Canadian Cowboy Country · Aug/Sep 2018

Fit, Fun & Fabulous!

Endurance Riding

K2 Kingsway Phenom Bucking Horse

eo s od ew R N ro a P nad Ca

Training Your Next Great Horse, Part 5

RANCHER’S SPECIAL

Sorting & Weaning Calves What Works For Us

Summer Reads

Remembering Eddie “Shorty” Merino PM# 40070720

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 • $5.95

Kody Lamb

Earning a Masters in Rodeo One Buck at a Time

CSR PERFORMANCE HORSE SALE

prospects offered at copper spring ranch august 11 in Bozeman, montana

TR JUDGES DOLL 2016 Filly by Judge Cash out of TR

fUROciOUSLaDychaSER 2016 Gelding by Furyofthewind SExy whiTE SOckS 2016 Filly by Prime Talent (si 107 out of Dashin Ladybird, who is by leading barrel sire Dash For Perks with barrel earners of over $1.8 million. Furyofthewind has race progeny earners of $6.5 million. PIF Future Fortunes, WPRA PESI and Pink Buckle

$101,614 LTE) out of Shez Easy Onthe Eyes, who is by leading performance sire Frenchmans Guy. Shez Easy Onthe Eyes is a 1D and rodeo money winner. PIF Future Fortunes, WPRA PESI and Pink Buckle

fabSfREnch SUccESS 2016 Filly by Frenchmans

mp hayDay SpEciaL 2017 Stallion by PC Frenchmans Hayday (LTE $400,000+; get have combined LTE of $2 million) out of Hum Dash Special by Special Leader (si 103 $292,605 LTE, progeny earners $12.9 million). Consigned by Mel Potter of Marana, Arizona

baRSacROSSThEbRiDGE 2016 Filly by Woodbridge (race progeny earners of $1,960,000) out of Nic Bar Avenges by Dr Nick Bar, sire of 2014 World Champion Barrel Horse Flos Heiress and an EquiStat Top 10 All-time leading Barrel Horse Sire. PIF Future Fortunes and PESI

Dashing Badger “Dolly,” who with Jill Moody has $850,000+ in barrel racing earnings and is now producing winning barrel horses. Judge Cash has sired barrel earners of $1.3 million.

Consigned by the Thomas Ranch of Harrold, South Dakota

Fabulous out of Mistys First Success, who is the product of 2 superior female lines. Dam’s side has over $500 K in barrel money earners plus exceptional track runners. Consigned by Hughes-Morely Land & Livestock, Spanish Fork, Utah

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e are honored to join some of the top breeders in the United States to bring a select group of horses to the Copper Spring Ranch sale this year. Please look them over, ask questions and enjoy your time with us in Bozeman! And starting in 2019 Copper Spring Ranch Sale Graduates will be eligible for the CSR $5000 Futurity Bonus, which will be added to our Open Futurity, May 31–June 1. FMI Sale Horses: Lisa Anderson 406-579-1540 or visit CopperSpringRanch.com

In 2018, the best rodeo competitors across North America are coming to Red Deer for the Canadian Finals Rodeo – it’s going to be a show you don’t want to miss.

For seats so close to the action, you’ll get dust in your teeth visit cfrreddeer.ca

OCT 30 - NOV 4, 2018

28 SUMMER READ

EDDIE ‘SHORTY’ MERINO Bar U Ranch group on roundup. From left to right: unknown; unknown; Fred Robertson (in tent doorway); Kid Smith (standing); Eddie Merino (21 years old, no hat, centre); unidentified man in Mountie Stetson; Miles William “Billy” Clink; A. Melross; ca. 1904–1905.

Photo courtesy Glenbow Museum Archives

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOLUME 22, NO. 2

On the Cover Tyson Jenkins moving pairs on the family ranch near Glentworth, in southern Saskatchewan Photo by Jill Jenkins

20 TRAILBLAZERS

Passing the Buck Kingsway’s rep gave rodeo cowboys the shivers — and they all hoped to draw him

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RANCHER’S SPECIAL

Sorting Pairs, Weaning Calves It’s all about sorting and weaning — and why some outfits do what they do

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THE WESTERNERS

Going the Distance The sport of endurance riding takes horse folk through some gorgeous country

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Farmfair International A heads-up on the cowboy and horse-related events happening at 2018 Farmfair

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Auctions Speak Louder

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COWBOY WAY

From ancient history to eBay, the evolution of the auction

Starting Your Next Great Horse – Part 5 of 6 J.P. Forget takes the horse through the “must-do” moves for the first five rides

cowboycountrymagazine.com

DEPARTMENTS 6 My Point of View 9 In the Corral 13 Western Art Review 14 Spirit of the West 16 Wheel to Wheel 18 Reflections 39 Pro Rodeo Canada Insider 51 Clownin’ Around 54 Cowboy Poetry 5

MY POINT OF VIEW

Home on the Range You know how I’m always saying that everything in the West is connected?

Here’s another case in point — My friend, Tom Reardon, and I were visiting about an old cowboy named Shorty Merino. Soon, Tom would bring up the subject of Shorty with folks from any of the three Western provinces and it was amazing how many people knew about this range rider and his unique tombstone.

Naturally, Tom wanted a photo of the gravestone. Turns out, southern Saskatchewan rancher Heather Beierbach and her late husband, Roger, had been over in that area many years ago, and Heather just happened to take a photo of the stone.

But it was Ethel Schlosser of the Anchor P in southern Alberta who was the biggest help when it came to research on the popular cowboy. Ethel had a treasure trove — a shoebox filled with “Shorty Stuff” — letters, photos and the like all saved by Ethel’s mom, Dorothy Blades.

So now we present the story to you.

It’s a longer read than usual, and while the marketing gurus all swear that

today’s readers don’t like a “long read,” we disagree — after all, you folks raise cattle, you train horses, you grow crops, you put in the work, you appreciate the work, and you know how long the work takes — so knowing that about you all is why we gave Tom the green light.

Also, in this issue: our regular columnist (Road to the CFR) Tim Ellis wrote a terrific piece on the sport of endurance riding, multi-award-winning horse trainer J.P. Forget has penned Part 5 of his 6-part series on Starting Your Next Great Horse, and Hall of Famer Dianne Finstad brings us a glimpse into the life of Kody Lamb, a rodeo cowboy with a freshly earned Masters.

So, from old range riders to longrange riders, saddle up and enjoy the ride — here in Canadian Cowboy Country.

Subscriber Tip Your mailing label on the magazine will tell you when your subscription expires. Right above your name is an issue date, which is the final issue of your subscription.

facebook.com/cowboycountrymag

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XXX XXXXXX JUN/JUL’19 JOE SMITH RR 1 EDMONTON, AB T6B 2L5

@CowboyCntryMag

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY TERRI MASON

— Terri Mason, Editor

August/September 2018 Vol. 22, No. 2 Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Copy Editor Carmen D. Hrynchuk carmen@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director Adam Still adam@cowboycountrymagazine.com Graphic Designers Zuzana Benesova, zuzana@cowboycountrymagazine.com Erin Murphy, ads@cowboycountrymagazine.com Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Traffic Coordinator Cheryl Lindquist traffic@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner frontdesk@tanneryoung.com Accounting Administrator Catherine Staszkiewicz admin@tanneryoung.com Customer Relations Manager Marie Tanner marie@tanneryoung.com Columnists Tim Ellis, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville, Bryn Thiessen Contributors Tim Ellis, Dianne Finstad, JP Forget, Phyllis Rathwell, Tom Reardon Contributing Artists/Photographers Billie-Jean Duff, Paul and Carol Easton, Jill Jenkins, Brock Kryton, Tara McKenzie, Randy Vanderveen Tanner Young Publishing Group #1, 9301–50 Street, Edmonton AB T6B 2L5 Tel: 780-465-3362 Fax 780-448-0424 Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336 Website: cowboycountrymagazine.com E-mail: askus @ cowboycountrymagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call Marie at 1-800-943-7336 1 Year: $21.43 + tax | 2 Years: $35.71 + tax | 3 Years: $46.45 + tax Canadian Cowboy Country magazine is published six times per year by Tanner Young Publishing Group PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40070720 ISSN 1701-1132 Please return undeliverable addresses to: Canadian Cowboy Country magazine #1, 9301–50 Street, Edmonton AB T6B 2L5 FREELANCE POLICY Canadian Cowboy Country welcomes freelance contributions, but will not be held responsible for unsolicited text or photographs.

Direct all freelance enquiries to: freelance@cowboycountrymagazine.com PRIVACY POLICY At Tanner Young Publishing Group, we value your privacy.

For our complete privacy policy go to tanneryoung.com/ privacy.html or call us at 1-800-943-7336 Canadian Cowboy Country makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

This magazine is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, and Magazines Canada, abiding by the standards of the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors.

Visit albertamagazines.com

FSC logo

“This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.”

«Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.»

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Beechy Buckle Goes Full Circle CANADA’S LARGEST WESTERN STORE We have everything from western apparel, rodeo gear and home decor to arena chutes and stock trailers.

OVER 1400 SADDLES IN STOCK!

Just want to say thanks to you and CCC magazine for your part in the success of our Beechy Western Days limited edition buckles. Fifty buckles were purchased; eight were presented to event winners at last fall’s 50th rodeo, two were auctioned in local fundraisers and forty were offered to the public.

The auctioned buckles both went to very special homes. Number 1 was purchased by Brett Jenson, the creator and facilitator of the Brian Claypool Facebook page. Most recently, Number 50 was purchased by Julie Chaffin-Cooper of Texas for her grandfather, Doodle Gibbs. He owned the famous bull of the same name. Many years ago, the Beechy Western Days logo was designed from a photo of Brian on that bull.

The real Doodle Gibbs holding the Number 50 limited edition Beechy buckle of the late Brian Claypool on the bull, Doodle Gibbs. On the mantel is the 1981 CFR poster featuring Brian on Doodle Gibbs.

— Verna Allinson, Beechy, Sask.

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA ON ORDERS OVER $100 (some restrictions) Store is located only 20 minutes north of the Calgary Airport Exit 305 Crossfield, Alberta

irvinesaddles.ca 8

It was with great surprise that I opened up the newest issue of Canadian Cowboy Country to an article on Ron Glass and his 1947 Stampede achievement. It is outstanding that Glass changed rodeo — and you can add these facts.

The whole 1940s rodeo team of Glass, Willard and Phelan had intimate ties to Torrington, Alta.

Willard owned land south of town and ran his horses up and down the road with Glass. Phelan and Glass co-owned the Torrington Hotel as well as the Olds Hotel. Other Torrington citizens were part of the rodeo legacy as well. Lem Ells, later a school janitor, rode with the team as well as Russell Hutton who competed in another event. Jake Ehret had a palomino which he also rode in the Stampede Parade for many years.

So, while this photo captures rodeo history, it also encapsulates a moment in time when a small town in central Alberta reigned supreme over rodeo in the World’s Greatest Outdoor Show.

— Tim Lasiuta, Torrington, Alta.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY BRETT JENSON; BILLY MELVILLE ARCHIVES

When Torrington Ruled Rodeo

IN THE CORRAL NEWS, VIEWS & HAPPENINGS FROM ACROSS THE CANADIAN WEST

Canadian Bull Riders Wow the World Congratulations to our Canadian bull riders and coach who earned a close third place finish of the second “horn” of the PBR Global Cup in Sydney, Australia, which finished up on June 10. The competition sees the best bull riders of five nations — Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and USA vying for the Global Cup. In the end, the eight-man Team Canada, headed up by coach Aaron Roy of Yellowgrass, Sask., finished third.

Finishing second in the individual aggregate race, Tanner Byrne (Prince Albert, Sask.,) contributed 331.5 points to Canada’s overall 986.75-point total in the team aggregate. In his Global Cup debut, Jared Parsonage (Maple Creek, Sask.,) was the nation’s next best performer, going 3-for-3 and concluding his first event in Australia with 231.25 points.

Brock Radford (De Winton, Alta.,) earned 86 points Sunday night to notch one of Canada’s top scores of the event.

After he was unable to make the whistle Saturday, world No. 13 Dakota Buttar (Kindersley, Sask.), returned to his winning ways in Round 2.

Justin Lloyd (Tisdale, Sask.), the nation’s alternate, stepped in during the final round after Wacey Finkbeiner (Ponoka, Alta.) was injured in Round 1.

Collectively Team Canada earned a check for $65,000.

“The best bull riders in the world, and the second leg of the PBR Global Cup it comes down to less than a single point,” said Sean Gleason, CEO, PBR. “It doesn’t get any better than this in our sport.”

The five-nation, team-style PBR Global Cup will announce its next three stops in the future.

When the dust cleared: 1. Team Brazil, 1,006.5 points 2. Team Australia, 1,005.75 points 3. Team Canada, 986.75 points 4. Team USA, 924 points 5. Team Mexico, 501.25 points (Round 1-Round 2-Round 3-Round 4-Individual Aggregate) 2. Tanner Byrne, 79.50-83.5-82.5-86-331.5 6. Jared Parsonage, 68.5-82.25-80.5-0-231.25 13. Brock Radford, 80-0-86-0-166 21T. Dakota Buttar, 0-0-83.5-0-83.5 29. Zane Lambert, 82.25-0-0-0-82.25 35T. Justin Lloyd, 0-0-81.25-0-81.25 37T. Lonnie West, 79.5-0-0-0-79.5 Wacey Finkbeiner, 0-0-0-0-0.00

PHOTO COURTESY PBR CANADA

From left: Zane Lambert, Brock Radford, Lonnie West, Tanner Byrne, Aaron Roy, Jared Parsonage, Wacey Finkbeiner, Justin Lloyd, Dakota Buttar

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IN THE CORRAL Justify winning the 2018 Belmont Stakes, and thereby the legendary “Triple Crown” of the Preakness, Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes races

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is Canadian Cowboy?

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Where in the World Ed i

Justify’s pedigree contains multiple crosses to some of the greatest sires of the twentieth century, including Northern Dancer, Native Dancer, Nearco and Man o’ War. He is a fifthgeneration descendant of Seattle Slew and a sixth-generation descendant of Secretariat.

In three races, the three-year-old colt earned big cheques for his vast consortium of owners: $800,000 from Belmont, $1.24 million from the Kentucky Derby and $900,000 from the Preakness Stakes, a total of $2.94 million. Jockey Mike Smith (52) became the oldest jockey to ever win the Triple Crown. The winning rider gets 10 per cent, which means that Smith earned $294,000 from the three races.

The Gatehouse Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress dominating the skyline of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, Scotland.

There has been a royal castle here since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century, and the site continued to be a royal residence until 1633.

Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite rising of 1745.

Research undertaken in 2014 identified 26 sieges in its 1100-year-old history, giving it a claim to having been “the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world”.

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Edinburgh Castle is the impressive site of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a largely military showcase of the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments and other military regiments from around the world. The tattoo attracts an annual audience of 217,000 and broadcasts in some 30 countries to an audience estimated at 100 million.

The castle, in the care of Historic Scotland, is Scotland’s most-visited paid tourist attraction, with over 2 million visitors a year, including Roberta “Bertie” Lawrence of Elk Point, Alta.

Roberta “Bertie” Lawrence at the Gatehouse of Edinburgh Castle

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTOS COURTESY BERTIE LAWRENCE; MIKE LIZZI FROM NASSAU COUNTY, USA

Justify won the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes and became the 13th horse to earn the coveted Triple Crown. The stallion has some strong Canadian connections — namely his breeder and the great stallion, Northern Dancer.

The blaze-faced chestnut colt was bred in Kentucky by John Gunther, who runs Glennwood Farm in Versailles, Kentucky with his daughter, Tanya. Gunther grew up on a Calgary-area farm before buying his own in Langley, B.C. He bred his first foal in 1970 and took over Kentucky-based Glennwood Farm 19 years later. He regularly commutes between Langley and Versailles.

The Gunthers small operation also bred Vino Rosso, who raced against Justify in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and bred Justify’s dam, Stage Magic.

Sold as a yearling for $500,000 in 2016, Justify now stands 16.3 hands (67 inches, 170 cm) at the withers and weighs 1,380 pounds (630 kg).

After recovering from a minor injury, Justify was sent to trainer Bob Baffert at Santa Anita early in 2018.

Baffert also trained American Pharoah, the last Triple Crown winner in 2015, and he says the difference between the two champs is their attitude — Justify is very dominant. “You have to watch him,” said Baffert. “He likes to push you around. He’s not a mean horse, but his patience level with people is, like, five seconds.”

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Justify!

EMPTY SADDLES

Timberline Wins Again

Larry Krause of Timberline Music Show

Congratulations to television host and singer/songwriter Larry Krause on the latest wins for his multi-award-winning show, Timberline Music Show, which airs on Shaw TV Prince Albert Channel 10 from Prince Albert, Sask.

The show airs Tuesdays at 8pm, Sundays at 6:30pm and, thanks to the Internet, we all can enjoy the wealth of Canadian singer/ songwriters that have appeared, ranging from Will Ballantyne, Belle Plaine & Blake Berglund, Ed Brown and the show’s host, Larry Krause.

Larry Krause and Lisa Risom are proud that the show is now entering its sixth season, and they have won SCMA’s TV Show of the Year an impressive four times — and counting.

To see/hear some of the performances on Timberline Music Show, visit shaw.ca/ ShawTV/PrinceAlbert/ TimberlineMusicShow

James “Jim” Demchenko 1934–2018

Jim Demchenko of Maple Creek, Sask., was the chute boss of the Calgary Stampede for well over 20 years and a career brand inspector wellknown across the West.

PHOTOS COURTESY SCMA; DEMCHENKO FAMILY; BY KATE WINQUIST

Reesor Ranch Honoured Congratulations to the Reesor family of the Cypress Hills, whose cattle ranch also operates as a bed and breakfast, recently received recognition as a Provincial Heritage Property.

The plaque, commemorating the special designation of the Historic W.D. and Alice Reesor Ranch, was unveiled in a ceremony attended by friends, family and well-wishers, including Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky and Member of Legislative Assembly Doug Steele.

Scott Reesor, his wife Theresa, their children and their families are the fourth-to-sixth generation owners and operators of the Historic Reesor Ranch.

“The designation of the Historic W.D. & Alice Reesor Ranch helps to preserve Saskatchewan’s strong ranching history,” Makowsky said.

“The Reesor Ranch not only represents the importance of the family ranch in Saskatchewan, but its main buildings are also fine examples of the craftsmanship used in ranch architecture in the Cypress Hills during that period.”

Historic places play an essential role in the province’s identity, sense of place and providing locations and events that support tourism.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

From left: Jason Reesor, holding his daughter, Avery Diane, Scott and Theresa’s daughter, Joan, son-in-law Travis Noble, Leanne Reesor-Noble, Theresa and Scott Reesor, in his arms is Coh David Reesor Noble, son of Travis and Leanne. The youngest children, Coh and Avery, are sixth generation to W.D. and Alice Reesor.

The ranch features many historic buildings, constructed between 1906 and 1916, including the ranch-house, barn, granary, bunkhouse and root house.

The Historic W.D. & Alice Reesor Ranch is the first and only provincial property to be formally

designated in the Maple Creek and Cypress Hills destination area. It is also the first historic ranch property in the entire province of Saskatchewan to be selected as a provincial heritage property.

There are 52 Provincial Heritage Properties in Saskatchewan.

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IN THE CORRAL

Csabay & Hollingsworth

Mid-June in Wyoming saw the 70th annual College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper bring together nearly 400 cowboys and cowgirls from 33 states as well as Australia and Canada, making it one of the nation’s largest rodeos with a full complement of events — including bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying.

How they get here isn’t easy, as the CNFR is the best of the best in college rodeo.

Contestants compete all year in one of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s (NIRA) 11 regions, which crowns individual event champions. The top three students in each event and top two men’s and women’s teams from the NIRA’s regions qualify for the CNFR. Congratulations to the Canadians who qualified and earned the right to compete in the CNFR. This year saw Canadians Dawson Dahm of Duffield, Alta., who attends Panhandle State, and Keenan Reinhardt of Calgary, Alta., who attends

Nancy Csabay (left) and Mellisa Hollingsworth are saddling up and competing in the Amazing Race Canada

Achievement Day!

Joan Lawrence and some of her great-grandchildren at the local 4-H Regional Fair

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Congratulations to all the 4-H participants across Canada who competed in their Regional Fairs, and to all the parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents who attended to support the kids and their projects, including 102-yearold Joan Lawrence of Maple Creek, Sask.

A respected rancher, 4-H and community supporter all of her life, Joan was in the audience cheering on six of her greatgrandchildren who were all in town competing in the 4-H Regional Fair in mid-June.

Back row, from left: Shay Erickson, Casey Erickson, Sarah Beierbach, Jane Beierbach. Front row, from left: Colt Needham, Joan Lawrence, Rhett Erickson.

Joan is also the grandmother of 2015 Miss Rodeo Canada, Christa Lawrence.

Montana State, earn second and fourth place respectively in Saddle Bronc. In Goat Tying, Janna Dallyn of Nanton, Alta., who attends South Plains College, earned third place, and Jenny Massing of Ponoka, Alta., who attends Northwestern Oklahoma State University, made it to the Short Go to finish seventh.

Other qualifying Canadians included saddle bronc rider Jake Burwash of Nanton, Alta., who attends Cochise College, bareback rider Linden Woods of Swift Current, Sask., who attends Tarleton State University, bull rider K’s Thomson of Lundbreck, Alta., who attends Sheridan College, breakaway roper Rayna Longeway from Calgary, Alta., who attends the University of Idaho, team roper Sloan James Smith of Blackie, Alta., who attends Southwestern Oklahoma State University, breakaway roper and barrel racer, Lakota Bird of Nanton, Alta., who attends Central Arizona College, and steer wrestler Landon Beardsworth of Red Deer, Alta., who attends Eastern New Mexico University. The winningest colleges included Panhandle State University with 750 pts, Tarleton State University with 650 pts and Northwestern Oklahoma State University with 595 pts.

In 2013, the seven days of the CNFR saw rodeo fans spending $8.1M in the city of Casper.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTOS COURTESY CTV; COLLEGE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO; BY CHRISTA LAWRENCE

Racing to the finish isn’t just a game but a way of life for both two-time Canadian Champion Barrel Racer Nancy Csabay (pronounced cha BUY) and Olympic Bronze Medallist Mellisa Hollingsworth. The Queens of Speed have teamed up to compete in Season Six of The Amazing Race Canada: Heroes Edition.

The Amazing Race Canada is a reality television competition series that features teams in a grueling race across Canada and the world. The race is divided into a series of legs and on each leg, teams strive to reach the Pit Stop where they are greeted by the host, Jon Montgomery. During each leg teams receive destination clues and challenges to complete in order to move onto the next task.

The first team to cross the finish line wins $500,000 in cash and prizes. This prize is the largest grand prize ever awarded for a Canadian competition series.

The Amazing Race Canada: Heroes Edition premieres later this year on CTV. Season Five of The Amazing Race Canada was the mostwatched Canadian program of the broadcast year.

70th Annual College National Finals Rodeo

WESTERN ART REVIEW | TERRI MASON PORCH READS

If a Horse Had Words

An Evening of Cowboy Songs and Stories Aug 25, Badlands Amphitheatre, Drumheller, Alta.

Two of Canada’s favourite cowboy entertainers are coming together for another what-will-prove-to-be sellout concert. The legendary Ian Tyson, who is the master of the comeback, and the personable and prolific Corb Lund are coming together in the acoustically soulful, open-air Badlands 26th Annual Stony Plain Amphitheatre to entertain what I guarCowboy Gathering | Aug 17–19 antee will be the most diverse audience Three days of cowboy poetry from you’ll see this year. From goat ropers the likes of Diamond Doug, Frank Gleeson, Bryn Thiessen, and music to Hall of Famers, hillbillies to hellraisfrom Eli Barsi, Allen Christie, Tim ers — they’ll all be there as the masters Hus, Stewart McDougall, Jake share their art and stories. Add into the Peters and more. Stony Plain, Alta. stonyplaincowboygathering.com mix the Canadiana Balladeer, the indomitable Tim Hus, who is opening the show, and this is the “must-see” show of the year. badlandsamp.com

You can certainly tell that children’s author, Kelly Cooper, has known a few good bucking horses in her life.

Her latest book, If A Horse Had Words, follows the life cycle of rodeo bronc Red Badger from birth to exhilaration — and the charming relationship that develops with the young man who saved his life. Cooper tells the story from the horse’s point of view and in a poetically simple narrative, explores the mindset of a bronc. Rodeo fans and those that have known championship bucking horses will really enjoy and understand the twist at the end.

Raised on a ranch near Senlac, Sask., Cooper has taken her keen olfactory and sensory memories and used them to craft this unique children’s book. Beautifully illustrated by watercolour artist Lucy Eldridge, each painting highlights not only the words of the author, but more importantly, the mood. I heartily recommend this book for your kids and grandkids.

UPCOMING MUSIC FEESTIVALS 29th Maple Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Art & Gear Show Sep 14–16 A celebration of cowboy culture with Western music, cowboy poetry, cowboy gear plus Western art and photography.

Maple Creek, Sask. maplecreekcowboy poetry.com

42nd Annual Ivan Daines Friends & Heroes Picknic Aug 8–12 This popular event includes poetry, music, horse training competition and often rodeo events.

Musicians include Russell DeCarle (Prairie Oyster) Denver Daines and an Elvis and Roy Orbison tribute.

Daines Ranch, Innisfail, Alta.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Waynestock Music Festival Aug 31–Sep 3 Roots, rock, country, blues, bluegrass — it’s all here! Featuring The Doll Sisters, Netty Mac, Amy Bishop and the Hopeless Sinners, Skinny Dyck and the Chicken Catchers, The Wardens and more.

If A Horse Had Words; Words by Kelly Cooper; Pictures by Lucy Eldridge; Published by Tundra Books; 48 pages; $21.99 CAN; Juvenile Fiction — Ages 4–8; also available as an e-book from Tundra.

Wayne, Alta.

SE of Drumheller, Alta. visitlastchancesaloon.com

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SPIRIT OF THE WEST | HUGH MCLENNAN Hugh McLennan, the host of The Spirit of the West radio program and his wife, Billie.

Hugh has been a columnist in Canadian Cowboy since its first edition

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t was March of 1964 when a tall, slim young cowboy drifted into the Douglas Lake Home ranch from Alberta. He sported a thick, flaming-red beard and mustache that made him look much older than 23. He was determined to ride for one of the big outfits in B.C.” Those words are from Pat Ferguson’s book Cowboys, Good Times & Wrecks and describe Red Heisler, one of the more colourful characters in that outfit’s long history.

I interviewed Red about his long and colourful cowboy career.

On his first day at the Douglas Lake ranch he was sent to help the rough string rider start colts. Red hadn’t ridden many broncs, but he was young, tough and eager to impress. His first ride at that legendary outfit didn’t last long. The bronc reared up, flipped over backwards and Red’s head hit the ground, knocking him out cold. There was no concussion protocol in those days; if you could walk and talk you were pronounced fit to ride.

A few weeks and many bronc rides later, Red was assigned a big, stout sorrel to use for the day. The horse’s bucking fits were

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well known, and a good-sized crowd gathered to watch the fireworks.

Red said he was thinking: “Great! all they need now is a few cold beers and a bucket of popcorn!” The horse though, had no idea of the plan Red had in mind for him.

“As soon as my leg went over the saddle I took the reins and over-and-undered him as hard as I could.” The startled bronc took off in a flat out runaway with the colourful cowboy whipping and spurring with every stride. Cowboys and onlookers scattered in all directions, but a few minutes later Red and the horse were ready to do a day’s work. Back in those days a lot of those horses would buck, and after numerous mishaps, bruises and a few broken bones, Red says he’d do it all again — he loved every minute of it.

After a lot of tough days Red had developed a pretty good connection with that horse, and he was happy with the big

Cattle rancher and horse trainer Hugh McLennan and his wife, Billie, run their cattle in the beautiful rangeland outside of Kamloops, B.C. Hugh is the host of the multi-award-winning weekly radio program, Spirit of the West, heard across Canada and the U.S.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY MCLENNAN RANCH

Red Heisler

sorrel’s power, endurance and athleticism.

During a long session of branding, the crew was pairing up cows and calves. Cow boss Mike Ferguson rode over to Red and said, (expletive deleted) “Red, you’ve got that horse working nice!” That kind of praise was rare from Mike, and Red says it sure made all the buck-offs worthwhile.

Red still puts in a good day’s work on a mare he acquired a few years ago. She was at a boarding facility, and nobody wanted her because of her reputation as a bucker.

Red bought her, did some groundwork and then decided it was time to ride her. He took a friend along, he said, “In case I need a ride to the hospital.”

The groundwork paid off, and she moved out quietly and has been Red’s faithful partner for many years. He found out later that she was the offspring of a well-bred Quarter Horse and a wild, renegade stud. For that reason, he named her Mustang Sally.

Well up in his 70s, Red still day rides for ranches in the Nicola Valley. c

S P E CIAL ADVE RTO RIAL

Relax & Recharge in Drayton Valley Drayton Valley, lost in the drive-by hustle to Jasper and the Rockies, is an inspiring getaway and only 90 minutes from downtown Edmonton. With much of the natural beauty of its bigger brothers to the West, as well as affordable accommodations and services, Drayton Valley/Brazeau County is the ideal spot for that fast weekend getaway or much needed break from the hustle and pressure of the city.

Slow down and take the short drive to Drayton Valley, where the natural attractions allow for a relaxed and affordable visit. The whole family will enjoy the scenic farmlands and rolling hills and valleys that lead to Brazeau County.

Take the kids to hike, run, or mountain bike the many kilometres of well-maintained trails of Eagle Point/Blue Rapids Provincial Park. Or simply relax and

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enjoy the peaceful setting among Mother Nature’s pallet of exploding colours!

Discover our member hotels at dvhta.ca, where you can rest easy at the end of the day with outstanding accommodation and service. The diverse eateries in the area offer budget-friendly, family-friendly, and finedining options.

Escape the bright lights of the major metro centres to the countryside, where just a five-minute drive presents a cascade of stars. It’s a different world in the Valley, giving you the chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy.

Join us for the Classical Gas Weekend & Street Dance July 21, 2018 and the Open Farm Days August 18, 2018.

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WHEEL TO WHEEL | BILLY MELVILLE

WOW! The Woman of the Wagons

By BILLY MELVILLE

T

However, outside of the drivers’ wives, there are a lot of women behind the scenes as part of the support staff. Judges, timers, drug and alcohol testers, statisticians — you name it. Like the wives of chuckwagon drivers, they too are equally dedicated to the sport and put a lot of time and effort into it.

Like the wives, they are special people too, and one such woman is WPCA Director of Partnerships, Tammy Kristiansen.

In a sport that’s very sponsor and community driven, not to mention the 36 chuckwagon outfits that go down the road, there are a lot of moving pieces involved in making the World Professional Chuckwagon Association run smoothly. Different personalities, as well as local, regional and national groups all looking for personalized individual attention, keep the single mother of two boys on her feet all the time.

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WPCA Officer John Lee presents the Jim Bottomley Memorial Trophy, symbolic of the WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year, to 2017 recipient Tammy Kristiansen

Over the past several years, Tammy has done an outstanding job building and improving the relationships between the WPCA and its tour partners, ensuring that the deliverables are carried out. Without fanfare or notice, Tammy has stepped up to the plate and taken on responsibility in areas outside of her job description, such as organizing and selling sponsorships for the WPCA banquet and many other things that are extremely important to the operation of the WPCA. Not to mention that even during times when things spill out of this highly emotional sport, Tammy has always kept her poise and maintained the integrity of this great western sport.

The WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year is the WPCA’s highest honour. It is given annually to the individual who has made outstanding and significant contributions to advancing and improving the

overall status and integrity of the WPCA and the sport of chuckwagon racing. In 2017, Tammy became only the 8 woman to receive this honour since the award was created in 1981.

When the WPCA is successful, so are the 36 chuckwagons drivers who compete annually. The work that Tammy Kristiansen has and is doing has made a major contribution to the success of the association and its members. In the world of professional chuckwagon racing, behind the 36 successful men on the WPCA Pro Tour there is a woman. Her name is Tammy Kristiansen.

A true Woman of the Wagons. c Billy Melville is an author, noted historian and chuckwagon colour commentator on Rural Radio (SiriusXM Ch 147) and CBC Sports. He is the grandson of Orville Strandquist.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO BY CAROL EASTON

here’s an old saying that, “Behind every successful man there is a woman.” A truthful statement, no doubt, in most walks of life. In chuckwagon racing, most drivers go down the road with a minimum of 15 head of horses, a travel trailer, tack, so on and so forth.

In short, it’s a lot of work, and nobody knows that more than the wives or girlfriends of chuckwagon drivers, collectively known as WOW — the Women of the Wagons.

September 14, 15, and 16, 2018 Celebrate our Western Heritage with humour, music, poetry and art at one of the largest Poetry Gatherings in Western Canada.

Three days of great entertainment showcasing talented poets and musicians, a Western Trade breakfast — we’ve got it all!

This year we are remembering one of our Founders, Doris Bircham

Ticket Info: call Heather Wickstrom at 306-558-0000 Credit cards accepted or cheques payable to: MC Cowboy Poetry Gathering Please note: Weekend Passes and/or Meal Tickets only available until July 31st

maplecreekcowboypoetry.com

As Alberta’s largest agricultural show, Farmfair has been helping you buy, sell and connect for 45 years and will continue to be a part of your big deal. farmfairinternational.com cowboycountrymagazine.com

#FARMFAIR | Edmonton EXPO Centre 17

PHOTO COURTESY VENCAV/ADOBE STOCK

REFLECTIONS | BRYN THIESSEN

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

Ride Well You snuck up on me kind of sudden, You caught me right unaware I hadn’t noticed you missing Because you’ve always been there.

I engraved these words in my mind some 30 years ago. It later came out in print as the poem, as Sunshine Brings Shadows.

These words were inspired by the appearance of my shadow. It had been a cold, wet spring, and I’d spent some time in late June looking for a foot rot bull. Trying to beat the rain, I rode out early one morning and dug him out of his lair. As I was trailing him home I noticed we were being accompanied by a mirror image on the ground. The poem ends with the words, “See the sight of you riding there, shadow / Means the sun might just shine this day.”

I’ve always been intrigued with shadows and their abilities to mimic their maker. I’ve used my shadow to admire myself and my horse. I found out it wasn’t unique to me.

(Charlie Russell drew a picture of a “pretty rider” doing just that.) The shadow is not as clear an image as a reflection on the water, but that has to do with the “canvas” it’s printed on. The ground can’t reflect colour or depth but catches the shape and the dimensions.

(Unlike politicians who add their own colour and dimensions to their constituent’s wishes.)

Still, it gives a pretty fair rendition of who or what created it. What can change the dimension is the angle of the light and the slant of the ground.

If we ride into the canvases of our mind we can paint this picture.

Imagine your life as saddling up at sunrise and riding West. As you head out, your shadow — like your life — stretches out before you. As you go along your shadow grows closer, but never leaves. As your life journey draws to its end, your shadow, like your years, are trailing behind you.

If we go through the gate that lets us into the Scriptures, we find shadows and shade often used to describe God’s presence and protection. Combine these last two paragraphs and we find the 23rd Psalm written by the “Cowboy” (Okay, he was a shepherd, but at least a stockmen) King David. Verse 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (NKJV) As we drift into the middle of summer — and many of us into the fall of our years — be mindful of your shadow, it never leaves you as long as there is light. John 8:12 tells of the light that will never leave. “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (NKJV) Ride well, my friend. c

Bryn Thiessen is a rancher, poet, cowboy and preacher at Cowboy Trail Church in Cochrane. Bryn and his wife Bonny market grass-fattened beef from their Helmer Creek Ranch southwest of Sundre, Alta.

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TRAILBLAZERS

HORSES WHO SHAPED THE WEST

Passing the Buck The Colt Who Would Be Kingsway

By TERRI MASON

or the first four or five years of his life, it’s doubtful if anyone even saw him — except perhaps as a shadow slipping through the birch trees.

This horse, whose very name would conjure midnight demons in a rodeo cowboy’s mind, was born in the wild bush country of the sprawling Franklin Rodeo Ranch in the Bonnyville area of northern Alberta.

No one knows for sure when he was born; in fact, no one is even sure of his parentage as studs were plentiful and he was at least five years old and long-weaned before he and a bunch of his wild brethren were run into the corrals at the home place. In short: he looked unremarkable — just a wide-eyed brown horse.

Then multi-award-winning Hall of Fame stock contractor, the late Verne Franklin, ran the youngster into the buck chute, clicked open the latch and a star was born as the freshly-christened Kingsway made his high-kicking debut.

In 1986, Kingsway bucked professionally for the first time at Lloydminster at their spring rodeo, and Verne slowly brought the youngster along, bucking him maybe ten times in the next two years.

Then early in 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics and an Olympic Rodeo. Franklin knew what he had in the bay, and by the end of the rodeo everyone else knew it too as the K2-branded handful got the Gold. That was just the start of an extraordinary, record-setting season that has never been equalled.

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ABOVE: K2 Kingsway Skoal on a 1999 Canada Post stamp created from a Mike Copeman image.

On the arena fence you can make out the distinctive logo of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Assoc., a red maple leaf and a saddle bronc rider.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The 1992 Cloverdale Rodeo poster featured Kingsway and his first powerful leap out of the bucking chute.

The raw power of the gelding is evident as his bucking end is high above the gate, a minimum of six feet tall.

Kingsway was named the top Bareback horse at the Olympics, the Calgary Stampede, the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the National Finals Rodeo, in addition to being named Canadian Champion Bareback Horse and World Champion Bareback Horse. “That year he won everything except the bull riding award,” laughs Verne’s son, stock contractor Shane Franklin.

Kingsway’s athleticism led to another extraordinary achievement. “That horse bucked so rank, so hard and so many times that it’s hard to pick one favourite memory,” says Franklin. “But I’d say my favourite of him was when he jumped out of the bucking chutes at Sundre with a guy on him,” he says. “And that guy didn’t nod.”

From a flat-footed start, the bay jumped straight up and sideways, clearing the top of the six-foot chute gate and landing in the arena, bucking off a very surprised rider.

“He never hung up his feet or nothing; he cleared it. I’ve never seen anything like it before or since,” says Franklin. “Jack Daines was announcing, and he said in his gravelly voice; ‘One thing about these Franklin horses — if you ain’t ready when they are, they just flat-ass leave without you.’ The crowd went nuts.”

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY CANADA POST CORPORATION

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///

No other bucking horse in Canada had been so adaptively athletic and won as many awards in both equine rough stock events as Kingsway. He was voted Canadian Bareback Horse of the Year in 1988, 1990 and 1991 and crowned the ’88 World Champion Bareback Horse. When Franklin switched him over to the saddle bronc event, the superb athlete set a record when he swept the Canadian Saddle Bronc of the Year awards five years in a row (1992–1996), plus was named World Champion Saddle Bronc of 1995 and 1996.

“Kingsway is in the same

PHOTO COURTESY CLOVERDALE RODEO COMMITTEE

league as Gretzky” Rodeo fans knew Kingsway was a phenomenon, so news that the superstar suffered a career-ending injury late in 1996 was devastating. He was quietly brought home.

Kingsway settled into retirement on the ranch, but rough stock fans have long memories. Far from forgotten in rodeo circles, it was still a surprise to find out just how far the horse’s reputation had travelled.

In 1999, the ailing Verne received a letter from Canada Post advising him that Kingsway was chosen to be honoured on a stamp alongside three other Canadian equine greats, including Thoroughbred racing’s Northern Dancer, harness racing’s great mare, Armbro Flight and show jumping’s Big Ben. The image, rendered by Montreal graphic artist PierreYves Pelletier, was created from a Mike Copeman photo of Ian Freeman getting bucked off Kingsway at Strathmore Stampede.

Twelve million stamps were printed.

K2 Kingsway Skoal passed away in 2009 and is buried alongside Airwolf and other famous equine rodeo stars on the Franklin Rodeo Ranch.

In any other sport Kingsway would have simply faded into history, but Shane Franklin has a different idea. Shane always has his eye on the future (his sister is, literally, a rocket scientist) and

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he was the first rodeo stock contractor to embrace cloning. DNA was carefully gathered from the outfit’s top stock and stored. First born was Wolfie in 2008, a clone of their raunchy grey gelding, 435 Airwolf. Now, late in 2018 they are going to try and create a Kingsway carbon copy.

“Kingsway is in the same league as Gretzky,” says Shane. “He never had a bad trip in either event, and to be as good as he was for as long as he was, is amazing, so we hope that before the snow flies we can clone him.”

Fingers crossed that this fall, Kingsway will pass the buck. c

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RANCHER’S SPECIAL

Sorting & Weaning What Works For Us

By TERRI MASON

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X I 22

PHOTO COURTESY ETHEL SCHLOSSER

n ranches across the West, now is the time when the future of the outfit is decided. I spoke with veteran ranchers, each with plenty of experience about sorting and weaning, and each has their own season and reason for doing it the way they do. Special thanks to the ranchers who shared their knowledge and experience to give us a peek behind the success of their brands and what works for them.

Anchor P Cattle Co. pairs trailing to summer range

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANGE ETHEL SCHLOSSER

In the spring we sort off the cows with the heifer calves, and we sort off the cows with the steer calves.

The cows with the steer calves — we take them to our land that is west of Hwy 22 up Willow Creek. Then in the fall, we trail them out to our corrals, and we sell them right off the cows, so we sort them off and load the steer calves directly onto the liners.

The cows with the heifer calves — we take them back to our Forest Reserve by June 20th. One part of our Reserve starts at the head of the Oldman River and comes all the way down to where the Livingstone runs into the Oldman; the other Reserve comes from the east and into the Lvingstone and the Oldman. We’re

TRAINING CATTLE MILT MASTAD

PHOTO BY WHITNEY KLASNA

During the first part of September we’ll put our calves through the chute and boost their vaccinations. First, we sort all the cows off, and we put the cows through our squeeze chute system and just give them a “free run” through. Then we do the same things with the calves — only we turn them back into the corral.

Then we’ll walk them through the chute again and weigh each one, give them their booster and then turn them loose.

The reason I give our cows and calves a “free run” through the chutes is that it makes everything a lot easier the next time; they get it figured out. There is stress on the animal the first time it goes through a chute, but if they don’t get stopped or get a needle every time, then the next time they’re a lot quieter. If any are still cowboycountrymagazine.com

in between the first and second range of mountains.

In the fall (Sept 30th) we gather the cows with the heifer calves, which sometimes is a problem to find them all. Some years we trail them back out to our corrals on this side of the mountains [East land] and wean there; some years we wean back in our corrals on our deeded land in the Forest Reserve and haul the heifer calves out. We trail the cows out to our East land about a week after weaning, and they stay out there until the end of December because of our traditionally mild winters.

After all the calves are home, they get their booster shots.

We keep all our heifer calves until the next spring, and then we sort them. We

Anchor P Cattle Company Clark and Ethel Schlosser; daughter Diane and Cody Sawley, Nanton, Alta.

keep the ones we want as replacement heifers, and we keep some to put back on the Forest Reserve. The ones that we don’t need we keep until fall and sell them with the dry heifers.

How we choose our replacement heifers is on size and quality. We want black bags with dark pigments so in the spring they don't get sunburned and kick their calves off. Size-wise, we try to keep them quite even. We don’t pick the great big ones or the little scrawny ones — we keep the middle ones.

We keep our own replacement heifers.

We don’t bring in any outside cattle, so we have a closed herd — and we do everything on horseback — and that’s what works for us.”

Predominantly Angus herd Rugged, mountain terrain Elevation: 2,103–2,895 m (6,900–9,500 feet) Average Precipitation: 488 mm (19 inches) X over I; left rib; cattle

stressed about it, we’ll put them through a few more times just to get them used to it. We are also really quiet — we don’t do much talking, and if we do, it’s in a conversational tone. It keeps them a lot quieter if you’re not making a lot of noise. We are really careful to make sure we do it “right” — to have as good experience as possible for the calves because then when we go to wean them, it’s SO much easier, it’s ridiculous. The second time we end up working them they just roll through — it’s easy.

About a week before we wean the calves, we bring everything in, sort the cows off, let them roll through the chute again and give the calves a “free roll” through the chute, too. The second time through we stop the calves, take a weight, put them in the squeeze, put the QuietWean nose flap in and turn them back out with their mothers.

We use QuietWean — it’s an anti-suckling plastic flap inserted in the nostrils that allows the calf to graze and drink water but

prevents them from suckling a teat because the flap pushes the teat away. So, they’re getting weaned but still with their mother, so that alleviates a lot of stress. It takes two seconds to put the flap in their nose — and they’re reusable.

It’s unreal the difference it makes weaning with these nose flaps.

After one week with the nose flaps in, we’ll bring all the pairs back in, sort them and let the cows go through the chute again.

Same thing with the calves; we’ll give them one free roll, and then the second time

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–7–

Paulette and Milt Mastad, Single 7 Ranch

Single 7 Cattle Co. Milt & Paulette Mastad and their daughters, Devany, Peyton, Tressa and Abby, Glentworth, Sask.

Terrain: rolling hills Elevation: 774 m (2,540 feet) Annual precipitation: 323 mm (12 inches) Commercial herd Running bar 7 running bar; right hip; cattle

through, we weigh them, remove the nose flaps, load them in the trailer and haul the calves home to complete the wean.

Back when we first started using these, when they brought the first bunch with nose flaps home, they bawled a little bit for two days, but they didn’t pace around the corral. They went right to eating. They were way quieter and a lot less stressed. Then I got hurt, and the second bunch didn’t get the nose flaps. They were on the run around the pen; they were really stressed and 24

bawled for four or five days. I was laid up with nothing to do but watch the calves out the window, and the difference was unbelievable. After I saw that I said, ‘I’ll never wean again without using those nose flaps.’

Last year was the first time we had a scale, so this is a small sample, but we knew that two calves had lost their nose flaps, and two had figured out how to circumvent them [out of 200 calves]. For the week the calves wore the nose flaps they gained weight — just on grass. Then we brought them home, weaned them, weighed them and a week later, post-weaning, we weighed them again, and those four calves that had either lost or cheated the nose flaps were losing, on average, four pounds a day — one lost 35 pounds in a week. But overall, the nose-flap calves had actually gained weight post-weaning, and they were only being fed grassy hay. We’ve used those QuietWean flaps for about five or six years now. We leave the nose flaps in for just one week — that’s it.

One thing we do is when the calves are home getting weaned, two or three times a day I’d go into the pen either on foot or on

horseback and with my dogs, and just quietly move them around the pen. I’ll gather, move them to a corner, let them settle and then I ask them to move to another corner, and let them settle. I noticed that as soon as I start working the calves they go quiet because they’re focused on what I’m doing, and immediately after I leave the pen they’ll go back to eating, and it’s at least a half hour before they start making any noise.

Another thing we do — at the end of the alley, we set up the portable tub system, and at least once a day we move the calves down the alley and give them a free roll through the chute. That's also when we're in the pen filling the round bale feeders. By the time they are walking back to the pen we’ve finished the tractor work.

We did this almost daily, and now they are so easy to handle.

It’s also amazing how much time you save when you’ve trained your cattle.

They’ve been through the chute so many times that they line up to go through. When it came time to haul them out to the feedlot, they backed in the ground-load trailer, and the calves just lined up and walked on. The driver told us he’d never seen anything like it in his life.

It takes a little bit of time to train them at first, but you save so much time and stress in the end. They’re safer to work around, too. The calves also have very little sickness. In the feedlot they were on a twopound ration, and our steers gained nearly three pounds a day and our heifers did 2.3 pounds — and that was a cold, cold winter.

We have them one week in the pens at home, and then they are out on grass for three weeks before they are transported to the feedlot. In the feedlot they are healthy; they go right to eating and gaining.

We’re still working, trying to make it better all the time, but it sure feels like we’re on the right track. Everything we do is making them quieter, healthier and easy to handle. I also have an advantage right now — daughters that are really handy. They get it; I have my own little working crew. I know that anyone can do this, and when our girls are grown and gone, Paulette and I will continue working this way — and that’s what works for us.” c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY SINGLE 7 CATTLE CO

RANCHER’S SPECIAL

THE WESTERNERS

PHOTO BY BROCK KRYTON PHOTOGRAPHY;

Going The Distance The Magic of Endurance Riding

By TIM ELLIS | Photography by BROCK KRYTON

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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J

oan Harris believes she has one more ride left in her. But it won’t be any ordinary, run-of-the-mill horseback ride. It will be a 50-mile trek through a carefully laid-out course designed to test the endurance of both rider and animal.

“I’m turning 75 this year, and I want to do another ride,” confirms Harris, who has already logged over 7,000 miles as a member of the Endurance Riders of Alberta (ERA). “I could probably still do another 500 miles, but I don’t have a horse,” she said. “I don’t have a truck either. I sold that to my son. I gave my camper and horse trailer to him, too, and my grandson has that now. I sold the rest of my horse-andriding equipment at the auction market, but I kept my saddle. No matter what horse I ride, I use my own saddle.”

That saddle also likely serves as a reminder of something that was much more than simply competing.

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“I really miss it. It gets in your blood.

It was my life,” confesses Harris, who joined the group after seeing a poster on an auction market door. “A year ago I sent in my $30 for a membership. They tore up my cheque and gave me a lifetime membership.”

And why not? She’s been a member of the ERA since 1982, two years after the formation of the group, which was originally known as the West Yellowhead Endurance Riders. By 1989, the club’s name was changed to recognize the fact that a number of its members were from other areas of the province.

“It was started by a group of people who were interested in long distance riding,” explains club secretary, Brenda Henrickson.

“The group was formed so sanctioned events could be held and so there could be a record-keeping process, which is critical for competing in any international rides, such as the World Equestrian Games.”

Membership numbers are quite healthy.

“We have about 125 members in three age categories — under 16, 16–21, and seniors who are 21 and over. And there are several distance categories starting with 25–35 miles, known as limited distance rides intended for novice riders or horses. Some ride 50, 75 or 100 miles in a day.”

From the long weekend in May until Thanksgiving, you’ll find six to eight sanctioned rides across the province anywhere from the Fort Assiniboine Sandhills to the wide-open spaces near Milk River to the wilderness of Grande Prairie.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTOS BY BROCK KRYTON PHOTOGRAPHY;

THE WESTERNERS

PHOTOS BY BROCK KRYTON PHOTOGRAPHY; KATHLEEN CORKUM; COURTESY JOAN HARRIS

This young rider was accompanied by her mother who is also an endurance rider

“The countryside you see is incredible,” offers Henrikson, who was the Chef D’Equipe for the Alberta team, which won gold at every distance at the 2016 Canadian National Endurance Championships in Manitoba. “The endurance family is a close group. Everybody helps each other out. It’s a family atmosphere and we have lots of fun.”

The camaraderie and storytelling around the fire was also a selling point for Harris to stay within the sport for over 30 years, during which time she not only rode on scores of trails but was also a ride organizer, international judge, sponsor, recruiter and volunteer. But don’t let the wily veteran fool you into thinking it was all about socializing.

“I never left the start of a race as the front-runner,” begins Harris, who competed on the Wildrose Rodeo Association barrel racing circuit before taking up endurance riding. “I would stay back, pass through all the vet checks and let them think I wasn’t a cowboycountrymagazine.com

Joan riding her friend’s Peruvian gelding, Salty. Joan is still active as a volunteer for endurance riding.

contender. One year, to get a picture of my horse and all of the hardware we won, my sister had to hold some of it.”

That prize-winning horse was named Stranger, born a year before Harris became a member of the E.R.A. “They have to enjoy it,” suggests Harris, who rode over 3,000 miles on the back of her long-time partner. “He soured on barrel racing so much that the last time out, he wouldn’t even lope. But when we started loading up for an endurance ride, he tried to get in the trailer before he was untied.”

“I bought him as a weaned colt at the auction market for $65. He was a MorganArab with a bit of Thoroughbred in him. No one in Canada has beaten our mark of eight hours, 54 minutes for finishing a 100-mile race. And it took only 10 minutes for him to recover to the necessary resting time. He was a special animal.”

“Some horses have logged over 8,000 competitive miles and thousands more in

training,” says Henrikson, who notes it can take two years or more for a horse to build up its tendons and ligaments enough to enter competitive distances. “The objective is to complete the ride with a healthy horse.”

“Most races are made up of several 12-20 mile loops with a vet check after each loop.

To win a race, you must cross the finish line first and your horse must pulse down to 64 beats per minute within a half hour and you pass the final vet check. At the end of the day, judges look at the cards of the top ten finishers and name the bestconditioned horse, one of the most coveted awards we have.” c For more information on the Endurance Riders of Alberta, visit their website at enduranceridersofalberta.com.

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SUMMER READ

PHOTO COURTESY CLAY CHATTAWAY

Shorty Merino, 58Â years old; location unknown

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

Eddie ‘ Shorty’ Merino

He Rode a Wide Circle

By TOM REARDON

N

ot every old-time cowhand in the Canadian West had ranch families from three provinces ‘chip in’ for his headstone — Edward ‘Shorty’ Merino did.

He had itchy feet and moved from ranch to ranch.

He was ‘Eddie’ in B.C., and ‘Shorty’ on the plains and in the foothills. He was chock-full of charisma, and for him, laughter came easy.

His trail starts in 1883 at Princeton, B.C., where he was born to a Syilx lady from the Upper Nicola Band. His Mexican father had come to the Nicola Valley along with several of his countrymen a few years earlier. The family lived in a log cabin adjacent to that part of the Douglas Lake Ranch, known as The Morton. In season, Eddie’s dad put up hay on contract, come winter, he fed it to the ranch’s cows.

Eddie attended a Catholic boarding school in Kamloops. His academic career ended when he and a classmate were expelled when they imbibed too freely from a keg of wine stored in the basement for the Sacrament. In a letter to Dorothy Blades, Lawrence Guichon of Quilchena recounted this tale and asked, “You wouldn’t think a boy could go wrong drinking Holy wine, would you now?”

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As a teenager, Eddie worked with his older brother Jesse on the Douglas Lake Ranch. Then he left the nest for the open range of what would become the province of Alberta. The wagon boss for George Lane’s Bar U Ranch was Bill Henry — he hired the fuzzy-faced youngster. They worked the south side of the Bow River in the Brooks/ Bassano area. In a letter to Maxine Chattaway 53 years later, Shorty wrote; “Glad to hear Billy Henry is well. I will write the old fellow one of these days, you know he about raised me, I was just a young punk when I went to work for him.”

Sam Howe became wagon boss when Bill left the Bar U; Shorty rode with Sam at least through the winter of 1906/07 and possibly longer.

The Pacific Cold Storage Co. owned a ranch north of Tilley, Alta. Shorty hired on to help take their steers to Dawson City, Yukon in 1909. That journey (via Skagway, Alaska) required travel by saddle horse, freight train, ocean vessel and river barge. He stayed for a spell to work as a butcher in the mining camps.

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SUMMER READ

H

e was on Rod Macleay’s Rocking P Ranch southwest of High River, Alta., by 1913. Shorty must have been kind to children — Rod’s little girls Dorothy and Maxine formed lifelong bonds with the fun-loving cowboy. His buddy Sam was there too — they had a little side venture while working at Macleays.

In January they took a loan from the Union Bank, bought a small herd of cattle, rented a half section of land and were in the cow business. It didn’t take Shorty long to ranch; Sam bought him out in December of the very same year.

In 1914, Shorty went with a herd of steers and the Rocking P wagon from the foothills to Macleay’s range along the Red Deer River north of Brooks (John Ware Ranch). Three days out, their partnered on 40 head of mixed cattle. After two years, Shorty sold camp caught fire, and he burned his hands fighting the flames. Later, his share to Walt and left. Today, 84 quarters of what became the an acquaintance saw him with both paws wrapped and questioned Larson Ranch are now in Grasslands National Park. Of note: in 1911 him about it. Shorty shut down the inquiry when he replied, “I roped famed author and artist Will James filed for homestead on the very a bronc without my gloves.” land that became Larson’s home quarter. Obviously, he didn’t stay.

He was already there when T. B. Long came to manage the 76’s Crane Lake Ranch near Piapot, Sask. In a book about his life, T. B. said, “It was here I first met TOP: Shorty Merino, one of the best little cowboys that ever Staff of the sat a horse. He sported a fine black mustache and his Dominion Range Experiment laughter could be heard over most any other when he Station, was happy, which was most of the time.” The 76 was Manyberries, owned by Gordon, Ironside and Fares — they had three Alta., ca. 1945. packing plants and other ranches.

On the steps

30

BOTTOM: ‘Shorty’ Merino (49 years old) and Chay Gilchrist in front of the scale house at the government camp in 1932.

This was the beginnings of the Dominion Range Research Station.

PHOTOS COURTESY GLENBOW MUSEUM ARCHIVES

D

uring the First World War the Canadian Army drafted Shorty, and he was stationed in England.

Ultimately, the war ended before he was deployed to the continent. Private E. Merino’s discharge papers directed the military to send his War Service Gratuity and Clothing Allowance to T.B. Long, then managing the 76’s Fifty-Mile Ranch in southern Saskatchewan.

That ranch was 250,000 acres (nearly 11 townships) of grass divided into four leases. It was perfect for Shorty, but the 76’s days were numbered. The death of Robert Ironside and James Gordon’s illness forced the liquidation of the company. By the end of 1920, three of the leases were sold. William Fares and his new partner James Ryan secured the Sand Lake lease and retained T.B. as manager. Shorty rode for them and that led to his second attempt at ranching. Walt Larson planned to graze the east side of this lease. He and Shorty had been together on the 76 and overseas, so the veterans

of a small building erected to serve as a range forage laboratory.

Shorty (62 years old) is seated in the middle on the top stair.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

Shorty Merino on Rainbow and Dorothy Macleay on Dodger on the Rocking P ca. 1930s

A Shoebox Full of Shorty Stuff The Rocking P Ranch was founded by Rod and Laura Macleay.

Their two daughters, Dorothy and Maxine, were good friends with Shorty and the two sisters kept up a lifetime of correspondence with the little cowboy. When author Tom Reardon asked Dorothy’s daughter, Ethel Schlosser, for any memories of Shorty, she replied, “I can top that,” and produced a “shoebox full of Shorty stuff” the source of all the authentic quotes in this article.

In the late 1920s, Shorty was in the extreme southeast corner of Alberta on the Q Ranch. He came with the place when the Gilchrist Brothers bought that spread in 1930. Gilchrists operated other ranches in the area, and Shorty stayed with them for several years.

After 46 years, the drifting cowboy returned to the Douglas Lake Ranch. The following year the cowboss quit. Management knew it would be a demanding job for a man Eddie’s age (66), but when both parties agreed it would be short term, he took on the task. As intended, in two years Mike Ferguson was promoted, and Eddie went back cowboying. A year later he moved on.

He spent the next four years west of Nanton, where the free spirit shared his time between the Rocking P, Chattaway’s Bar S and their neighbours, the Gardners. Then he returned to B.C. as cowboss for Gerard Guichon’s Beaver Ranch. In 1957 he wrote Maxine; “I have it pretty easy, by myself most of the time and gentle horses to ride as I’m getting mighty useless and helpless it’s about as good a place as I can find. Last summer I was in the hospital three times, pretty close to going to a new range.” Clearly, his working days were done, so he left that fall.

He was in the Otter Valley near Tulameen for a bit, then a letter updated Dorothy. He’d purchased a house in Merritt and, he explained, there was a couple renting his home when he bought it, and he let them stay rent-free as long as they boarded him. “I think we are both lucky, I can get by with my pension and I still have some oil shares and some pipeline shares. If I am careful I can get by pretty good as I have no expenses at all now. I have a nice little home.”

W

hen the 76-year-old legend passed away in 1960 it was front-page news in The Merritt Herald. Gerard Guichon made arrangements for burial on the Douglas Lake Indian Reserve #3 in the Spaxomin Cemetery where Eddie’s mother, sister and brother were previously interred.

Dorothy Blades and Maxine Chattaway weren’t content with a call to a florist. They wanted a permanent marker for their longtime friend, so the sisters did something about it — they ordered one.

When word got out, other ranchers contributed. Perhaps Lawrence Guichon said it best. In a letter sent to Maxine just 11 days after the jovial cowboy left us, he wrote, “We here are also pleased that a tangible monument, in lieu of flowers which only fade, will remain as long as those who knew and loved him live.” c

PHOTO COURTESY ETHEL SCHLOSSER; BY HEATHER BEIERBACH

H

e was back at the Bar U for the winter of 1935/36. He rode a 16-mile round trip every day to open water holes. February of ’36 was the coldest month ever recorded in Western Canada.

One morning at the Bar U it was -51F. It had to be a challenge for him to mount a horse when bundled up to brave temperatures like that. At the time, Pat Burns owned the ranch. Today, the Bar U headquarters is a National Historic Site.

The tracks on Shorty’s trail are mostly gone. But, it is known that he doubled back to the Rocking P for two years in the ’30s and two more in the ’40s. Also, at one time or another he was with the McIntyre Ranch on the Milk River Ridge, Alex Gillespie’s ranch on the north side of the Red Deer River near Finnegan and Joe Wylie’s Maple Creek Cattle Company on the south slopes of the Cypress Hills. He also rode for Archie MacLean on the CY Ranch near Taber, the Maunsell Brothers at Fort Macleod and the Hargrave Ranch at Walsh. In 1945, he worked at the Dominion Range Experimental Station near Manyberries and somewhere along the trail he acquired a quarter section of land northwest of Sundre. cowboycountrymagazine.com

Shorty’s tombstone is carved with the brands of some of the ranches he worked for; photographed in 1994 in the Spaxomin Cemetery

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A packed house for the Heritage Ranch Rodeo

Northern Exposure Farmfair’s Equine, Cattle & Cowboys

F

armfair International, Nov 7–11, is pulling together what will prove to be another stellar show.

Their goal, as always, is to bring equine and cattle aficionados up to Alberta’s capital 32

to cheer on some of the country’s talented ranch cowboys, team ropers, barrel racers, snaffle bit competitors, the future stars of rodeo, the stock dog competition and the big, powerful draft horses that are competing in the Heavy Horse Pull.

Along with the competitors, Farmfair is again welcoming the gifted artisans of the traditional cowboy arts such as saddle making and leatherworking, rawhide braiding

and all manner of silverwork, ranging from delicate filigree to artistic and gorgeous bits.

Other artists include those whose works appeal to the “ranch rodeo” crowd — photographers, authors and trainers.

I’ve pulled out a few events to highlight and to whet your appetite for a road trip! To give you a better idea of what’s happening, here’s a short rundown of some of the events you may not be completely familiar with.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTOS COURTESY FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL

By TERRI MASON

HERITAGE RANCH RODEO RANCH HORSE COMPETITION

Held the day before the sale, most of the horses in this competition will also be on offer at the sale the next day, so if you’re in the market for a new mount that already knows a thing or two, show up and pay attention…

RANCH HORSE AND BLOODSTOCK PREVIEW & SALE

Here’s your opportunity to get a blooded horse for your program or a ranch horse trained in important skills such as handling a rope and dragging calves to the fire. (The Sale Catalogue will be available October 15 on northernhorse.com.)

THE SHORT LIST

Farmfair’s Equine & Cowboy Events Nov 6–8 Canadian Snaffle Bit Futurity, Hall D Nov 7–11 Horse Breed Alley, Hall A Western Art Gallery, Hall G RAM Country Marketplace, Hall F-H Nov 7 Heavy Horse Pull, Hall D Nov 8 HRR Ranch Horse Competition, Hall D Nov 8 Rank Mini Pony Canadian Classic, Hall D Nov 8–10 Heritage Ranch Rodeo (HRR) Artisans, TBD Heritage Ranch Rodeo*, Hall D, Ticketed Nov 9 Ranch Horse and Bloodstock Preview & Sale, Hall D Nov 9–10 Stock Dog Competition, Hall D Nov 10 Northlands Barrel Racing Futurity, Hall D Horse Wellness Expo, Ballroom 107 Nov 11 Canadian National Team Roping Futurity, Hall D Rodeo’s Future Champions, Hall D For the full schedule including cattle show times, visit farmfairinternational.com cowboycountrymagazine.com

Competitors vying for a piece of the prize money

RANK MINI PONY CANADIAN CLASSIC

It’s just like the name says; Rank Mini Ponies — and the young cowboys who strap on a bareback riggin’ or their muley saddle for a go in various age classes, ranging from peewee bareback to saddle bronc. These horses can buck, and these kids can ride!

HERITAGE RANCH RODEO

Tickets available at the door

Talented young cowboys riding for the brand of some of the West’s oldest ranches in a slate of traditional and a twist-on-traditional ranch rodeo events, ranging from branding (with paint) to bronc riding.

STOCK DOG COMPETITION

Like dogs? Like useful dogs? Then this is a must-see timed event where stock dogs (generally border collies) are guided by their handler using only voice or whistle commands to run sheep around obstacles and finally herd them into a pen. A showcase on the partnership between the handler and their dog. You’ll never look at your Rover the same way again…

CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM ROPING FUTURITY

Canada’s top rope horse title for horses five years and under is a guaranteed five-head judged event that showcases the best young rope horses competing for $25,000 in prize money. A great opportunity for breeders and trainers to showcase their skills.

RODEO’S FUTURE CHAMPIONS

Limited to eight competitors per event, this competition features nine to 14-year-olds competing in chute dogging, calf roping, boys and girls breakaway roping, barrel racing, goat tying, team roping and junior bull riding. Guaranteed to see some old rodeo names and new emerging stars. c 33

CYPRESS HILLS REGISTERED HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

42nd Annual Production Sale Proud to be Canada’s longest running horse production sale Date

Sept. 15, 2018 Preview

Sale

10:00 am

12:30 pm

Location

Drill Hall, Maple Creek, SK complimentary pancake breakfast @ 8:30am

WWW.CYPRESSHORSEBREEDERS.COM

As Alberta’s largest agricultural show, Farmfair International has been helping you buy, sell and connect for 45 years and will continue to be a part of your big deal.

BLOODSTOCK AND RANCH HORSE SALES Friday, November 9 Preview at 9 a.m.

Sale at 3:30 p.m.

NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES

farmfairinternational.com

Ranch Country Horse Sale Inc.

SUBSCRIBE

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IN PRINT OR DIGITAL Painting by Gena LaCoste

Perrin • Parsonage • Bertram

14th Annual

Production Sale & Sale of Consigned Broke Saddle Horses

SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 AT 1 PM MST Drill Hall, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan “A great selection of ranch, rope, pleasure, and kids’ horses. Wellstarted young horses, yearlings and weanlings – performance prospects with some of the best bloodlines in the business.”

SALE PREVIEW Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 9:30 am Rodeo Grounds, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan FOR CATALOGUES OR INFO CONTACT: Lou Parsonage 306-299-4474 or Ken Perrin 306-662-3730 Online catalogues: www.northernhorse.com/ranchcountry 34

SAVE 60% 3 Year $46.45 + TAX

SAVE 50% 2 Year $35.71 + TAX

SAVE 40% 1 Year $21.43 + TAX

CALL 1-800-943- 7336 OR ORDER ONLINE

cowboycountrymagazine.com Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

Auctions Speak Louder How to Buy & Sell & Have a Great Time

Fast Talkin’ Cowboy, Dean Edge Tune in to the Calgary Stampede Agriculture channel on YouTube and listen to the terrific performance of the 2017 Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer Championship winner — Dean Edge of Rimbey, Alta.

Edge took home a cheque for $10,000 and a Champion belt buckle after impressing the judges with his selling skills on a black box item and four head of cattle, one of them a distinctive Longhorn.

By TERRI MASON

A

ccording to the National Auctioneers Association, (auctioneers.org) the first auctions were recorded by ancient Greek scribes as far back as 500 B.C. What were they selling? Wives — and yes, there were reserve bids. Interestingly, the buyer could get a refund if he and his new wife did not get along but, no, maidens could not be “tried” before auction.

PHOTO COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE; STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ARCADY

and cheque after the custom buckle Dean Edge receiving Auctioneer the 2017 Champion

In Rome, Italy, around the time of Christ, auctions were popular for family estates, and Roman soldiers sold war plunder at auction. The licensed auctioneer, called “Magister Auctionarium,” drove a spear into the ground to start the auction. Today they use an auction gavel.

The Pilgrims’ arrival in North America in the 1600s also brought auctions for the sale of everything from crops to entire farms.

During the Civil War era (1861–1865) auctions were flourishing with Civil War Colonels regularly auctioning off the spoils of war. However, only officers of the Colonel rank could conduct them, spawning the use of the term “Colonel” by many American auctioneers still today.

Auction schools started in the early 1900s in the U.S., and the schools and the art flourished right up until the start of the Great Depression (1929) and didn’t rebound until well after World War II in the 1950s.

From ancient Rome to today’s cyberspace sale rings like eBay, auctions are still an efficient way to buy and sell, and they range from exciting horse sales to vintage cars to farm auctions and, of course, cattle auctions.

Auctions are fun, entertaining and depending on what’s on the block — they can be quite theatrical. So register, get your bid card and join in the excitement. c

cowboycountrymagazine.com

being declared

“I decided I was going to change it up a bit.

He is a trophy. I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to sell him by the pound; I’m going to sell him by the dollar.’ His head is worth more than his meat is,” Edge said of the 1,815-pound steer that went for $2,600. “It’s like I said, you can put him on your wall or on your Cadillac.”

The 38-year-old father of three is a familiar face at the Stampede: in addition to appearing regularly at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships, Edge has competed six times in tie-down roping.

The multi-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier plies his fast-talking trade at Vold, Jones Vold Auction of Ponoka.

Be sure to attend (and bid!) at the 30th anniversary of the International Livestock Auctioneer Competition in the Nutrien Western Event Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary on July 14. This event attracts the top auctioneers in North America, each vying for the $10,000 cheque.

35

COWBOY WAY

PART 5 OF SIX

HORSE TRAINING

Starting Your Next Great Horse

Editor's note: The young mare J.P. had been working with was sold after he wrote the article, and in these photographs he used a young gelding at the same stage of training.

Part 5: The First Five Rides

By J.P. FORGET

Walk to the Hip, same as we did in Part 2 of the series, except this time we do it using the snaffle bit rather than the halter. The horse has learned to relax his muscles and bend and moves his feet in response to the halter. Now we use the same drill to create the same response to the light pressure of the bit. Notice how his left hind leg reaches forward and underneath him as I move towards his hip. Also notice how he is comfortable with the bit and his eye is relaxed. I want this response to the bit before I ever step into the stirrup the first time.

36

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

Flapping the stirrups is part of the checklist. Here the horse is aware but relaxed and accepting motion and noise on his side.

N PHOTOS COURTESY J.P. FORGET/TARA MCKENZIE

ow that she has learned to trust and accept a wide variety of objects, and to look to you for safety and comfort rather than flee, and she has learned to bend and flex readily through the body and move her feet at the slightest touch of pressure on the bit, our filly is ready to ride.

Before I step up in that stirrup for the first time, I go through a pre-ride checklist.

The checklist consists of things I do to be sure there are no surprises to the filly and to me once I get up in the saddle. It also consists of things I do to be sure the filly remembers to give to the bit and accept my hands and legs by bending and flexing the body willingly and without tension or anxiety.

The Checklist: Drive the filly around you in a Response And Respect drill, holding to the rein closest to you and expecting the bend in the body and relaxed trot, just as you did in the early stages of groundwork. Perform this in both directions, to the left and to the right. cowboycountrymagazine.com

Walk To The Hip, holding the rein closest to you and expecting the filly bend the body, lower the neck, and move her feet as you walk towards her hip, keeping the rein loose. Perform in both directions, to the left and to the right.

Flap the stirrups up and down creating motion and noise.

Press an object in the filly’s ribcage, where your foot or spur will touch, and release the pressure once she moves away from it.

Swish the large flag all over her body and particularly above the saddle.

The First Ride Holding the left rein short and with the filly’s neck bent, step in the stirrup and

slowly stand to put weight in the stirrup.

If the filly stays relaxed, then simply lower yourself to the ground to take pressure off her mind and reward her. Walk to The Hip on the left side to move her feet and further relax her. Repeat on the right side.

At this point it is extremely important to read the signs your young horse is communicating to you. If the filly is anxious about what I am doing and is not ready for me to proceed any further, she will lift her neck, clamp her tail, tense up her croup and shoulder muscles, and her eyes will display fear and anxiety. If I ignore these signs of anxiety and proceed with the mounting process, I may well get bucked off. One thing is for certain: If I continue the mounting process without first addressing the fear in the young horse, I will develop anxiety in the horse’s mind and resistance in her body, which will take weeks if not months to remediate.

Once the filly accepts you standing in the stirrup from both sides, then sit astride the saddle and let her get used to the idea of your weight on her back. After a few 37

COWBOY WAY

minutes, wiggle the saddle back and forth and left and right, and if she accepts this — and she most likely will — step off her.

If the filly does not stand still and accept you stepping in the stirrup, she is not ready to be mounted, and more groundwork is in order.

Such things as desensitizing with the flag, or flapping the stirrups, or simply standing by the filly and pulling on the saddle horn to get her used to torque on the saddle may be necessary to bring her to accept your mounting.

The objective for the first ride is to walk around the round pen in a relaxed and anxiety-free manner. I do not try to go anywhere specific in the round pen, as in follow the fence or anything of that nature.

I simply let the filly pick where she wants to go. Once this is accomplished to the left and to the right, if I have sufficient energy and attention in my filly, I may decide to ask for the trot. And at the trot, just as it was at the walk, I let the filly decide where in the round pen she wants to go and what directions she wants to travel.

I wear my spurs on the young horse right from the first ride. If I have done my groundwork properly, the filly already knows how to get away from my pressure on her ribs, and the pressure from the spur will not be an issue. The advantage to using the spurs to reinforce the legs aids right from the first ride is that my filly will not learn to resist my leg aids; something I would have to fix later. Also, by using the spurs rather than slapping her with a rein or a lariat, my hands are not swinging around and remain where they should be.

And my filly is not getting spooked at things like lariat ropes or reins flying around and hitting her.

Ride Two Ride Two begins the same way as Ride One did: the checklist; mounting/dismounting; wiggling the saddle; walking both directions on a loose rein. Jog both directions on a loose rein. Say “whoa,” stop and back up a few steps. The main objective is to get forward and relaxed at a walk and jog or trot.

Ride Three At Ride Three it may be possible to forgo some and or perhaps all the items on the check list, and simply step into the stirrup 38

TOP: Trotting relaxed on a loose rein, the horse chooses her path of travel.

Resist the temptation to pull on the inside rein to indicate direction — more on this in the next and final part of the series.

BOTTOM: On Ride Four, I have introduced moving his hindquarters away from my leg. Holding his forehand steady with my hands, I moved my left leg further back on his ribcage and applied pressure until he moves his hindquarters over one step.

As the horse lifts his right hind to place it to the side, I release my leg pressure.

and get to work. By now the filly should be well forward at the walk and trot, and it may be possible to introduce a few strides of lope without causing anxiety and distrust.

If the filly is ready to lope, I transition to the lope by speeding up the trot until she lopes.

Typically, the filly will break into a lope, lope a few strides and break to a trot.

This break of gait takes place because the young horse is not able to balance herself with a saddle and a rider on her back at this point. When she breaks to a trot, do not be in a rush to push her back into the lope. Many young horses are scared into anxiety and resistance by riders who rush them back into the lope. Rather, when the filly breaks to a trot, allow her to trot half way around the round pen, then speed up the trot and get her loping again. This will

result in a filly who is forward at the trot and lope but not scared in her mind and tight in her body.

Rides Four and Five Ride Four and Ride Five are a continuation of Ride Three with more emphasis on trotting and loping forward and being relaxed.

More emphasis is also placed on the stop, sitting still for a few minutes every time you say “whoa” and back up.

On most young horses I am out of the round pen by the time I have five rides on them. This riding in a large surface presents the challenge of turning the horse. In the next and last article of this series, we will address the particulars of steering the young horse and developing body control. C

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

Pro Rodeo

CANADA

INSIDER

CONGRATULATIONS, FALKLAND

PHOTO BY BILLIE-JEAN DUFF/ROUGHSTOCK MEDIA

100 YEARS OF RODEO

Scott Guenthner competing in steer wrestling at the 100th Falkland Stampede. To give you an idea of how tight the competition was at the centuryold rodeo, there was a mere 1.4 seconds separating first place and eighth place.

That was some hot doggin’!

RODEOCANADA.COM cowboycountrymagazine.com

CANADIAN COWBOY COUNTRY AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 39

JAKE VOLD

3X NFR QUALIFIER

40

C I N C H J E A N S . C O M Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

C.P.R.A.

2018 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Schedule JULY

The Homestretch Well, we’re heading into the homestretch of our 2018 rodeo season. We’ve enjoyed this first year of having Finning Canada on board as the title sponsor for our Pro Tour Rodeos and look forward to the Finning Pro Tour Finals set for Sep 2nd at the IPE & Stampede in Armstrong, B.C. We’re also closing in on the 5th Annual Grass Roots Final, presented once again

by Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall of Calgary. Tickets to the Grass Roots Final, slated for Sep 27–28 at the Nutrien Western Events Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary will be on sale through Ticketmaster, starting Aug 1.

Overall, the CPRA has seen an increase in the number of PRCA and WPRA members this year, which has translated into higher entries at our rodeos and special events.

We’re hearing positive feedback from fans, contestants, sponsors and committees about the live streaming of our Finning Pro Tour rodeos as a result of our partnership with FloSports. If you cannot get to our tour events, you can sign up to watch them online at FloRodeo.com.

The CPRA, along with partners, Northlands, Finning Canada and Flo Rodeo, have been able to provide both promotional and financial support to rodeo committees, enabling our rodeos to rise to a higher level of production and fan enjoyment.

We continue to be so proud of our volunteers who are the lifeblood of the sport.

Thank you for the countless hours and effort you put forth to make rodeo the great sport it is.

Plans are moving along for CFR ’ 45, which marks the first year that our Finals will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alta. For a schedule of performance times, events and activities in and around CFR 2018, check out CFRRedDeer.com.

Safe travels to everyone. See you down the road.

PHOTO COURTESY CPRA

— Terry Cooke, President, CPRA

Note: If your organization has an interest in partnering with the CPRA to sponsor a year-end award, the Grass Roots Final, or the CFR, please call 403-998-7818 or 403-945-0903. cowboycountrymagazine.com

Coronation, AB........................................... Jul 6–7 Benalto, AB.................................................. Jul 6–8 Teepee Creek, AB....................................... Jul 13–15 Oyen, AB *..................................................... Jul 18 Morris, MB Finning ProTour................ Jul 19–22 Edmonton, AB Finning ProTour.......... Jul 20–22 Kennedy, SK................................................ Jul 21–22 Pollockville, AB *........................................ Jul 28 Bowden, AB *.............................................. Jul 28 Medicine Hat, AB Finning ProTour.... Jul 26–28 Bonnyville, AB............................................. Jul 27–28 Bruce, AB...................................................... Jul 29 High Prairie, AB.......................................... Jul 31–Aug 1

AUGUST Strathmore, AB Finning ProTour.........Aug 3–6 Grimshaw, AB..............................................Aug 4–5 La Crete, AB..................................................Aug 7–8 Jasper, AB – Date Change........................Aug 8–11 Dawson Creek, BC Finning ProTour... Aug 10–12 Cranbrook, BC..............................................Aug 17–19 Pincher Creek, AB.......................................Aug 17–19 Okotoks, AB..................................................Aug 24–26 Armstrong, BC Finning ProTour..........Aug 29–Sep 1

SEPTEMBER Armstrong, BC Finning ProTour..........Sep 2 Merritt, BC.....................................................Sep 1–2 Medicine Lodge, AB..................................Sep 8 Olds, AB..........................................................Sep 14–15 Brooks, AB....................................................Sep 21–22 Hanna, AB......................................................Sep 28–30 Calgary, AB (Grass Roots Final)............Sep 27–28

OCTOBER Canadian Finals Rodeo Red Deer, AB.............................................Oct 30–Nov 4

NOVEMBER Official Start of 2019 Rodeo Season Regina, SK............................................... Nov 21–24, 2018 * – Special Event Finning ProTour – Tour Rodeo Dates are subject to change. Please visit rodeocanada.com for up-to-the minute information, including rodeo results and stock draws.

41

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

The Short Round

FLOSPORTS & CPRA ENTER MULTI-YEAR BROADCASTING PARTNERSHIP

42

Finning Pro Tour Rodeos

“We’re excited about broadening our reach through our new partnership with FloSports,” said CPRA GM Jeff Robson. “The opportunity to live stream the Finning Canada Pro Tour rodeos and both our finals — the Grass Roots Final and the Canadian Finals Rodeo — will provide welcome exposure for our sport and expand access for our fans.

“An added element of this new relationship is the larger platform through which we can tell the stories of rodeo… behind-thescenes snapshots of our contestants — both two legged and four-legged — as well as our rodeos themselves. The FloSports-CPRA affiliation will also enable the CPRA to allocate funds back to rodeo committees, which will help promote growth at the community level as well. All in all, we see partnering with FloRodeo as a home run for the sport of professional rodeo at every level.”

To access live and on-demand coverage of the Finning Pro Tour Events, Finning Pro Tour Finals, Grass Roots Final, and Canadian Finals Rodeo, users can sign up to become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber on FloRodeo.com. All subscribers unlock access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Subscribers can watch events across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku or Apple TV 4.

For more information, visit FloSports.tv — CPRA

Not only can you view the Finning Pro Tour Rodeo’s live on FloRodeo, but these rodeos will also be archived indefinitely to enjoy again and again.

Wainwright Stampede June 21–24 Ponoka Stampede June 26–July 2 Williams Lake Stampede June 29–July 2 Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition July 19–22 Edmonton K–Days Rodeo July 20–22 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede July 26–28 Strathmore Stampede Aug 3–6 Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede Aug 10–12 IPE & Stampede (Armstrong) Aug 29–Sep 1 Finning Pro Tour Finals IPE & Stampede (Armstrong): Sep 2 Grass Roots Final Sep 27–28, Calgary, Alta.

45th Annual Canadian Finals Rodeo Oct 30–Nov 4, Red Deer, Alta.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY STOCK.ADOBE.COM/JJAVA

FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, announced a multi-year agreement with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) to air the Finning Pro Tour events and the Grass Roots Final held in Calgary, and the Canadian Finals Rodeo held in Red Deer, exclusively on FloRodeo.com.

This year, with the addition of CPRA events, FloRodeo will carry 27 events spanning 93 days of live rodeo coverage, including the International Finals Youth Rodeo, National Little Britches Association Finals, and American Junior Rodeo Association Finals.

As Canada’s premier professional circuit, the Finning Pro Tour brings top competitors to fans across the Western provinces. The nine rodeos on the tour are responsible for a total of more than $1.3 million in added money for the regular season as CPRA contestants compete to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).

“The CPRA is one of the most established rodeo associations in the world, attracting some of the best athletes, and a global audience,” FloSports SVP, Rights and Acquisition Strategy Adam Fenn said.

“We’re excited to showcase these athletes’ hard work as they compete during one of the most anticipated competitions on FloRodeo.com.”

By TERRI MASON, BARB POULSEN, CPRA

C.P.R.A.

WHY STOP AT 150?

What initially began as a Canada 150 project, Great Canadian Rodeo Moments has grown in cultural importance with an enthusiastic audience and contributors. So why, reasoned Barb Poulsen, should we stop at 150? For more of these snapshots of rodeo history, visit the home page of rodeocanada.com

Great Canadian Rodeo Moment #3

Jim Gladstone The year was 1977. Jim Gladstone became the first Canadian to win a timed event world title when he emerged as the World Champion Calf Roper at the (then) sudden-death NFR, pocketing $7,166 in go-round money and winning the average as well for a $5,000 bonus. His total time of 119.7 seconds for 10 calves was a record at the time, eclipsing the old mark by five and a half seconds, not bad considering he was nursing a broken finger throughout the final.

Gladstone, who was born on the Blood Reserve north of Cardston, Alta., went on to a successful career as a lawyer. He was the son of Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, Fred Gladstone, and grandson of Canadian Senator, James Gladstone.

Jim, who passed away in 2015, remains the only Canadian to have won the TieDown Roping World Championship. — B.P.

PHOTO COURTESY CPRA; LIMELITE AUDIO

SOCIAL MEDIA PRO JOINS CPRA The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association is pleased to announce that Jody Seeley is joining the organization as a social media specialist.

A former radio host with over two decades in the media industry, Seeley is also a professional emcee and social media practitioner from LimeLite Audio & Media. Add to that an excellent rapport with people and a passion for community and rodeo, and Seeley is a very positive addition to the CPRA. CPRA General Manager, Jeff Robson, notes, “We believe that adding Jody to the team gives us a greater presence and adds to our fan experience. In conjunction with (CPRA) Communications team member, Barb Poulsen, Jody will bring more ideas and creativity to the social media content.” Robson goes on to say, “The CPRA is determined to be a leader in all things rodeo and this will bring us to another level.”

Poulsen adds, “Jody brings tremendous enthusiasm, a strong skill set and great ideas to the table. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to join forces with her in an effort to better promote the CPRA.” Seeley is already actively working in her new role. Look for some new marketing twists and interesting content on CPRA social media.

“I’m really excited to combine my two passions of rodeo and social media together with the CPRA,” says Seeley. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity and to be part of the vision in moving this organization and its fan experience forward.”

— CPRA cowboycountrymagazine.com

OKOTOKS PRO RODEO MOVES TO MILLARVILLE The Okotoks Pro Rodeo committee announced that their professional rodeo is moving to a new home.

The 27th Annual Okotoks Pro Rodeo, held Aug 24–26, is moving to the Millarville Racing & Ag Society grounds. Located 15 minutes west of Okotoks on Highway 549, the history-laden grounds, famous for its Canada Day horse races, offers a 2,500-seat stadium, ample parking, festival camping facilities and the space to add other events as the traditional Okotoks event grows.

“The location has changed, but we will still feature the same exciting non-stop action you have grown to love,” says Renne Reidy, president of the Okotoks Pro Rodeo.

The society and event will “continue to promote Okotoks and the surrounding community from our new venue.”

For over a century, the non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society has been a catalyst in preserving the area’s agricultural heritage. With over 600 members and over 400 volunteers, the Society gives back to the community through its preservation of three large historical events, the Millarville Races, the Fair and the Heritage Rodeo, plus the summer Millarville Farmers’ Market and the Millarville Christmas Market in November.

Now the Society’s reach has embraced Okotoks.

For more, visit okotoksprorodeo.com. On Facebook “Like” the Okotoks Pro Rodeo’s Facebook page for pictures and opportunities to win tickets to the 27th Annual Okotoks Pro Rodeo. — CPRA

43

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

CPRA STANDINGS TOP TEN AS OF JULY 9, 2018 Including: Ponoka Stampede, Ponoka Stampede Bonus Round, Airdrie Pro Rodeo & Williams Lake Stampede.

For up-to-date standings, visit rodeocanada.com

SADDLE BRONC Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name CDN Rodeo Count Zeke Thurston 10 Sterling Crawley 1 Dawson Hay 17 CoBurn Bradshaw 1 Layton Green 17 Clay Elliott 12 Jim Berry 18 Brody Cress 4 Tyrel Larsen 10 Sam Kelts 16

LADIES BARREL RACING Address Big Valley, AB Stephenville, TX Wildwood, AB Milford, UT Meeting Creek, AB Nanton, AB Rocky Mtn House, AB Hillsdale, WY Inglis, MB Stavely, AB

Earnings $19,536.40 $18,028.25 $12,641.94 $12,586.50 $12,295.33 $10,725.22 $10,530.24 $10,197.89 $9,991.14 $9,920.61

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Address Dublin, TX Regina, SK Airdrie, AB Bowden, AB Tremonton, UT Inglis, MB Cadogan, AB Ranchester, WY Carbon, AB Eastend, SK

Earnings $23,574.02 $17,962.56 $17,321.78 $16,620.92 $15,195.90 $13,730.63 $9,814.48 $9,234.82 $8,371.59 $6,503.17

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Address Maple Creek, SK Randlett, UT Cadogan, AB Ponoka, AB Meadow Lake, SK Ponoka, AB DeWinton, AB Meeting Creek, AB Huntsville, TX Stanford, MT

Earnings $24,046.86 $22,127.79 $20,891.59 $18,265.51 $16,973.11 $13,948.39 $13,341.22 $11,290.72 $11,280.48 $8,765.47

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Address Provost, AB Fort St John BC Ponoka, AB Cochrane, AB Okotoks, AB Donalda, AB Stevensville, MT Mayerthorpe, AB Didsbury, AB Parkland County, AB

Earnings $27,943.81 $21,482.65 $10,003.93 $9,656.56 $9,583.77 $9,451.87 $9,149.90 $9,080.08 $8,130.41 $7,546.25

BAREBACK Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name CDN Rodeo Count Richmond Champion 13 Ty Taypotat 13 Jake Vold 8 Ky Marshall 18 Caleb Bennett 10 Orin Larsen 9 Clint Laye 10 Seth Hardwick 11 Cole Goodine 19 Dantan Bertsch 17

Name CDN Rodeo Count Jared Parsonage 13 Joe Frost 1 Lonnie West 10 Wacey Finkbeiner 15 Cody Lee Coverchuk 12 Zane Lambert 7 Brock Radford 7 Garrett Green 10 Trey Benton 1 Luke Gee 14

Address Earnings Savona, BC $31,031.58 Weatherford, TX $23,472.26 Ponoka, AB $14,697.62 Big Valley, AB $11,923.13 Ledbetter, TX $11,316.47 Buffalo, SD $10,258.00 Longview, AB $9,582.78 Hermiston, OR $9,337.30 Dalhard, TX $9,221.51 Yellowhead County, AB $8,910.25

TEAM ROPING HEELER

BULL RIDING Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name CDN Rodeo Count Carman Pozzobon 18 Stevi Hillman 4 Shayna Weir 19 Diane Skocdopole 19 Tammy Fischer 2 Jessica Routier 6 Kylie Whiteside 17 Callahan Crossley 15 Shelby Spielman 6 Taylor Manning 20

Name CDN Rodeo Count Tristin Woolsey 19 Brady Minor 10 Rocky Dallyn 18 Devin Wigemyr 20 Brett McCarroll 19 Chase Tryan 10 Tyrel Flewelling 18 Dillon Graham 19 Riley Warren 19 Russell Cardoza 8

Address Nanton, AB Ellensburg, WA Nanton, AB Brooks, AB Camrose, AB Helena, MT Lacombe, AB Wainwright, AB Stettler, AB Terrebonne, OR

Earnings $22,957.34 $11,578.60 $10,463.70 $10,005.80 $7,571.39 $7,504.51 $7,460.15 $6,847.88 $6,577.28 $5,716.10

Address Strathmore, AB Ellensburg, WA Vulcan, AB Huntley, MT Cut Bank, MT Camrose, AB Jay, OK Wood Mountain, SK Ponoka, AB Wainwright, AB

Earnings $19,950.31 $11,578.58 $10,005.80 $8,055.87 $7,828.16 $7,571.38 $7,504.51 $7,187.66 $7,068.91 $6,847.89

TEAM ROPING HEADER Name CDN Rodeo Count Denver Johnson 18 Riley Minor 10 Roland McFadden 20 Brady Tryan 12 Dustin Bird 10 Justin McCarroll 19 Brenten Hall 10 Jesse Popescul 19 Levi Simpson 17 Dawson Graham 20

STEER WRESTLING Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name CDN Rodeo Count Scott Guenthner 16 Stephen Culling 18 Craig Weisgerber 18 Tanner Milan 16 Harley Cole 16 Cody Cassidy 19 Bridger Chambers 15 Travis Reay 19 Morgan Grant 19 Dallas Frank 16

Canadian Cowboy Country makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

44

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PROUD TO BE IN OUR COMMUNITY

1-888-Finning | Finning.com 346-6464

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45

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

PHOTO BY RANDY VANDERVEEN PHOTOGRAPHY/RANDY VANDERVEEN

COMPETITOR PROFILE

Kody Lamb making an 86.5-point winning ride on Wayne Vold’s everspectacular two-time Bareback Horse of the Year, V838 Mucho Dinero at the 2018 Grande Prairie Stompede

46

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

C.P.R.A.

KODY LAMB MASTER OF SCIENCE & RODEO

By DIANNE FINSTAD

K

ODY LAMB ISN’T YOUR TYPICAL COWBOY. HE’S NOT YOUR ORDINARY GRADUATE STUDENT

EITHER. THE BAREBACK RIDER WHO GREW UP IN SHERWOOD PARK IS CARVING A UNIQUE PATH, AS HE MERGES THE WORLDS OF RODEO

PHOTO COURTESY TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY

AND ACADEMIA. In May, Lamb became the first at his university to earn a Master of Science Degree in Applied Psychology. His thesis topic?

Concussions in rodeo. It’s a topic he knows firsthand, as he’s learning to cope with the ongoing impact of concussions on his own pro rodeo career.

Lamb rose to the top of a class in a talented group of young Canadian rodeo stars, as he swept the Canadian Novice Bareback titles for Canada, the Calgary Stampede and the Stampede’s Novice Tour, all in 2013. Then he earned the 2014 PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year award while studying at Tarleton University in Stephenville, Texas.

He made his first CFR in the open division in 2016, but a concussion suffered while riding in Williams Lake, B.C., interrupted his riding plans last year.

“I was in rough shape, but I was sitting pretty good in the standings, so I tried to push it a little and actually got on again (a month later) in Bonnyville,” said Lamb. “I didn’t get hurt, but my symptoms just got really bad again, so that’s when I made the decision to take the rest of the 2017 season off.”

During that time, Lamb focused on his Masters.

“It was my way of turning a bad situation into a good one,” Lamb explained, about his thesis topic. “There’s not a lot of research out there, and mine was the first of cowboycountrymagazine.com

its kind to focus on collegiate rodeo athletes and concussion.”

Encouraged by his advisor to use Kody Lamb at the podium delivering his address his own experience as part of his at the commencement ceremonies, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas research, she was soon amazed at how Lamb could carry on his studies, and travel extensively for his rodeo career graduation and needed to put together a — all while suffering symptoms. speech in a short time. He delivered, chalBeing out of competition did give the lenging fellow students to ‘be consistent, 24-year-old time to focus on his other always show up, and always try your butt passion — music. The song-writing guitaroff’ because he believes discipline in even playing talent took the opportunity to mundane tasks is key to success, whether in record some of his rodeo-related songs, like the classroom or the rodeo arena.

‘Bull Ridin’ Fool’.

After handling all that pressure, Lamb “I want to show that rodeo cowboys, and came back to Canada to focus on rodeo the sport, are complex. Rodeo cowboys are once again. A June win in Grande Prairie on deep personalities, and they have issues Mucho Dinero helped get him back on track. that go on outside of rodeo. It’s not all just “I’ve accepted the fact I might get dizzy riding bucking horses and getting on bulls or nauseous again, but I’m not panicking and roping. There’s a lot more to it.” now. Before I was a bit gun-shy and didn’t Thinking he’d given plenty of time for really understand how this injury has the injury to heal, Lamb did get back to his affected me long term. Now that I know riggin’ last November at Regina’s Agribition, how to work through it and the things I only to find his dizzy, nauseous spells show- can do, whether it’s my exercises or staying ing up again. He realized it was time to dig hydrated, to mitigate the long-term affects, deeper into his own problem, and with the it has been helping me.” help of Dr. Riley Rattai of Red Deer, who “I took rodeo and bareback riding for works with the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports granted,” added Lamb. “I’m more grateful Medicine Team, learned he was experiencevery time I get on now. We all know we ing post-traumatic vertigo. can’t rodeo forever. When I came back, I “The deal with what I have and with appreciated it more, and it made me realize most concussion symptoms is that time how important rodeo is to me. I enjoy the off helps, but it’s not the whole story,” he experience, and I’m not so worried about explained. the end result.”

By adjusting his riding style and exerKody Lamb is a cowboy who experiences rodeo on so many levels. Whether cising to increase strength in his core and he’s writing a song that tells a cowboy story, neck, Lamb went a month and a half riding doing research on concussions to help rodeo in early 2018 feeling back to 100 per cent. athletes prolong their careers, or making an But then his old troubles reappeared, and outstanding spur ride for eight seconds on a he had to go back to the drawing board.

“It was a trying fourteen months for me,” bareback horse, he’s all in.

“I’m pretty excited about how this year’s admitted Lamb. going to go for me. I have some pretty big In addition, as he was preparing to plans.” C defend his thesis, he was selected as the commencement speaker for the Tarleton 47

ROAD TO THE CFR

Jake Burwash of Nanton, Alta., on Vold Rodeo’s 2012 Saddle Bronc of the Year, R3 Pedro at Stavely Indoor Pro Rodeo this spring

JAKE BURWASH BRONC RIDING 101

By TIM ELLIS

I

T’S AN OBVIOUS QUESTION. WHY WOULD THE SON OF ONE OF THE MOST DECORATED BAREBACK RIDERS IN

CANADIAN RODEO HISTORY CHOOSE THE SADDLE BRONC EVENT?

48

“I’ve been asked that a lot,” confirms Jake Burwash, whose father, Robin, won four Canadian Bareback Championships and was the Reserve World Champion twice.

“I wanted to try riding bareback, but Dad said, ‘let’s try something that’s not going to jerk you around.’ I wasn’t very big in high school; I had no muscle mass or weight to me. I rode bareback in my senior year, but I cracked my wrist and it never felt right in the riggin’ again. So, I got hooked on this little saddle and rein thing.”

That choice is starting to pay dividends.

As of mid-May, Burwash was leading the Pro Rodeo Canada novice saddle bronc standings with over $2,000 in earnings.

At the same time, he was competing in the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., for the third consecutive year.

“I won the saddle bronc in the Grand Canyon Region (of the National

Intercollegiate Rodeo Association),” reveals Burwash, who finished his third year with Cochise College in Douglas, Ariz., and will transfer to Tarleton State in Texas for the 2018–19 school year. “I kind of always thought I wanted to go to school and rodeo.

It’s made a mark in my riding for the better. It makes a big difference when you’re doing it every day and it’s always on your mind.

That’s what we do — go to school and ride broncs or rope calves.

And the Arizona weather doesn’t hurt either.”

With the college season out of the way, the focus for Burwash is now on qualifying for the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

“I wrote my finals two weeks early and busted my butt to get through school,” offers the 20-year-old Business Administration student. “I came up here for Drayton Valley — which is the earliest I’ve started the season in Canada. I set up my classes so I can stay until after Cranbrook. I might have to fly back for one or two rodeos, depending on the standings.

But we’ll make that decision in August.”

In June, Burwash had perhaps the biggest win of his novice career. He captured the title at the Wildwood Bronc Bustin’ with a pair of rides in the mid-70s.

“That was such a sweet deal,” says a stillbeaming Burwash of the victory. “You get to see the big guys there and get to see where we want to be in the future.”

“I’ve got one more year of novice left, but the plan is to go into the open next season.

There’s a great group of guys coming up, and we grew up hearing the stories. Now, we’re starting to make our own stories.”

Burwash is one of the lucky ones to have someone back at home wanting to hear those stories.

“Dad wants to hear what happened on the weekend,” laughs Burwash. “What went wrong and what went terrible!” c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO BY BILLIE-JEAN DUFF/ROUGHSTOCK STUDIO

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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The Spirit of the West radio program

COWBOY CHURCHES Nechako Valley Cowboy Church

Last Sun. of every month, 7 p.m., Nechako Community Church Building, Hwy 16 E, Vanderhoof, B.C., 250‑567‑4960

Open Valley Cowboy Church

Every Sun., 6:30 p.m., Head of the Lake Hall, past the O’Keefe Ranch on Hwy 97, Vernon, B.C., 250‑503‑0707

Boomtown Trail Cowboy Church

2nd and last Wed. of every month, 7 p.m., Elnora Drop‑In Centre, Elnora, Alta., 403‑749‑2047

Clearwater Cowboy Church

Every Thur., 7 p.m., Dovercourt Hall, Hwy 22, north of Caroline, Alta., 403-844-6641

Community Cowboy Church

Every Tue., 7-8 p.m., Niton Community Hall, Main St., Niton, Alta., 780-795-2326

Cowboy Trail Church

Celebrating 26 Years Hear it on your favorite Radio Station or on demand at Hugh-McLennan.com

Every Tue., 7 p.m., Cochrane Ranche House, 101 Ranchehouse Rd., Cochrane, Alta., 403‑638‑4254

Heartland Cowboy Church

1st and 3rd Tue. of every month, 7 p.m., Stettler Agriplex, 4516‑52 St., Stettler, Alta., 403‑742‑4273

Millarville Cowboy Church

2nd and 4th Thur. of every month, 7:30 p.m., South of Calgary at Hwy 22 and Hwy 549 east near the racetrack turn off, Millarville, Alta., 403‑931‑1618

Pipestone Cowboy — Cowgirl Church 2nd Mon. of every month, 7 p.m., Pipestone Café, Hwy 795, 11 km north from junction Hwy 13 and 795, Pipestone, Alta., 780-312-8653

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PORTABLE PASTURE.

Every Sun., 10 a.m. Ranchman’s Restaurant, 9615 MacLeod Tr. SW, Calgary, Alta., 403‑882‑3239

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Every Fri., 7:30 p.m., Centre Park Church, 52 Peacock Dr., Sherwood Park, Alta., 780‑918‑5530

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Last Fri. of every month, 7:30 p.m., Viking Auction Market, junction of Hwy 26 and 36, Viking, Alta., 780‑384‑2114

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2nd Sun. of every month 10:00 a.m., 26016 Hwy 595, 15 km east of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Alta., 403-347-0206

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1st and 3rd Thur. of every month, 7 p.m., Legion Hall, 22 St., Battleford, Sask., 306-937-2733

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53

COWBOY POETRY

Retirement

By PHYLLIS RATHWELL

When he wants to retire, if a cowboy is your spouse Remember that you’ll have him hangin’ round the house He’s underfoot all day, and like a two-year-old he asks About a million questions as I go about my tasks…

“Why do you punch the buns down? How come they take so long?

What is ‘virgin’ oil? I’m sure that must be wrong…

Why do you sort the clothes out? You sure that some will fade?

Why do you turn ‘em inside out? You sure you can’t wash suede?

How come you wash the windows with that special store-bought stuff?

I think my ma used vinegar, I’m sure that’s good enough!

Why scrub the floor on hands and knees, why not use a mop?

How come you need so many knives, won’t any of them chop?

Why not use some lard instead of buying Pam? What on earth’s the real point of a pillow sham?”

Oh, I wouldn’t mind his questions, I’d welcome them, I vow He’d sometimes ask me HOW.

Retirement was excerpted from Range, Riders & Rhymes by Phyllis Rathwell.

54

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2018

PHOTO COURTESY STOCK.ADOBE.COM

If instead of asking why, why, why —

TIM ELLIS’ RODEO REPORT

This life looks good on you Calgary • Cochrane • Edmonton • Fort Saskatchewan • Spruce Grove • Red Deer • Lethbridge • Banff • Camrose Medicine Hat • Lloydminster • Olds • Strathmore • West Kelowna • Kamloops • Prince Albert • Regina • Saskatoon