Listen to chris ledoux this cowboys hat

Well you mama finds it hard to understand, Why her lovin'

Just a broken down cowboy all down on his luck Been

Amarillo by morning Up from San Antone Everything that I've got Is just

When I was just a very young lad I walked

In the southern part of Texas, east and west of

Where I keep the pictures of a time an' place

Chris Ledoux Blue Eyes and Freckles Blue eyes and freckles neath a

Hold tight with a leather fist Watch out when he starts

Well the well went dry and the cow did too daddy didn't

Copenhagen It makes me feel so good Copenhagen The way I know it

[If you don't use this nasty stuff you dont wanna

She rolls her own cigarettes with the work of just one hand she

Been workin like a dog slavin on the fence line stretchin those

Cowboy Up By RYAN REYNOLDS Ramblin' fever took him when he

We're a fun lovin' crowd, kinda rowdy and loud Our jukebox

Blast Corps is a 1997 action video game for the Nintendo 64 (pictured). In the game, the player uses vehicles to destroy buildings in the path of a runaway nuclear missile carrier. In the game's 57 levels, the player solves puzzles by moving objects and bridging gaps with the vehicles. Blast Corps was developed at Rare by a small team of recent graduates over the course of a year. They were inspired, in part, by the puzzle elements of Donkey Kong '94. Nintendo published and released Blast Corps to critical acclaim in March 1997 in Japan and North America. Its European and Australian release followed on December 22. The game received several editor's choice awards and Metacritic's second-highest Nintendo 64 rating of 1997. It sold about a million copies, below the team's expectations. Reviewers praised the game's originality, variety, and graphics, but some critiqued its controls and repetition. Reviewers of the 2015 Rare Replay retrospective compilation noted Blast Corps as a standout title. (Full article...)

Did you know ...

Bank of China head office, Beijing

From today's featured list

Location of Nunavut in Canada

Nunavut's 25 municipalities cover only 0.2% of the territory's land mass but are home to 99.95% of its population. Nunavut (map pictured) is the least populous of Canada's three territories with 36,858 residents as per the 2021 census, but the largest territory in land area at 1,836,993.78 km2 (709,267.26 sq mi). Municipalities are created by the Government of Nunavut in accordance with the 2003 Cities, Towns and Villages Act and the 2003 Hamlets Act, which are statutes of the neighbouring Northwest Territories. The largest municipality by population in Nunavut is Iqaluit with 7,429 residents, home to 20.2% of the territory's population. The smallest municipality by population is Grise Fiord with 144 residents. The largest municipality by land area is Kugluktuk, which spans 538.99 km2 (208.11 sq mi), while the smallest is Kimmirut at 2.3 km2 (0.89 sq mi). (Full list...)

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December 2, 2022 - The Maple Leaf Circuit Finals is well underway at Regina, Saskatchewan’s Brandt Centre as part of Canadian Western Agribition. An outstanding field of rodeo stars is enjoying success as they vie for Maple Leaf Circuit supremacy.

Among those competing through the event’s four performances--November 30 through December 3 at 7 pm each evening—are four recently-crowned Canadian Champions—bareback rider Ty Taypotat, barrel racer Taylor Manning and the team roping brother combination of Dawson and Dillon Graham.

Taypotat, a longtime former Regina resident came out on top of a down-to-the-last-horse battle at the recently concluded Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alberta while Manning put together a stellar effort over the CFR’s six performances en route to the teenager’s first Canadian title.

The Graham brothers who hail from Wainwright, Alberta, in addition to a spectacular 2022 season that saw them win twelve rodeos, are also the defending Maple Leaf Circuit champions.

Professional rodeo athletes competed at 35 plus events across western Canada with ten in each event making the cut for the Finals. The $12,000 in prize money up in each event will count toward the 2023 regular season standings. And the top two competitors in each event from the season standings receive berths to the NFR Open slated for next July at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Highlights after the first two performances:

* Longview, Alta. barrel racer and breakaway roper, Kylie Whiteside, earned round wins in both events on night #1
* Tie-down roper, Shane Smith (Wimborne, AB) was a back to back winner over the first two performances
* Regina, Sask. native, Ty Taypotat (now from Nanton, Alta.) has earned the most money in the bareback riding at the half-way point - with a round win and a third place cheque. Carbon, Alta.’s Cole Goodine remains well in the bareback lead overall
* Eckville, Ata. saddle bronc rider, Ben Andersen, bested both draws in his event, earning two first place cheques at the half way point
* Bull rider, Coy Robbins (Camrose, Alta) who finished in the reserve position at the recently concluded Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alta., and is leading the Maple Leaf Circuit standings, earned a share of second spot in Regina on night #1, then split the round last night with fellow Albertan, Wyatt Gleeson, to remain well out in front in the bull riding standings.

* Results and Aggregate link here

Watch for final results, photos and highlights at the conclusion of the event later this week at rodeocanada.com

The Maple Leaf Circuit Finals is being live streamed at FloRodeo.com

... unofficial results here

November 28, 2022 - As the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals prepares to take to the Regina’s Brandt Centre as part of Canadian Western Agribition, an outstanding field of rodeo stars is heading for Saskatchewan to vie for Maple Leaf Circuit rodeo supremacy.

Among those bringing their talents to the event’s four performances--November 30 through December 3 at 7 pm each evening—are four recently-crowned Canadian Champions—bareback rider Ty Taypotat, barrel racer Taylor Manning and the team roping brother combination of Dawson and Dillon Graham.

Taypotat, a longtime former Regina resident came out on top of a down-to-the-last-horse battle at the recently concluded Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alberta while Manning put together a stellar effort over the CFR’s six performances en route to the teenager’s first Canadian title.

The Graham brothers who hail from Wainwright, Alberta, in addition to a spectacular 2022 season that saw them win twelve rodeos, are also the defending Maple Leaf Circuit champions.

Professional rodeo athletes competed at thirty-five plus events across western Canada with ten in each event making the cut for the Finals. The $12,000 in prize money up in each event will count toward the 2023 regular season standings. And the top two competitors in each event receive berths to the NFR Open slated for next July at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Watch for results, photos and highlights at the conclusion of each of the four performances at rodeocanada.com

November 6, 2022 l Airdrie, AB
For immediate release

For the second time in less than 48 hours a new CFR record was established in the saddle bronc riding. But this time, the record setting performance took the rider, Zeke Thurston, to his third Canadian Championship. It was fitting that the Big Valley, Alberta cowboy matched up with an old friend to establish the new mark. That old friend was OLS Tubs Get Smart who was making his final appearance in Canada prior to his well-earned retirement following the National Finals Rodeo next month. The 93.25 score bettered the previous mark of 91.75 set Friday night by both Thurston and Kole Ashbacher (on Get Smart).

“That was pretty special for me,” the twenty-eight year-old superstar stated. “That little horse has pretty well made my career. I don’t know how much money I’ve made on him but it’s a lot. I was getting half emotional when I was saddling him. He’s been amazing forever.”

Thurston, who came into the Finals in fifth place, amassed just shy of $50,000 for a total of $80,000 for the year. The two-time World Champion was almost unstoppable in Red Deer with three go-round wins, a second, a fourth and the aggregate win as well over six performances.

The second-generation bronc rider acknowledged the importance of family in his pursuit of the rodeo dream. “I don’t actually remember wanting to be a rodeo cowboy, I just always was one,” Thurston smiled. “I watch my little boy; he’s a year and a half old, and all he wants to do is buck and ride things and I was probably the same way. I have a great family supporting me and that’s been really important.”

Another three-time Champion was crowned at this CFR as Provost, Alberta’s Scott Guenthner earned his third steer wrestling title in five years. Guenthner, who was named Cowboy of the Year earlier in the week, placed in four rounds and was second in the aggregate to earn $24,000 at the CFR to add to his regular season earnings of $50,000. The aggregate winner was two-time Canadian Champion Tanner Milan who finished third overall - right behind Stephen Culling.

A popular win at this CFR was Ty Taypotat’s first ever bareback riding title after several near misses in recent years. Taypotat, runner up for the title one year ago, turned in a spectacular 90.25 point performance on the Calgary Stampede’s World Champion bareback horse Xplosive Skies in Sunday’s final round.

“I saw the draw last night about midnight and I’m not gonna lie; I got pretty nervous,” Taypotat admitted. “That horse got me the last time I got on her.” The Nanton, Alberta cowboy (originally from Saskatchewan) enjoyed a consistent week with two firsts, two seconds and a third, along with the $14,000 aggregate win to total $50,000 in CFR earnings and $89,757 for the year.

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Taypotat added. “This is my 10th Canadian Finals, so“I’m pretty darn excited to walk away with it, especially riding against the best bareback riders in the world.”

It came down to the final performance in the ladies barrel racing and it was five time CFR qualifier Taylor Manning who claimed the title. The 18-year-old, from Yellowhead County, Alberta, maintained the composure and consistency she demonstrated all week on the final day, with another solid run - made even more amazing by the fact that her horse, Bringin The Bling is only five years old.

“This morning I rode and worked on a few things with Bling but when I ran, I just tried to keep the barrels up,” Manning said. "I'm really proud of my horse," she added, "She's only five and I was able to run her all five days."

Manning placed in five of six rounds (with a first go round-win and the aggregate title) to pocket over $40,000 at the Finals. Canadian and World Rookie of the Year, and Canadian Season Leader Bayleigh Choate - who came into CFR $18,000 ahead of Manning - finished in second spot.

It was the brother combination of Dawson and Dillon Graham who prevailed in the team roping event for their first Canadian Championship. The Wainwright, Alberta cowboys had twice previously been season leaders - only to come up short at the CFR. This time around they started the week with two second place efforts and a round-win before cooling off. They were, nevertheless, able to hold off the hard-charging veteran duo of Clint Buhler and Brett McCarroll who finished $8,000 back.

The closest race of this CFR was in the bull riding where Maple Creek, Saskatchewan cowboy, Jared Parsonage, prevailed for his second consecutive Canadian title. It was anything but easy for Parsonage as Camrose, AB bull rider and rookie CFR competitor, Coy Robbins, mounted a valiant challenge for the crown by riding five of six bulls and winning the aggregate. Parsonage earned over $22,000 at the Finals for a year-end total of $81,900. The margin of victory was a slender $1300.

The only non-Canadian winner at this year’s CFR was San Angelo, Texas tie-down roper, Ty Harris. Competing at his second Finals, Harris overcame a no-time in the second round, putting together a first, a second, two thirds and a fourth en route to the victory. Harris collected $33,000 in Red Deer for $60,500 total earnings - a $9,000 advantage over runner-up, Kyle Lucas. The 2021 Champion, Riley Warren, was this year’s Aggregate winner.

Ladies breakaway roping, in only its second year as part of the Canadian Finals, saw twelve women competing, with Wardlow, Alberta’s Kendal Pierson, emerging as the winner for the second time. A former National High School Champion, Pierson had to come from behind after relinquishing her season lead in the first of three rounds. She fought back with a pair of 2.0 second runs, and when Longview, AB cowgirl, Bradi Whiteside missed her final calf, the deal was sealed for the eighteen-year-old Pierson.

Granum, Alberta roper, Wyatt Hayes, earned the men’s All Around title while Kylie Whiteside won the first-ever women’s All Around award. Blake Link (Maple Creek, SK) won the novice bareback championship while Innisfail, Alberta’s Colten Powell, earned the novice saddle bronc win. Nash Loewen, the fourteen year-old from Winfield, Alberta won the junior steer riding event.

A couple of repeat winners from the Macza Pro Rodeo highlighted this year’s CFR Top Stock awards—OLS Tubs Stevie Knicks in the bareback riding and, of course, OLS Tubs Get Smart in the bronc riding. Duane Kesler’s Chester was selected top bull of the Finals.

For complete results, go to rodeocanada.com

It’s called Super Saturday - two performances and a huge opportunity for rodeo athletes to win big.

2019 Canadian Champion bareback rider, Orin Larsen, has a history of doing just that and he was at it again this time around.

... read more

Kylie Whiteside earns second Round-Win at CFR Saturday Matinee Performance

Nov 4, 2022

"You can put that in the record books as the greatest bronc riding there’s ever been and I’ve seen a bunch of them."

That observation was made by retired eight-time Canadian Champion Rod Hay moments after the third go-round of the Canadian Finals Rodeo wrapped up in Red Deer Friday night. The bronc riding he was referring to saw a pair of 91.75 point rides that (unofficially) eclipsed the 44 year-old CFR record of 91 points set by Mel Coleman in 1978.

... read more

When a 4.1 second run earns only a fifth-place tie, you know you’re seeing a lightning-fast round of steer wrestling. And that’s exactly what a near capacity crowd witnessed Thursday night at the Canadian Finals in Red Deer, Alberta.

... read more

... read more

"I was pretty over the moon happy and excited about my weekend,” Whiteside commented. “And looking ahead at Edmonton (Pro Rodeo)... it's going to be a real nail-biter this weekend. I just want to try to do the best I can do and let it all play out.”

... read more

The Lacombe cowgirl posted a 2.85 second time for a $616 first-place cheque, and combined with a couple of solid outings at Armstrong the previous week, the talented roper has moved to within a thousand dollars of season leader and defending champion, Kendal Pierson.

Photo by Chantelle Bowman / Wildwood Imagery

* Unofficial weekend results

Two Canadian saddle bronc riders finished 1-2 at the ultra-lucrative Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo (Cinch Playoffs) in Puyallup on the weekend. Former Canadian Champion Layton Green capped off a tremendous showing at the pacific northwest stop as he rode Calgary Stampede’s Zoaria Hills for 87.5 points and $13,000 in the Final to take his total earnings to over $18,000 at the event. The win moved the Meeting Creek, Alberta superstar from 11th to 9th place in the world standings.

Arrowwood’s Kole Ashbacher was right behind Green with an 85-point effort in the final and a welcome $14,400 total pay cheque, that solidifies the second-generation hand’s bid for a WNFR berth. Ashbacher, who was runner-up for the Canadian title in 2021, sits in 14th place in the world standings with the season rapidly winding down.

Another big winner at the weekend event was bareback rider, Leighton Berry. The Weatherford, Texas cowboy, who is also vying for a first CFR appearance, was excited to ride Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies for a 90-point score in the Final - good for $13,000 and the championship. Berry picked up $3550 earlier for the Playoff 1 performance win. (88 points on Calgary Stampede’s Cinchy Whitney) for an impressive event total of $16,550. He sits 9th in the World standings.

PRCA photos by Kent Soule

* See full Puyallup results here

September 7, 2022 l Airdrie, AB

With the 2022 Canadian professional rodeo season winding down, one of the most critical weekends of the fall took place entirely in the nation’s westernmost province. Sunny skies, big crowds and spectacular performances were the order of the day at Armstrong, Merritt and Langley.

The SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour wrapped up over Labour Day weekend with the final tour stop (IPE and Stampede) and finals in Armstrong, BC. While most of the season leaders held on to claim the overall tour titles and the champions trophy spurs, there was come-from-behind drama in the bareback and bull riding events.

August 30, 2022

The Graham brothers, Dawson and Dillon, have made a habit of winning. But the Wainwright duo took it to a new level this weekend, claiming top honours in all three CPRA rodeos, including the SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour stop in Lethbridge, and padding their respective bank accounts by more than $6200.

... read more

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... READ MORE

While the Carbon, Alberta bareback rider has been enjoying another solid season, he makes it clear that there are mountains yet to climb. “Yeah, winning the season leader title is a goal I’ve set for myself for a few years now,” the 32 year old hand admitted. “I’ve missed it by just a couple of dollars three different times. To be that close so many times, that’s all I want right now.”

... read more

... READ MORE

SEE RESULTS HERE

Cole Goodine

Matt Richardson

Ryan Shuckburgh

Chance Barrass

Jake Burwash

Dawson Graham

Dillon Graham

Logan Bonnett

Keely Bonnett

Jason Smith

Jesse Popescul

Kyle Brown

Lisa Zachoda

Bradi Whiteside (2 events)

Bailey Hines

* Complete event results here

July 3, 2022 l Airdrie, AB
For immediate release

It’s called Cowboy Christmas for a reason.

The return of the Canada Day holiday run on this side of the 49th parallel was greeted with big smiles on the faces of rodeo athletes who look forward to that week every year. And for some it provided a game-changing injection of cash that impacts both CPRA and PRCA standings and even how big winners will plan the balance of their season.

No one was more successful over the July 1 run than the recent high school grad, Bayleigh Choate. The Fort Worth, Texas barrel racing sensation won both go-rounds, the championship round and the Showdown at the Ponoka Stampede for a $21,301.40 payoff, then added a second-place finish at the Williams Lake Stampede, a sixth at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo and a seventh at the Raymond Stampede for a whopping $26,267.19 weekend total that will vault her to a commanding lead atop the Canadian standings. Two of the four events—Ponoka and Williams Lake form part of the newly minted SMS Equipment Pro Tour.

Choate is a teenager with a very clear roadmap that she wants her first year in professional barrel racing to follow. “This is my rookie year and I always say if your goals don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough,” she commented after her massively successful weekend in Canada. “I started out just wanting to win the World rookie title but then I decided to go bigger and try for the top thirty (in the world standings). Then when I was doing good there, I decided to try for the top fifteen. I came up to Canada for the Calgary Stampede qualifier just about the time I had moved into the top fifteen in the world. My horses are feeling good up here so I decided to go further and try to qualify for the NFR as well as Rookie of the Year in Canada and the CFR.”

If those sound like lofty goals, consider this… her whopping weekend payday has her leading both the World and Canadian rookie standings; she sits first in Canada and has moved into the top ten in the world standings. The only real challenge Choate (pronounced Shote) might face is the eighteen rodeos she has to compete at in Canada in order to qualify for the CFR. But based on the tenaciousness of the talented horse woman, that could simply be another box she’ll check en route to a November date in Red Deer (home of the CFR).

The Texas cowgirl was quick to credit her parents as a big factor in her success. “They’re awesome. They’re up here with me and I’m really excited about that. Their support is unmatched.”

And, of course there are her equine partners as well. Her mount at Ponoka was her six-year-old son of Dash Ta Fame (Dash) out of a Flaming Talent mare. A young horse that, like his rider, is early in his career, and has found Canada very much to his liking.

“I’ve never been a person to get nervous,” Choate added. “Your horse is a mirror of you and feeds off of you. I look at every run as a business run and do my job in the moment.” But even with that laid-back philosophy, it wasn’t instant magic for the Georgia native. Earlier this season, she’d gone six months and won less than $500. “Someone told me that it just takes one rodeo to turn things around and for me that was Rodeo Austin. We were leaving Birmingham, Alabama and I’d hit a barrel. Then I got a call that a spot had opened up at Rodeo Austin. We drove all night, did really well, and sure enough that was the rodeo that turned the season around.

Like Rodeo Austin, there will undoubtedly be a place for the Ponoka Stampede in a young barrel racer’s heart after a memorable performance that she and her fans won’t soon forget.

Cadogan, Alberta bull rider, Lonnie West continued to have the hot hand as he also ran the board at Ponoka with a pair of go round wins, and a championship round win. Then he capped off his Ponoka run with a spectacular 92.75-point ride on Vold Rodeo’s 792 Hard Not to Get in the Showdown for a huge $22,008.80 week at the central Alberta rodeo jewel.

“It was one for the books, that’s for sure,” West grinned after his win. The second-generation bull rider has had to overcome a nagging injury to the shoulder on his riding arm in recent years but is feeling good and his riding is reflective of that.

“I probably should have had surgery but it was too late. I knew I’d got into Calgary so I rehabbed the shoulder really hard and got it probably as strong as it can be without the surgery” the 2021 runner-up for the Canadian title noted. “Winning third at Wainwright and Williams Lake and now winning Ponoka I’ve got a fair bit of money won, so I can pick and choose a little more. It really helps to win at these big ones because now I can rest the shoulder when it needs it and not have to go to all the little ones. This’ll make my season last a little longer. It’ll be a marathon from now to the end but my shoulder’s feeling good.”

As well, West’s confidence is at an all-time high. “Yeah, that’s directly related to my health. Over the years you build up your skill level and your confidence so when it comes to those big moments like Ponoka you don’t have to think about anything, you just react. Last night in the four round, I knew I had a big-time bucker, probably the best one in the pen, but I had no doubt I could ride him.”

The bull was also rewarded as Hard Not to get was selected as Best of the Ponoka Stampede. A bull that had been at the PBR’s in the US most of the spring, he had an outstanding trip with West aboard, doing his part in getting the 26-year-old to the winner’s circle.

As for West’s goals, well those might have changed a little in recent days. “Being runner-up for Canada last year, that really fired me up to want to win a Canadian title,” he stated. “But going into Calgary riding good and feeling really good, I’d sure like to win a Stampede championship as well. When things are coming together like they are, you just have to roll with it. Bottom line is I’m feeling good and having fun.”

The importance of the Ponoka Stampede and Canadian Cowboy Christmas was well-stated by four-time Canadian Champion, Shane Hanchey. The Sulphur, Louisiana tie-down roper, collected his second Ponoka title with a brilliant 7.9 second run in the Showdown to cap a $16,787.60 payday.

“I was looking at the program they gave us and I saw Larry Robinson had won here four times, Joe Lucas and Mike Johnson won it back to back, Blair Burk won it more than once, and I thought it would be cool to see my name in here more than once,” Hanchey admitted. “Now it’s happened and I’m pretty pumped.” And the part-time Canadian was quick to credit the Bird family (Logan and Maynerd from Nanton, AB) for the opportunity to ride 2021 CPRA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year, Peso, for the Ponoka experience.

Overall the Ponoka win definitely changes the game for the 2013 world champion. ”This also threw a wrench into my summer plans,” Hanchey acknowledged. “Now that I’ve got $17,000 won up here I’m definitely going to be looking at the CPRA schedule and see if there’s a way I can get back up here to the CFR one more time.”

For complete results and the full CPRA schedule, check out rodeocanada.com

This week the CPRA season rolls along into the Benalto Stampede July 8-10. (The Coronation Pro Rodeo, which was scheduled for July 8-9 has been postponed to Sept 8-9 due to excessive rain adversely affecting the conditions of the rodeo grounds.)

* Download a copy of this release

Stop by their booth for a visit!

Each year, C+ Stock Contractor, Roy Call, takes the group on a journey of animal health and welfare.

Happy Canada Day from one of our 'Pro Rodeos in Progress'!

The 2022 Canadian version includes four events: Ponoka Stampede, Williams Lake Stampede, Airdrie Pro Rodeo and the most recent addition, the Raymond Stampede.

The Ponoka Stampede has been a going concern for over 80 years in the central Alberta farming and ranching community by the same name. The Ponoka Sports Association was formed in 1920 with a goal of raising funds for the community. 1936 saw the advent of a 2-day Stampede, Carnival and Sports Event celebrated on the July 1st holiday. The Ponoka Stampede of today is a tradition that resonates with new and long-standing fans and continues to change and grow, while still respecting the traditions on which it was built. Over 800 volunteers donate more than 3,000 hours during the June 27-July 3 celebration, which includes one of the largest CPRA-PRCA rodeos in North America, WPCA chuckwagon races, amazing country music entertainers, a mid-way and more. As well, the Ponoka Stampede is the third stop on the SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour. For details... www.ponokastampede.com

Several hours to the west, the renowned Williams Lake Stampede (in place since 1920 - barring breaks for World War II and a hiatus for Covid) - reflects the mining, logging and ranching history of the Chilcotin region in an action-packed community celebration. Set in a natural amphitheatre-style setting just below the Williams Lake, BC town proper, the Stampede - which runs June 30-July 3 - features top pro rodeo competition, the famous (and infamous) Mountain Race, an annual parade, Bronc Buster Trade Fair, the Let’r Buck Saloon and more. The 2022 Williams Lake Stampede line-up features CPRA, PRCA and WPRA athletes vying for big purses as the Stampede is part of the SMS Equipment Canadian Pro Rodeo Tour. Add in bucking stock from C+ Rodeo and Duffy Rodeo for some great rodeo performances. www.williamslakestampede.com

Also on the July long weekend roster is the Airdrie Pro Rodeo, which has roots dating back to July 1, 1967 when the Airdrie’s Lions Club organized a gymkhana and parade in celebration of Canada’s 100th anniversary. Over 50 years later, the community is still enjoying a Canada Day celebration complete with a CPRA and PRCA approved rodeo - which attracts top North American athletes. Get in on all the action July 1 and 2 at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo grounds just west of the community. Details available at www.airdrieprorodeo.com

New to the 2022 Pro Rodeo Canada Cowboy Christmas schedule is the historic Raymond Stampede. Known as the first Stampede held in Canada (dating back to 1902) the long-standing event, held July 1-2 in the southwestern Alberta town of Raymond, includes a CPRA-PRCA pro rodeo, Wild Horse Grand Entry, Kids’ Wild Pony Race and a special performance by the Blood Tribe Dance Group and Moccasin Flats Singers. www.facebook.com/Raymond-Stampede-169069207145465/

Check out rodeocanada.com (and their social media channels,) for more information on all Canadian Professional Rodeo Association events. As another viewing option, both the Ponoka Stampede and Williams Lake Stampede will be available via live stream at FloRodeo.com

* Becoming a FloRodeo.com subscriber also provides the opportunity to watch the archived content again or at a later date.

CFR/WNFR team ropers, Kolton Schmidt (Barrhead, AB) and Cole Davison (Stephenville, TX) continued their upward climb with wins at both the Daines Ranch Rodeo in Innisfail, AB (4.6 seconds, $2453) and Stavely Pro Rodeo (Stavely, AB).

... read more

* Chantelle Bowman photo

* see complete unofficial results here

... read more

The Weatherford, Texas Bareback Riding sensation rode 2021 Canadian Stock Contractor of the Year - C5 Rodeo's F13 Virgil to 95 points and the highest scored bareback ride in PRCA history at the Darby, Montana Riggin' Rally Xtreme Broncs event.

Eighteen year old Steiner sits 10th in the World bareback standings and leads the Resistol World Rookie Bareback race. (as of June 6)

14 year old Virgil is one of the most celebrated horses of all time.

Just a few of Virgil's accolades include:
* 2015-16 & 2018 BB Horse of the CFR
* 2 time Canadian & World Bareback of the Year (2017-18)
* 2018 RFDTV American BB Champion

Photo credit: Hailey Rae Photography

With the spring rodeo season ramping up comes a greater opportunity for athlete injury. A few CPRA athletes have been sidelined for the next while, among them, saddle bronc rider Lucas Macza.

Macza, from High River, AB, caught a stray hoof during a routine get-off from the bronc he'd just ridden to 81 points. The accident - which happened at San Angelo Rodeo - left the cowboy with a broken jaw and a several weeks of downtime. Macza, who competed at his first CFR in the open bronc riding last year, is currently 13th in the World Standings, one of six Canadian saddle bronc riders in the top 15.

Also out for the next few weeks is 2019 Canadian Bareback Champion, Orin Larsen. The Inglis, MB native tore the PCL and meniscus in his knee - also in San Angelo. Larsen will be rehabing in preparation for a return to action later this spring. Larsen is ranked 14th in the World standings and is looking for his eighth trip to the NFR.

Another former Bareback Champ, Richmond Champion, who won Canada in 2018, will be taking a little longer to get back on the rodeo trail.The Stevensville, Montana cowboy announced in late March that he will take the remainder of the season to heal after having surgery for a bulged disc in his neck that was compressing his spinal cord. Champion has seven NFR appearances to his credit.
Image: Lucas Macza on Outlaw Buckers' Lunatic Party, 2021 CFR.
* Covy Moore photo

2018 and 2019 Canadian Champion bareback riders, Richmond Champion and Orin Larsen, sit 10th and 16th respectively in the standings after a weekend that included the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and Fiesta de Los Vaqueros in Tucson.

In the team roping, World and Canadian Champion heeler Jeremy Buhler and his heading partner, Rhen Richard have their eyes on a return to the WNFR after a solid performance at last year’s event. They sit 5th in the world standings while Jake Minor and Garrett Rogers, who won the aggregate title at the 2016 Canadian Finals Rodeo, are five spots back in 10th place.

Canadian bronc riders continue to occupy several slots among the world’s elite with five men in the top 15—Layton Green (3rd), Kolby Wanchuk (5th), Kole Ashbacher (9th), Logan Hay (11th) and Lucas Macza (13th)—matching the number of Canadians who qualified for the 2021 Las Vegas Finals. Two-time World and Canadian Champion Zeke Thurston is in 16th with Dawson Hay on the move at 22nd.

The number one man in the Tie Down Roping world standings is 2019 World and Reserve Canadian Champion, Haven Meged, with a couple of former Canadian titleists, Tuf Cooper and Shane Hanchey (four time Cdn Champ), sitting 3rd and 8th. CFR qualifiers, Ty Harris and Ryan Jarrett, occupy 10th and 13th.

Seven-time bull riding World Champion, Sage Kimzey, a CFR qualifier in 2019, is in his customary spot at the top of the world standings while former Canadian Champion and two-time WNFR qualifier, Jordan Hansen, continues to move up the ladder and now sits 22nd.

... for complete event results and standings, see prorodeo.com

Feb 22, 2022 - For 2017 Canadian Tie-Down Roping Champion, Logan Bird, the annual trek to Arizona is anything but a vacation.

Nanton, Alberta’s Bird family (Logan, his dad, Manerd, sister, Lakota and mom, Shawna) head for their Marana, AZ (second) home shortly after the Canadian Finals Rodeo each year and work mainly from there until roughly April 1.

And the emphasis is on work. “We brought 30 head of horses down from Canada and we have 25 that I’m riding right now” Logan explained. “We’ll train them throughout the winter and eventually haul them back north and sell them over the course of the year. Then we buy more and start over again.”

The Birds focus on the three roping events (tie-down, team roping and breakaway) in their training operation.

In addition, Logan gets to a number of Arizona rodeos and a few of the bigger PRCA events in Texas.

“I’ve only been to nine rodeos so far. I’ve got too many horses to do much more than that,” he noted. “I’ve done okay this year, but not great. I won second at Yuma and made some money at San Antonio.”

One of those nine rodeos was the qualifier for The American, that started with 235 ropers. Logan (and his 2021 Canadian Tie-Down Horse of the Year, Peso) is one of 30 to qualify for the semi-final which takes place March 1-3 in Fort Worth with six of the 30 ropers advancing to The American (the richest single day rodeo in the World) where they will be joined by the top ten in the World Standings.

The Bird family also stages a roping jackpot every two weeks at their Marana arena(s). “We have 40 to 60 ropers in our open, another 15-20 in the juniors and 15 more in what we call our colt jackpot - which is for horses that have never been to a rodeo.” As well, Logan added, there are another 50-70 breakaway ropers as part of the Series.

Though the focus is on the equine operation, it’s not all work all the time. Logan and the rest of the family enjoy a few of the benefits of Arizona living (in addition to escaping the western Canadian winter).

“We’re not far from Tucson,” Logan acknowledged, “I really love Mexican food so that’s been great. And my fast-food favourite is Chick-fil-A which I can’t get in Canada.” The family also fits in the occasional visit to Top Golf. “They’ve got food and drinks - it’s like a souped-up driving range,” Logan explained, “with targets that light up at night; it’s a lot of fun!”

As far as his plan for the spring and summer rodeo season, Logan will take in Logandale (NV) and the California rodeos in early April then work his way north.

“I want to set aside enough rodeos in my rodeo-count that if I did really well at Calgary, and had a shot at the NFR, I could come back down here and go hard. If I don’t do well at Calgary, I’ll probably stay in Canada and concentrate on the CFR.”

In the meantime, it’s business as usual in Marana, Arizona where the Albertan laughingly notes, “The weather’s better here!”

One of the most dramatic finishes the final day of CFR47 came in the steer wrestling where five time Canadian Champion Cody Cassidy virtually had to win the round and move up a couple of places in the aggregate to claim a sixth win.

“Overall, I had good steers and got off to a good start,” Cassidy commented. “Saturday afternoon I had a steer I knew would be tricky to catch. Unfortunately I let him slip through my grasp but that’s part of it. I came back with two good steers after that. You can come here (to the Finals) five or six times and just because you’re here doesn’t mean you’ll have the opportunity to win it. You still have to draw good.”

Cassidy did what he had to and the stars aligned to give the Donalda, AB bull dogger an 8,000 point margin of victory. The six titles equal the Canadian record total established by Hall of Famer Bud Butterfield a half century ago.

Photo: Dustin Duffy receiving 2021 Douglas Lake Ranch Cowboy of the Year honors .

Congratulations to all CFR qualifiers, season leaders and award winners. And thank you to our partners, sponsors, families and fans for all your support.

As contestants and fans make their way to Red Deer, Alberta we invite you to join us for six exciting performances over five days (Nov 3-7) that will determine Canada’s 2021 Canadian Professional Rodeo Champions.

In addition to the rodeo action, take in popular returning events including nightly Cabarets, post performance buckle presentations, daily western lifestyle trade show, Ladies of Canadian Pro Rodeo Fashion Show, Contestant autograph sessions and Hot Stove Lounge, the Miss Rodeo Canada competition and more.

Re-connect with old friends, make some new ones, enjoy the spirit of our western way of life once again.

Tickets are available at https://www.ticketsalberta.com/event/cfr2021/

For attendees who are not fully vaccinated, an on-site rapid testing option is available to you. Details are available at https://cfrreddeer.ca/

See you at CFR47!

... with Travel Alberta

Aug 31, 2021 - To say Dawson and Dillon Graham have been ‘on fire’ lately would be an understatement.

And the Wainwright team roping brothers found their way to the pay window once again this past weekend with a smoking 3.8 second run at Regina’s Pile O Bones Rodeo that netted each man $2334. When added to sizeable cheques from Okotoks Pro Rodeo (1-2 split, $1731) and Drayton Valley (2nd, $1212) the total helped the ropers establish a strong lead in the Canadian standings.

Several steer wrestlers also bettered their chances at a CFR berth, among them five time Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion, Cody Cassidy who won Drayton Valley and added a 6th place split at Regina for a total of $2000. Cassidy is joined by his brother Curtis and Virden, Manitoba’s Justin Miller - both of whom moved higher in the rankings as well.

At the rough stock end of the arena, Eastend, Sask bareback rider Dantan Bertsch maintained his grip on the season leader position after earning the win at Okotoks on Vold Rodeo’s True Grit with an 88 point ride ($1433) and a couple of solid placings at Regina and Drayton Valley. ($2900 for the weekend)

South of '49
Wildwood, Alberta bronc rider Dawson Hay did not qualify for the National Finals Rodeo last year, ending the season 18th overall. His 2021 goal to be in the top 5 going into the NFR came closer to being a reality at Rapid City, SD where the second generation cowboy won his first PRCA Xtreme Broncs Tour title after winning the Tour Finale and $26,678. With this win, Hay moved to 4th in the World standings. For PRCA event results and World standings, www.prorodeo.com

www.rodeocanada.com/results.htm for complete unofficial results.

Next up on Pro Rodeo Canada's event roster are two central Alberta stops: the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo at Innisfail Sept 2-4 and the Benalto Stampede Sept 4-6.

Spilled Perfume's accomplishments include:
3rd place BB Horse of the NFR 2017
2nd place BB Horse of the NFR 2018
2nd place BB Horse of the NFR 2019
2 X runner up BB Horse of the CFR
Ponoka Stampede Bareback Horse of the Rodeo 2018

Spilled’s legacy will live on through her first colt - produced this spring.

Photo: Reigning Canadian Bareback Champion, Orin Larsen & Spilled Perfume - 2019 CFR

(Billie-Jean Duff photo)

“After I finished college rodeo I thought that my breakaway roping career was over. To be able to compete at professional rodeos in the breakaway is not something I ever thought possible and it has been so much fun! Winning Cranbrook was extra special to me because I have family ties to that rodeo,” says Bird. (Murray Hayward photo)

* Unofficial Cranbrook results here

The evening features a charity auction and raffles. Through an exciting live auction, 6 large one-of-a-kind fiberglass cowboy boots, hand-painted by Albertan artists, will be partnered with one-of-a-kind experiences and auctioned off. There will also be 10 smaller boots featured in the charity auction.

Guests will be treated to a hearty, western meal and beverage while enjoying an intimate performance from our special guest - award-winning Canadian country music star Brett Kissel!

Date: September 18, 2021
Location: Peavey Mart Centrium, Westerner Park
4847A 19 Street, Red Deer, AB T4R 2N7
Attire: Wear your western gear and jeans!

Tickets: $125 (including fees and taxes)

Available through Tickets Alberta at https://www.ticketsalberta.com/event/cowboykicks/

Matt Richardson was 4.7 secs to win the 2021 La Crete, AB Field of Dreams Stampede Steer Wrestling title and $1999. The win will see the Olds, AB cowboy move into the top 5 in Canada - unofficial results here
- photo by Wildwood Imagery  

Aug 9, 2021

* Darren Dublanko enjoys success at the Sundre Pro Rodeo with an 8.1 second winning tie-down roping run - good for $1664. The Thorsby roper is making a bid for his first CFR appearance.

* Reigning Canadian Bull Riding Champion Edgar Durazo teams up with Duane Kesler’s 601 Tickety Boo to the tune of 83 points and the title at Guy Weadick Rodeo in High River, AB over the weekend. The Mexican-born bull rider adds a second place in High River with $1880 overall. Durazo sits among the top 5 in Canada.

* Wainwright, Alberta’s team roping brothers, Dawson and Dillon Graham. move up in the Canadian standings courtesy of a speedy run at Sundre (4.6 sec, $1942 each) and a 5.5 at High River for a total of $1990.

* Saddle bronc rider Chance Barrass picks up a first at High River (82 points on Duane Kesler's Fox Hole) and a fifth at Sundre for a total of $1236 in an effort to get to his first Finals.

* Guy Weadick Rodeo video courtesy of C5 Rodeo

Aug 3, 2021

* Two time World and reigning Canadian Saddle Bronc Champion Zeke Thurston (Big Valley, AB) tops $16,000 in winnings with big performances at the Hardgrass Bronc Match, the Strathmore Stampede and the Medicine Hat Stampede.

* CFR-NFR qualifier Dawson Hay (Wildwood, AB) equals world record high score in the saddle bronc riding with his 95 point ride on The Calgary Stampede’s W16 Wild Cherry at the Hardgrass Bronc Match, Pollockville, AB

* Two time Canadian High Point Champion Morgan Grant (Didsbury, AB) enjoys a profitable weekend ($4210) with tie-down roping wins at the Bruce Stampede (8.7 secs) and the Medicine Hat Stampede (8.3 secs). And his horse Buhler carries smokin’ hot Thorsby, AB roper Erik Dublanko to the win (8.7 secs, $5668) at the Strathmore Stampede

* Three time Canadian Bareback Champion Jake Vold returns to action. The Carstairs, AB cowboy climbs on his first bareback horse in over 18 months to mark 84.5 points on Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo’s G7 Little Rotten to win the Medicine Hat Stampede and $2500.

* In the ladies barrel racing, two competitors stand out. Bradi Whiteside (Longview, AB) stops the clock at the Strathmore Stampede in 17.760 secs to earn first place and $6847. Recent Calgary Stampede Champion Bertina Olafson (Hudson Bay, SK) picks up a second place cheque at Strathmore (17.977 secs) and a third at Medicine Hat (17.211 secs) to add $8166 to her bank account. Both women move among the top five in Canada.

Fans were excited to take in the action at Bonnyville Pro Rodeo, Teepee Creek Stampede & Bowden Daze.

... unofficial results here

At this time, we can confirm that we are actively planning and optimistic that we will have more information soon!

As always, we continue to monitor and follow all Alberta Health Services recommendations regarding COVID-19 and we will continue to take appropriate measures and make any necessary decisions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Sign up to be a Rodeo Insider to stay in the know. We’ll be sending updates and timelines as soon as we have them.

 https://cfrreddeer.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe

The April 8-10 Finals wrapped up Saturday night at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. With earnings counting toward the World Standings, a number of CPRA athletes bolstered their chances at 2021 NFR berths.

Guenthner, who is vying for his fourth NFR and was mounted on Curtis Cassidy's PRCA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, Tyson, collected $16,805 for his efforts. Champion, who is a fixture at Canadian rodeos, took home $15,010 while Australian bronc rider, Jake Finlay, who qualified for his first CFR in 2019, earned $14,249.

Among the other Pro Rodeo Canada athletes who enjoyed success at Kissimmee were tie down ropers Kyle Lucas - who added over $11,000 to his 2021 earnings, Josh Erickson who pocketed $1,847 and bareback rider Kody Lamb who picked up $3,849.

* PRCA story here
* RNCFR results

Hanchey tipped his hat to his four legged partner in his comments as he accepted his cheque, "I just feel like I am the best roper in the world. If you don’t believe it, then you’re not it. Confidence is the main key to this game from bareback to bull riding.  I just felt on that horse, I had all the confidence in the world and if not for TJ, I wouldn’t be here.”

Two time World and reigning Canadian Champion, Zeke Thurston, rode Dakota Rodeo's Bartender for 82.5 points and the $10,000 third place cheque.

Bull doggers Scott Guenthner and Tanner Milan were 6.8 and 7.3 respectively in Round 2/the Finals and did not qualify for the final four Shoot-Out.

Additional 2021 American Rodeo Champions were Tilden Hooper (Bareback Riding), Jacob Talley (Steer Wrestling), Ryder Wright (Saddle Bronc), Erich Rogers/Paden Bray (Team Roping), Hailey Kinsel (Barrel Racing ) and Colten Fritzlan (Bull Riding). The Breakaway Roping was won by Jill Tanner.

* Shane Hanchey quote, photos and event stats courtesy of The American Rodeo / Rural Media Group

See complete PRCA results here

March 7, 2021 - Canadian and CPRA rodeo athletes - both two-legged and four-legged - will be front and centre as the curtain rings down on the 2021 edition of The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas.

Among the competitors who have a shot at titles are two time and reigning Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion Scott Guenthner. The Provost, Alberta cowboy won the Semi-Finals and the Long Round at AT&T Stadium. He was the only bulldogger to stop the clock in less than 4 seconds so far and is in a position to capture the million dollar prize. (See PRCA story here)

Guenthner is joined by two time Canadian Champion Tanner Milan. Both men will be mounted on Curtis Cassidy's 2020 World Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year - Tyson.

Other CPRA contenders are former Team Roping Champions Paul Eaves and Matt Sherwood, two time World Champion and current Canadian title holder, Zeke Thurston in the Bronc Riding, four time Canadian Champion Shane Hanchey and another former Champion, Tuf Cooper, in the Tie-Down Roping and 6 time World Champion and CFR qualifier, Sage Kimzey in the Bull Riding.

March 7 Semi-Final Daysheet here

Semi-Final action gets underway today at 3 pm EST (1 pm MST). More information available at https://www.thecowboychannel.com or https://www.americanrodeo.com

The 2019 CFR qualifier and Sherwood Park, Alberta cowboy rode The Calgary Stampede's Tokyo Bubbles to 91 points for the win. Coupled with earlier bracket earnings and the Wild Card win (another 90 pt ride) Wanchuk pocketed $13,500 overall and moved to the number two spot in the World standings.

Tie-down roper Kyle Lucas also enjoyed a productive San Antonio stop. The second generation roper won the Wild Card and a bracket go-round and was second in the Finals for total earnings of $10,500. Lucas was under eight seconds on all three of those runs. And... the young talent currently sits on top of the World standings!

Among the other CPRA athletes who took home sizeable pay cheques were bronc riders Jake Watson ($5000) and Logan Hay ($4500); bull rider Jordan Hansen ($5000) and team ropers Kolton Schmidt/Hunter Koch ($3600 each).

Click here for complete San Antonio results

See updated World Standings here

* Complete podcast here

January, 2021

Click here to listen to Between the Rows Glacier Media Podcast with two time CPRA All Around Champion Jake Gardner.

Happy New Year everyone!

2020 was a very challenging year for many individuals and organizations and the CPRA was no exception.

But the year actually ended on a good note. December saw an exciting Wrangler National Finals staged at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Congratulations to our CPRA competitors. Special recognition goes out as well to Canadian stock contractors for their tremendous additions to the NFR stock roster, and in particular to Northcott-Macza Rodeo whose saddle bronc, Get Smart, was voted Top Saddle Bronc Horse of the 2020 WNFR.

And now we’re into a new year - a new year with new optimism, new plans and even a new rodeo or two. As we enter 2021, I’m optimistic about our Canadian Pro Rodeo season. It’s promising that a number of rodeo committees have reached out with plans to move ahead with events as soon as they are able to do so. While the CPRA schedule will experience some modifications as we roll into the new season, and all of us may have to be flexible in our approach and expectations, we’re all hopeful that we will soon be back on the rodeo trail.

Please continue to follow our Rodeo Canada website and social media channels for updates as we move into spring.

Terry Cooke
President
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

EDMONTON -- Levi Simpson and his horse Stetson are about to trample the turf where the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisted the World Series trophy.

Simpson, a team roper from Ponoka, Alta., admits it's unusual for the National Finals Rodeo to be staged in a ballpark.

Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, served as Major League Baseball's “bubble” for the National League playoffs and October's World Series.

... read more

Purchased by the Cassidy family when was just three, RTR Little Willy (aka: Willy) was a registered running-bred appendix horse that enjoyed stints on the track in Alberta and Wyoming.

The gritty brown gelding that accompanied two generations of Cassidy cowboys to North American rodeos (Greg and sons Curtis and Cody all won Canadian titles on Willy, as did Lee Graves) enjoyed an outstanding career as a professional steer wrestling horse. Willy carried four men to World titles and earned well over $3 million. He was named Canadian Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year a record six times and won the AQHA-PRCA World Championship in 2008.

After helping Curtis (Cassidy) win the last two rounds at the 2010 NFR, Willy headed into a well deserved retirement on the Cassidy ranch at Donalda, Alberta.

And this year, RTR Little Willy earned a place in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as one of the 2020 inductees. This equine superstar holds a special place in the Cassidy family’s hearts and in the hearts of all of us who follow pro rodeo. At 34 years of age, it seems somehow fitting that the steer wrestling legend chose CFR week to say farewell.

I want to offer special congratulations to the CPRA athletes, stock contractors and their four-legged partners who will soon be making their way to Arlington, Texas for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Closer to home, it’s exciting to see CPRA Committee Reps, Shane Crouch and Lloyd Gray, orchestrating a meeting of our rodeo committees. It will be great to see everyone get together and start planning for 2021. I'm sure some good ideas will come out of this meeting.

We have also been in regular contact with Alberta health authorities and continue to work closely with them in planning for next year’s rodeo season.

We’re all aware that we will have to make changes in how we do business from now on but l am confident that we will overcome the challenges the pandemic has brought us. I believe that our existence depends on all of us being more creative if we want to continue to prosper. The western way of life is very dear to us all and we have to stick together to keep it going.

See you down the rodeo trail,
Terry Cooke

Among those with plans to be at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX from Dec 3-12:

- 2019 Bareback Champion Orin Larsen, Inglis, MB (3rd, PRCA standings, $81,391)
- 2018 Bareback Champ Richmond Champion, Stevenville, MT (7th, $64,149)

- 2019 Saddle Bronc Champion Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, AB (9th, $50,523)

- Two time Steer Wrestling and nine time High Point Champion, Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, AB (5th, $50,047) who is also the recipient of the Purina AQHA Top Pro Rodeo Steer Wrestling horse, Dashin Haze (aka Tyson)

In the tie-down roping event:
- 2010 Champ, Tuf Cooper, Decatur, TX (2nd, $67,189)
- Four time (& reigning) Champion, Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, LA (10th, $52,299)
- 2013 Champion, Timber Moore, Aubrey, TX (9th, $53,167)
- Three time Champion, Tyson Durfey, Brock, TX (12th, $47,292)
- 2019 Reserve Cdn Champ Haven Maged, Miles City, MT (3rd, $66,747)

Team roping heelers:
- 2012 Champion Paul Eaves, lonedell, MO (8th, $56,159)
- 2019 Champion Hunter Koch, Vernon, TX (14th, $51,021)

Barrel racing:
- Four time Champion Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, SD (13th, $40,904)

Click here for a complete list of 2020 WNFR qualifiers

Several contenders (incl. Brooke Wills, Dawson Graham, Keely Bonnett, Cole Goodine, Ty Taypotat and Jesse Popescul) earned RNCF qualifications courtesy of their success at the inaugural Maple Leaf Circuit Finals held Nov 27-30, 2019 at Canadian Western Agribition Rodeo in Regina.

Among the winners:

* Dawson Graham/Keely Bonnett - Team Roping average winners ($6564 each)

* defending Canadian Champion barrel racer & Maple Leaf Circuit Finals Champ Brooke Wills who placed in both rounds and the average ($4365 total)

* bareback riders Trenton Montero, Cole Goodine and Ty Taypotat - all of whom earned multiple cheques: Montero ($8197); Goodine ($5529); Taypotat ($1698)

* 2019 CFR steer wrestling qualifier Tanner Brunner - round 2 winner ($3201)

* tie-down ropers 2007 Cdn Champ Clint Robinson ($5238) and 3 x CFR qualifier Jesse Popescul ($4559)

* Complete RNCF results here

* PRCA story here

While the annual World Finals may look a little different this year, and may be located in a venue other than its usual Nevada home, contestants are as focused as always on gaining a top 15 spot.

Among those joining Cassidy as likely contenders are Shane Hanchey, Richmond Champion, Orin Larsen, Levi Simpson, Kolton Schmidt, Paul Eaves, Zeke Thurston and Sage Kimzey.

Sidenote: Dawson Hay is going to try to return to competition after an earlier injury. (See details in PRCA story by Tracy Renck)

... Complete standings are posted at ProRodeo.com

“Rodeo Road” by Ian Tyson
Ian has always been a hero of mine and has become a good friend over the years, which is even better. As everyone from our neck of the woods already knows, he’s the king of cowboy music. “Rodeo Road” is one of his lesser known songs, but it’s a great one. It is the melancholy-but-hopeful tale of a bronc rider finally hanging up the spurs and tossing all his gear into the river to prove to his lady that he’s finally gonna stick around. If you’re a Tyson fan, scare this one up.

“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” by George Strait
Everybody knows this one. This number from King George, along with a couple of Garth’s, are the last songs I can remember on country radio with any real western themes, which is a sad fact. But this one is a beauty and has almost a polar opposite message than “Rodeo Road” does. It’s actually pretty dark, if you dig into it. He says something about how ‘this rodeo’s been hard on us all’, implying there are kids involved. He calls home, hears that she doesn’t want him back, and with in about 45 seconds has decided to hell with it, on to the next one. It’s a great song that deserves to be as famous as it is.

“Much Too Young (To Feel This Damned Old)” by Garth Brooks
Speaking of Garth, I know a number of bronc riders that consider “Much Too Young” pretty much a hymn. And I recently discovered that Garth wrote this one himself. Good on ya, bud. This is one of my favourite all time songs of any genre. I love the lyric, the melody, and years later, I’m still trying to figure out the great fingerpicked intro. This is also the song where Garth famously name checks Chris LeDoux, helping Chris to finally get a major label record deal. Classic rodeo song.

“Bareback Jack” by Chris LeDoux
Which brings us to Chris. I never had the good fortune to meet him, but I’ve become great friends with some of his family. In fact, his son, Ned LeDoux, and I wrote a song together called “Dance With Your Spurs On”. It’s about his dad and my uncle, Tommy Ivins, wringing every last drop out of life and we won the Songwriter of the Year buckle for it last year at the Rocky Mountain Country Music Association Awards. Chris’ “Bareback Jack” is a classic and is made a hundred times more legitimate having been written by an NFR champ. I’m aware of three different versions of this, and the one from the Songs of Rodeo Life album is my pick. The version before is old school bluegrass/folk style, and the later version has a more modern country sound. Both are great, but this one hits the 1970s sweet spot for me in terms of how they recorded it.

“Bandy The Rodeo Clown” by Moe Bandy
This one is a big childhood memory for me. I remember hearing it on the 8-track alongside “Delta Dawn” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” in Dad’s pickup on the way to watch him bulldog in Coronation or Ponoka or Medicine Hat. Still love it to this day, and I want to dedicate it to Ash Cooper, Flint Rasmussen, and Kelly Lacoste.

“Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” by Dan Seals
Here’s a real rodeo tearjerker, written by Dan Seals and Bob McDill. This one hits you right in the gut. I mean, Old Red stumbles, she misses Little Casey’s birthday, and there are certain things a man just doesn’t know. Ouch. Come on, guys, take it easy on us. What a brilliant piece of work, with a great ‘80s country sound.

“The Cowboy In The Continental Suit” by Marty Robbins
My all-time number one record as a kid, and still to this day, is Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. That album doesn’t have any rodeo songs on it, per se, but this is a beauty from one of his later western albums. I love the part where he rolls a smoke, blows a smoke ring, then climbs on the buckskin, old school. I know a couple guys who could pull this off. One of them is from Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan.

“Dawson Le Gate” by Red Steagall
I’ve had the good fortune to meet Mr. Steagall a couple of times while in Nevada and in Texas, and he’s a great man. A legend in Texas, and in western music generally. I love how this song has an Alberta connection; it kind of picks up where Tyson’s “Rodeo Road” leaves off. I’ve found in my travels that the cowboy lifestyle has a common thread all the way down the Rockies as far as the Rio Grande. I’ve made a bunch of great friends all the way along the route.

“Someday Soon” by Ian and Sylvia
This one is a Canadian classic that we all know and love. Sometimes I forget that it’s a rodeo story because it’s such a beautifully written folk song, but it sure enough is, and is as good as they come. I remember hearing this one as a kid, blaring through those worn out metal speakers mounted on poles as I watched the slack on a Saturday morning at some dusty outdoor arena in small town Alberta.

I can’t wait to get back to playing shows and watching rodeo. I hope everyone stays safe, sane and healthy, and I look forward to seeing you down the trail someplace at a PRCA show or a saloon or a rodeo dance when the smoke clears and the dust settles.

You can listen to these songs and a few other honourable mentions here:

Corb Lund’s new album Agricultural Tragic is available now.

2019 CFR qualifier, Kolby Wanchuk, found his way to the top of the leaderboard at Coleman as well. The Sherwood Park, AB bronc rider marked 89 points on Dakota Rodeo's Richie's High for $3,091.

* Several other CPRA competitors are also back on the rodeo trail south of the 49th. Check recent results and standings at www.prorodeo.com

CPRA Members

With the problems that Covid 19 is causing for not only our sport, but for the world in general, l want to touch on the current state of our association.

As you all know, our events have been cancelling and more are dropping off each week.

We are down to about 17 left as of today and those events are getting to the point of having to make a decision as to whether they can go. I am still hopeful we can have a few rodeos and at least salvage part of our season, but there is no guarantee that it will happen.

I have talked with some committees and they want to rodeo as much as you do and are hanging on and rescheduling to try their best to have an event. These committees are at the mercy of the provincial health authorities and can’t even move forward with plans as things are.

I'm not sure as to when we will decide on whether it would be feasible to still plan a CFR but the the decision will have to be made soon. If we end up with only a handful of events later in the season we will have to count them for the 2021 season.

Our association is in good shape financially and we will be in a solid position even if we loose the season.

The board of directors and our management have taken the necessary steps to ensure that our association will survive this pandemic that is financially crippling many organizations and businesses throughout the world. 

This virus is always going to be with us now and the way we do things is going to change in many ways. We will have to evolve a bit but l know we will carry on and find a way to prosper. It will become the new norm and we will roll on.

I remember when all this security at events and airports first started We thought it was crazy but now we just accept it and plan for it. This is just an example of how things change in our world and in a little while we will just move on as it becomes normal.

Let's just all be patient and hope all of this gets fixed soon and we can start doing what we love to do.

Please don’t hesitate to call your director or the office for updates any time. I am always available if you want to talk.

Thanks,

Terry Cooke
President
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

Hey guys,

Let me start by introducing myself, I am Steffanie Mather-Moore, 2014 Canadian Champion Barrel Racer.

Some of you may know me better as Clayton (Moore's) wife, the one packing all the kids around lol. I haven’t had my name down at a rodeo in almost two years, and I have been chomping at the bit to get back at it.

We spend our winters ranching, putting on jackpots, and riding horses. As busy as life is, especially with three little kids, I made sure to make time to keep my rodeo horse legged up as well as getting myself back into top shape. Getting into shape was the easy part, having three kids four and under, as well as helping to look after about 300 head of animals, cardio is just a daily norm. (According to my fit bit, most days I put on between 20,000-25,000 steps).

I had my goals set for this summer, was already planning on how I wanted to enter the rodeos, and was excited to spend the season on the road with my family. My mare and I had been to two jackpots, she worked great, and I had a ton of confidence to take into the spring rodeos.

Then, what seemed like overnight, the world as we know it came to an abrupt halt!! At first, it seemed like things would be on lockdown for a week or two and then hopefully life would carry on as normal. We know now, that is definitely not the case and I won’t even lie about it, last week I threw my sucker in the dirt! I’ve spent the last two years on the sidelines, worked by butt off this winter, and wanted nothing more than to have a fun and successful rodeo season. I have since pulled my head out of the sand and quit pouting to take a look at what is really going on in the world.

Rodeo committees are having to cancel or postpone events they have been working on all year long on, sponsors are unsure of what the future of our economy looks like and the impact this will have on their companies and businesses, fellow rodeo competitors may be losing jobs or worried about a sick loved one. These are uncertain and, let be honest, quite scary times.

As disappointed as I know we all are about the postponement of our rodeo season, I think it’s important to look out for one another as a rodeo family and realize the impact this is having on the whole world. Self-isolating is certainly not how I had planned to spend most of March and April, but if we all do our part, hopefully things will slowly start to get back to normal.

Until then, I’ll continue to get horses rode, spend time with my family, maybe tackle a few projects I’d been waiting to find the time for, and since we are starting to calve and the weather up here in the north is still wintery, getting too far from the Ranch wasn’t going to happen anyways.

So until next time, stay safe, stay home, and hope to see you all on the rodeo trail at some point!

Steffanie Mather-Moore

I am Jake Burwash - CPRA/PRCA Saddle Bronc Rider from Nanton, Alberta. Currently I am serving day 6 of jail time (I mean quarantine) and I thought that I would share how we found out that the start of our rodeo season was going to be postponed.

At the start of the winter run, I had been traveling with Dawson Dahm, Chance Barrass and Preston Ogle in Dawson’s rig. But throughout the winter I had to bum rides and pack all my stuff with me. It wasn’t until my mom drove down my truck to watch my brother and sister in-law compete at the NRCHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas in February that my truck made it down south. Meanwhile I was searching for a used Capri Camper to put on my truck and managed to find one on Facebook. The thing needs some work but it’ll be perfect for comfortable travel. Capri campers are meant to be bolted to the floor of the truck box. Unfortunately I had zero tools to do that so a couple of ratchet straps were going to have to do til I made it an hour north to Chet Johnson’s place in Stephenville, TX where Kolby Wanchuck (power engineer) and Chet (self proclaimed master craftsmen) could help get this camper half a** put together and securely bolted down. About this time is when talks of the COVID-19 really started to hit the news. None of us really thought anything of it to begin with as we carried on with normal weekday activities, golfing, workouts and cookouts.

While we adjust to the new normal, I hope everyone stays safe and positive. Practice social distancing and protect others by protecting yourselves. We will see you all in an arena near you - hopefully this summer!

Jake Burwash

Maple Creek, Sask's Jared Parsonage rode Outlaw Buckers’ A32 OLS Tubs Anika’s Pet to 85.5 points for the long-go win. While the short-go bulls proved to be a big challenge for the finalists, including Parsonage who climbed on Wild Hoggs' 594 Tractorland's Arizona Dreamin, the CFR bull rider (and CPRA bull riding director) added $3981.60 to his already significant 2020 earnings, moving him (unofficially) to second in Canada.

... see complete results here

2017 Canadian saddle bronc champion Layton Green broke both bones (tibia and fibula) in his right leg last spring when his saddle horse stumbled and fell on him while riding the hills at a friend’s ranch.

“Nothing can make a guy hungrier and wanting to win more than sitting out a year,” grinned the Meeting Creek, AB cowboy. “I had to lie around inside for the first month but I got back outside as soon as I could.”

Green climbed on a saddle horse at home not long after the injury then progressed to riding colts and moving cattle at (former Canadian bull riding champ), Tyler Thomson’s, ranch in Black Diamond, AB as soon as he could handle the pressure on his leg. “I tried to take advantage of the time off by doing some riding and hunting - things I usually don’t have much time for.”

While Green’s leg is feeling pretty good, he’ll be looking at another small surgery when the time is right, to remove a couple of the screws used to repair his leg. The second generation bronc rider, along with travelling partners Coburn Bradshaw and Jesse Wright, is already enjoying success at the spring PRCA rodeos. Green is headed to the Finals this weekend at the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show and Rodeo as well as at Fiesta de Los Vaqueros in Tucson, AZ.

Three time Canadian bareback champion Jake Vold is also making the most of his return to competition. The Ponoka, AB athlete - who just relocated to Cremona, AB where he and his wife, Sara, bought a place - cracked out at San Antone after a seven month hiatus from the sport. Vold injured his shoulder at the 2018 WNFR, but returned to the Canadian rodeo scene successfully last spring. It was a second injury (incurred at the Calgary Stampede), this time a hyper-extended knee and bone bruise on his tibia, that put the fan favourite back on the DL.

“I needed a few months off,” the 32 year old commented. “I started feeling good in the fall (of last year) but by October, there was nothing left to go to.”

While Vold kept busy during the winter with the move and home renos, he’s excited to be back in action. “I still crave the competition and I’m glad to be back. I missed the camaraderie with the guys and rodeo is still my main source of income.”

Vold and Green join a number of CPRA athletes enjoying success on the ‘South of ’49’ spring rodeo run. And both rough stock riders hope to qualify for this year’s CFR. The first full CPRA rodeo of the 2020 season is the Broncs & Honky Tonks Spring Indoor Rodeo in Medicine Hat, AB April 17-19 which is part of the Maple Leaf Circuit. And it’s a good bet both Layton Green and Jake Vold will be there.

Yes, they’re back and it’s going to be a lot of fun watching two former champs do what they do so well.

Check out www.rodeocanada.com/rodeo_schedule.htm for a full list of 2020 CPRA events.

The Iowa cowboy rode the 2019 Canadian Bareback Horse of the Year to an outstanding 94 points to win the San Angelo Cinch Chute-Out Rodeo, Feb. 15.

O’Connell shares the world record with Wes Stevenson on Kesler Rodeo's Cover Girl (Dallas, TX, 2002); Will Lowe and Kesler Rodeo’s Sky Reach (Omaha. NE, 2003; Ryan Gray on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Grass Dancer (Eagle, CO, 2009) and Tilden Hooper aboard Classic Pro Rodeo’s Big Tex (Silver City, NM, 2010).

Well done Tim O'Connell, Stevie Knicks and Northcott-Macza!

* Records information courtesy of the PRCA

“I wanted to be ready when I turned pro so I decided I wanted to win the FCA, the LRA and WRA before I started getting on bulls at this level,” he noted.

Well, check, check and check. The second generation Coronation talent won the FCA and the LRA in 2018, then added the WRA in 2019. And he capped off his semi-pro successes by being named the first-ever CPRA Novice Bull Riding Champion.

“That was another notch in the belt, that’s for sure,” the likeable Red Deer College Carpentry student acknowledged. And all the success has helped him put together a large helping of the ingredient he considers most critical to success in the professional ranks. That ingredient is confidence.

“I think Bull Riding is 80 per cent confidence and my family has been huge getting me to this point,” Eno adds. “Because my dad rode bulls and my family has been involved in rodeo I feel really comfortable in this environment. I remember being eight years old and J.B. Mauney was standing right there next to me. I’ve been in cowboys dressing rooms all my life. I guess I feel like I belong. And one thing my family has taught me is that you can learn from everybody, not copy but learn. I think all of that is going to help me get where I want to go quicker.”

Having already tasted a little success at the Rebel Energy Services event in Red Deer, Tanner Eno is excited to be taking that confidence and that plan to Claresholm on February 29 for the Chad Besplug Invitational.

You get a chance, you want to keep an eye on this young man. Better yet, have a chat with him. But don’t expect him to talk like a rookie.

As most of you have heard, the CPRA is offering Breakaway Roping as an optional event for our Committees to host.  The Board believes that this event option is a good addition for our sport.  Breakaway Roping will provide a fast-paced, new event to our rosters that we feel will also be well received by you, our fans.

The host of our marquee event has been in the news lately, which leads you and our members to have some questions about CFR 47.  Since late December we have been working on a budget with Westerner Park and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce to help reorganize the profitability of CFR.

As such, we believe that there can be a sustainable model that will be used for years to come.  Several changes will be announced later this month about CFR.  In the interim - what I can say is the Planning Group is committed to providing a first-class fan experience along with keeping the payout for the athletes intact.

This month, the CPRA Board of Directors and Staff are also busy planning our members Annual General Meeting.  (Feb. 29, 2020).

We are excited for the 2020 season and look forward to seeing you down the rodeo trail.

Jeff Robson
General Manager, CPRA

Hay, the second generation saddle bronc rider from Wildwood, AB, drew into the final and turned in a record-tying 91 point ride on Calgary Stampede's Zena Warrior to claim the $20,000 first place cheque and a total of $23,080 overall.

Two Hills, AB team roping header, Clay Ullery teamed up with Jake Edwards (Ocala, FL) for the Fort Worth win for $22,200. The Fort Worth results catapulted both Ullery and Hay into the top ten in the World Standings in their respective events.

Among the other CPRA competitors who enjoyed Finals success include:
* Steer wrestlers Ty Erickson and Matt Reeves
* Tie-down roping former Canadian (and World) Champions Tuf Cooper and Tyson Durfey

The Calgary Stampede stock was prominent at their first FWSSR appearance as the Bareback Riding was also won on a Calgary horse with Tilden Hooper setting an arena record of 91.5 on CS Agent Lynx.

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