Pro Rodeo Insider Canada Jun/Jul 2021

Pro Rodeo

CANADA

Congratulations to Scott Guenthner of Provost, Alta., winner of the 2021 RAM Circuit Finals Steer Wrestling Championship held in Kissimmee, Florida in early April. Guenthner, who rodeoed under the Montana circuit, rode Curtis Cassidy’s stone-cold champion horse, Tyson. The twotime Canadian SW Champion brought home a $20,000 voucher for a new RAM vehicle, a Polaris RANGER UTV, a pair of exotic boots from Justin Boots, a trophy saddle from Cactus Saddlery, and a Montana Silversmith buckle, plus, he earned about $18,000 USD. PRCA photo by Roseanna Sales.

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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

Here’s HOPING!

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Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2021

C.P.R.A.

2021 CPRA Schedule JUNE

Keep It Going Greetings everyone!

Well, here we are approaching summer — a time when we are usually heading down highways, crisscrossing provinces (and the 49th parallel) en route to rodeos. Despite a slow start to our 2021 Pro Rodeo Canada season, we’re hopeful that we will enjoy a partial rodeo schedule.

If you are looking for a way to sharpen your skills (or learn more about various rodeo events), check out some of the clinics and schools offered by CPRA members (A Rodeo School Directory is posted at rodeocanada.com).

At the time of this writing, messaging from the Alberta provincial government is becoming a little more optimistic as we move into the summer. We’re all thinking about our rodeo committees — those who were unable to hold their rodeo this year and those still hoping to move ahead with their event. A CPRA ‘Shout Out’ to that dedicated and hard-working group of folks (including Dustin Duffy, Randa Nugent, Glen Nash and Shane Crouch) who have worked really hard at maintaining a dialogue with the provincial government over the last several months to get rodeos back up and running.

We’re also excited about the debate taking place in the Alberta legislature that may see the rodeo designated as the Official Sport of Alberta. Stay tuned.

And a huge thank you to all those who virtually attended our AGM back at the end of March and contributed to positive and thoughtful discussions on several topics. Thank you as well, and welcome to the returning Board members. We look forward to continuing to serve our membership moving forward.

Congratulations to those CPRA athletes and stock contractors making their presence felt south of the border at PRCA events and in the World standings.

Keep it going guys and gals!

Keep in mind as well, the Canadian Cowboy Classic Golf Tournament, normally held in June. For the second year, the event (with proceeds going to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team) has been moved to early fall and will run on Sept 15 at Valley Ridge Golf Course in Calgary.

Hope to have an in-person visit with you at a rodeo soon.

Brooks, AB ............................................. postponed to 2022 Rocky Mountain House, AB ............ postponed to 2022 Innisfail, AB ............................................ postponed to 2022 Bonnyville, AB ...............................Jun 18–19 — New Dates Wildwood, AB (SB)............................... postponed to 2022 Wainwright, AB–ProTour **.............. postponed to 2022 High River, AB ........................ postponed to later in 2021 Ponoka, AB–ProTour **.................................... Jun 28–Jul 4 Williams Lake, BC–ProTour **......... postponed to 2022 Airdrie, AB .............................................. postponed to 2022

JULY Calgary, AB *(BR) ...................................Jul 6–8 postponed Benalto, AB ..............................postponed to later in 2021 Teepee Creek, AB–Pro Tour **.................................Jul 9–11 Quesnel, BC *(SB) ..................................................... Jul 16–18 Bowden, AB................................................................July 17-18 Morris, MB–ProTour **....................... postponed to 2022 Lea Park, AB............................................................. July 23-25 Kennedy, SK...............................................................Jul 24–25 Lacombe, AB *(BR) .................................................... pending Bowden, AB *(BB) ...................................................... pending Medicine Hat, AB–ProTour **................................Jul 29–31 Pollockville, AB *(SB) ......................................................Jul 31 Strathmore, AB–ProTour **............................Jul 30–Aug 2

AUGUST Bruce, AB ............................................................................Aug 1 High Prairie, AB .................................... postponed to 2022 Sundre, AB ................................................................... Aug 6–8 Regina, SK–Pro Tour **............................................. pending Grimshaw, AB ..............................................................Aug 7–8 La Crete, AB .............................................................. Aug 10–11 Jasper, AB ............................................... postponed to 2022 Stavely, AB ....................................Aug 12–14 — New Dates Sundre (LBR).............................................................Aug 14–15 Dawson Creek, BC–ProTour **...........................Aug 12–15 Smithers, BC *(BB) ....................................................... Aug 19 Pincher Creek, AB ................................ postponed to 2022 Cranbrook, BC .........................................................Aug 20–22 Okotoks, AB .............................................................Aug 27–29 Drayton Valley, AB.....................Aug 27–29 — New Dates Falkland, BC .................................Aug 27–29 — New Dates

SEPTEMBER Coronation, AB ......................................................Sep 10 – 12 ** - Livestreamed on FloRodeo All dates are subject to change. Please visit RodeoCanada.com for up-to-date information.

Terry Cooke President, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

PRO BREAKAWAY SWINGING INTO THE BIG TIME

By ALICIA ERICKSON

Shelby Boisjoli roping her calf in 2.1 seconds, earning her second place in Round 3.

Photo by Joe Duty.

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020 — a gruelling year for most professional rodeo athletes, but it was a year of remarkable growth for the ladies Breakaway.

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Canadian Professional Women’s Breakaway roper, Shelby Boisjoli, has been nodding her head in this event since Grade 7 Junior High Rodeo. Now, nine years later, her dream came true when at age 22, she backed behind the yellow chute to swing her rope for a $200,000 purse.

For years, breakaway roping has been an event at 4H, Junior/High school rodeo, amateur rodeo, and at an intercollegiate level, but only recently has it been taken to a professional level. Last spring, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Assoc., (CPRA) announced that Ladies Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2021

C.P.R.A.

Shelby Boisjoli and Miss Rodeo Canada Alicia Erickson (wearing her clear mask) in the massive Globe Life Field stadium.

Photo courtesy Alicia Erickson.

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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider From left: Miss Rodeo Texas Jordan Maldonado, 2020 Miss Rodeo Canada Alicia Erickson, Miss Rodeo America Jordan Tierney, WPRA President Doreen Wintermute and 2020 Champion Jackie Crawford.

The Stephenville, Texas, resident was six months pregnant during the competition, so she sawed the horn off her saddle and just kept swinging.

Photo by Kay Miller.

Breakaway was added as an optional event at their sanctioned rodeos, giving women cardholders another event to compete in, alongside the fan favourite of barrel racing.

Shelby has always been a competitive cowgirl by nature, travelling to wherever she has the best chance at a successful rodeo career. Currently, she is residing in Stephenville, Texas, but calls Langdon, Alta., home. With Canada calling their rodeo season, Boisjoli focused on buying her Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assoc., (PRCA) card and entering stateside.

Many rodeos were affected because of COVID-19, but the PRCA season held strong, making the Finals a sure thing.

“We knew that we were going to be roping for something, but we were completely shocked when they announced in early July that the Breakaway was going to be a part of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” explained Boisojli. “I remember vividly driving to Killdeer, N.D., when the news broke, our phones were blowing up, and we were all so pumped.”

Well-placed in the standings, Shelby quickly realized that she would be making 42

history as one of the top 15 women in the world to compete at the inaugural WNFR Breakaway Dec 8–11. Walking on the same arena dirt as some of the most sought-after athletes was that original dream come true.

Fast-forward to Dec 8 in Arlington, Texas, and Shelby was walking through the tunnel that surrounds the enormous arena floor. The first perf was taking place under the bright lights of Globe Life Field Stadium.

Due to COVID, the attendance was less than spectacular. “It was a special moment that didn’t matter if there was a huge crowd or not,” said Boisjoli. “We realized how far we had come, and that we were making history.”

The grand entry was planned to have the highest money earner from each state carry their flag, which meant that Shelby would follow behind the Texas flag. But this patriotic cowgirl had other plans and made sure that she flew the maple leaf flag across that arena.

“I almost forgot how tight-knit Canada is and how all of the rodeo families are literally like family,” Boisjoli said, adding, “I felt like I had a whole country behind me.”

A strategy is a big part of being successful in competition, but so is the horse that you ride in on. We saw many talented equine athletes over the Finals, and they carry a lot of responsibility. A breakaway horse is so much more than run and stop.

“You could have a horse that could run a hole through the wind, but if they don’t run straight to the calf, then they’re slow, “ said Boisjoli.

A breakaway horse’s job is pretty repetitive, and it becomes easy for them to get tight and want to take your throw away from you. Shelby’s Canadian-raised horse, Root Beer, has proved that she is special.

“She never gets tired and takes away my throw,” said Boisjoli. “She gives me a chance to win every single time.”

The bar was set high for Breakaway in 2020. Not only does it give women another pro event to compete in, but it brings more fans, competitors and sponsors to our sport of rodeo.

I witnessed first-hand the camaraderie displayed amongst all 15 women, and it was inspiring. It didn’t seem to matter how they placed — win, lose, or draw — they were happy to be there.

It is the groundbreaking women like Shelby and the rodeo committees that add the event that will ensure the growth of this super-fast sport — and that Breakaway will add another exciting element to professional rodeo.

As for pro rodeo in Canada, the 2021 season is tentative, but Shelby has made one thing very clear.

“If we don’t go and support it, who will?

If they have Breakaway at 2021 Canadian rodeos, I’m going to go and support it. I’m going to be there,” she said. “We do it for the love of our sport, and trust to see greatness come in the future.” c Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2021

C.P.R.A.

ROAD TO THE CFR

KOLBY WANCHUK WE’RE RIDING BLIND

By TIM ELLIS

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ODEO ATHLETES ARE USED TO LONG DRIVES IN LIMITED AMOUNTS

OF TIME. THE TRAVEL FROM ONE RODEO TO THE NEXT CAN EVEN BE PART OF THE ALLURE OF BEING A COWBOY. BUT FOR COMPETITORS LIKE KOLBY WANCHUK, COVID TOOK THE CONCEPT TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL IN 2020.

Kolby Wanchuk scoring 85.5 pts and winning Round Two on Outlaw Buckers W42 Comeback Red at 2019 CFR. Photo by Billie-Jean Duff.

“I’ve heard it best described like this,” begins the Sherwood Park, Alta., saddle bronc rider. “We were rodeoing twice as hard, going to half as many rodeos for a chance to win a lot less money.”

He continued. “There was way more competition because the top 50 guys were at every rodeo we went to; it was a tough season. We did have a bit more time off between rodeos to do some fishing and other things, so it was fun that way, but it was tough.”

The 24-year-old Wanchuk was one of seven Canadian bronc riders to finish the rugged Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) campaign inside the top 35 of the World standings. He ended the season in 19th spot and concluded the year with pair of rides in the high-90’s at the final stop on the PRCA’s regular season in Stoneham, Colorado. cowboycountrymagazine.com

“There’s always those rides where you could have got another lick in or things could’ve gone a bit better,” suggests Wanchuk, who missed the cut for qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo by about $15,000.

“There was one that definitely hurt a bit. At the Xtreme Broncs Finals, the noseband of the halter came off of my horse. I rode him just about to the whistle with no halter. It happened real quick, and the judges didn’t see it. I wasn’t even sure what happened.

Every jump, I kept losing more rein until my hand was way over my head. I was floating for a bit. That one definitely could have gotten me closer.”

Wanchuk is determined one misstep won’t derail his goals for the 2021 season.

“I have a mentality that it’s never enough,” says the 2016 Canadian Novice Saddle Bronc Champion and 2018 PRCA Rookie of the Year runner-up. “I believe there’s always

something I can do to win more. That’s the only way to keep up in this sport. You have to find ways to do things better.”

To ensure he has the best opportunity for a more successful 2021 season, Wanchuk headed south of the border in late January to compete at PRCA rodeos.

“It was tough to make any plans, but we wanted to make sure we crossed before there were any changes,” says Wanchuk of the continuing COVID-19 restrictions to begin the season. “We’re doing our best to be ready when any opportunities are available.”

“We just have to roll with the punches and try to get to the rodeos that will help us the most. The goals are still to qualify for both the Canadian Finals and the National Finals. Hopefully, it will be somewhat back to normal in Canada this summer. But for now, we’re riding blind.” c 43

CLOWNIN’ AROUND | CRASH COOPER

Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery

“All I’m saying is that the difference between humans & animals is that animals would never allow the dumbest of the herd to lead them.”

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Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2021

C.P.R.A.

BEHIND THE BACKSTRETCH

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CHUCKWAGON THOROUGHBREDS ALL PHOTOS BY PAUL AND CAROL EASTON

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HUCKWAGON FANS AND DRIVERS WILL TELL YOU, “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HORSES,” AND THAT MEANS

THESE REMARKABLE EQUINE ATHLETES MUST HAVE EXEMPLARY CARE.

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Like any high-performance athlete, human or horse, successful competition requires complete health promotion, attention, and injury prevention. For Thoroughbreds, this is multi-faceted, labour-intensive — and expensive.

Enthusiastic chuckwagon fans in the grandstand, cheering on the galloping Thoroughbreds, often don’t think of what goes into a championship outfit before and after every race. The care and safety of equipment, harness and wagons, is also vital. Formal Standards of Care are detailed and clearly stated by both chuckwagon racing organizations and Stampede event organizers. The focus is always on the horses: care and protection of their health, plus safeguarding the integrity of the competition.

Here is an unprecedented view of the life of the elite chuckwagon Thoroughbreds. c cowboycountrymagazine.com

1. Care of the Thoroughbreds is paramount.

At 6:30 a.m., veteran chuckwagon driver Gary Gorst is already in the saddle exercising his horses. For the horses and the chuckwagon families, this private, inner court among the barns is a classic part of the Calgary Stampede.

2. As his teammates look on, Gambie’s stall cleaning is nearly complete in Troy Dorchester’s barn. Calgary Stampede.

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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider 3. Driver Cody Ridsdale helps with vibration therapy. Also used on humans, it is believed to help prevent injuries, promote bone and joint health, and increase bone density. Calgary Stampede.

4. Any competitive athlete understands the importance of skilful physiotherapy. Here Angela Motowylo is working on one of their Thoroughbreds. High River Races.

5. Before a race, a licensed veterinarian examines each horse. Scanning an implanted microchip reveals health inspections/ consultations, rest days, veterinary care and drug testing; driver Roger Moore. Calgary Stampede.

6. After a race, the horses are walked to cool down and then receive a shower to rinse off the sweat. Here Dustin Gorst, fresh from driving the race, provides this care. Calgary Stampede.

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7. A final, inviolate defence for the horses and chuckwagon racing — there is no doping — ever. As illustrated here, random blood samples guarantee that there are no exceptions.

Calgary Stampede.

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8. Like any professional athlete, these equine racers travel in style. Here Codey McCurrach is loading his liner. Each stall has sturdy dividers to support the horses in case of sudden braking or other emergencies. Strathmore Stampede.

9. While on the road, standards of care remain high. Troy Flad’s luxury liner, set up here at Strathmore Stampede, extends into a doublesided, roomy barn, sheltering horses from the elements and distractions.

10. Inside a liner barn; roomy shelter, and no-contest access to feed and water.

Strathmore Stampede.

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11. It all leads to this: healthy, well-trained Thoroughbreds coming off the barrels and heading to the track; driver Mitch Sutherland.

Calgary Stampede.

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8 Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2021

Proud to be part of the CPRA and the PRCA

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HOME OF CFR AND NFR BUCKING HORSES AND BULLS For your Professional Rodeo needs Contact Travis Jordan P: 403.795.1247 E: travis@legendrodeostock.com

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