move cattle. This week, DePaoli will be on a different horse. She and Red Tag are heading to Edmonton to compete in the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR). This will be her fifth appearance at CFR, and she says it’s the first time she’s been there in 18 years. “2008 was the last time I made it,” she said. “I’m so excited just to get there one more time. My first pro rodeo was when I was 19 years old, and this year I’m 74.” Oldest competitor? DePaoli believes she will be the oldest to compete at CFR. “They don’t have statistics, and that’s too bad,” she said. “But I have a feeling that I’m probably the oldest that’s made it.” Wants to inspire DePaoli had a big year this year. She won just over $37,000 and qualified for CFR. She says age is just a number and she wants to inspire others. “People just need to keep moving and keep active and keep a passion,” she said. “I think that’s the biggest thing as you age. You really keep that passion going, whatever it is.” Another goal in mind DePaoli has been riding horses since she was a kid and loves barrel racing. She wants to continue rounding the barrels for as long as she can. She’s never made it to the Calgary Stampede but says she has that goal in her sights. “Hopefully, I can qualify for the Stampede because you have to be top four in Canada, so that’s still the goal,” she said. “That’s still the goal, and you always have to have those things, don’t you? “Absolutely have goals and keep going for them and do the best you can do. That’s all you can do.” The Canadian Finals Rodeo runs from Oct. 7 to 10 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
