Pro Rodeo Canada Insider February/March 2022

Pro Rodeo

CANADA

INSIDER OH CANADA!

The Canadians in the stands, behind the chutes and watching from home shook the rafters on Canada Night when Layton Green of Meeting Creek, Alta., gave his all to score 91 points on Vern MacDonald’s famed F13 Virgil. The two-time NFR qualifier finished his 2021 pro rodeo season seventh in the World. PRCA photo by Roseanna Sales.

RODEOCANADA.COM cowboycountrymagazine.com

24

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

Clay Ullery and Riley Warren — 2019 Pro Tour Champions. 2019 CFR photo by Billie-Jean Duff

LIVE — FROM CANADA!

By BARB POULSEN

F

LORODEO, THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL BROADCAST PARTNER OF THE CANADIAN

PROFESSIONAL RODEO ASSOCIATION, LIVE STREAMS PRO RODEO CANADA TOUR RODEOS, THE MAPLE LEAF CIRCUIT FINALS, THE CANADIAN FINALS RODEO AND A NUMBER OF OTHER REGULAR-SEASON EVENTS DURING THE YEAR.

Subscriptions starting from

25

$12.50/month. Sign-up at FloRodeo.com/signup

Among the Tour stampedes and rodeos to watch for this coming season are Alberta venues Grande Prairie, Wainwright, Ponoka, Teepee Creek, Medicine Hat and Strathmore; Morris, Man., Regina, Sask. and B.C. stops - Williams Lake, Dawson Creek and Armstrong.

In addition to bringing top competitors to fans across Western Canada, the FloSports-CPRA affiliation enables Pro Rodeo Canada to allocate funds back to rodeo committees, which helps promote growth at the community level.

To access live and on-demand coverage of CPRA events, users can sign up as monthly or annual subscribers at FloRodeo.com.

2022 schedule is tentative at this point; follow rodeocanada.com for details. c Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2022

C.P.R.A.

2022 CPRA Schedule MARCH Dawson Creek, BC NEW......................Mar 25–26

APRIL Medicine Hat, AB.................................... Apr 22–24 Crowsnest Pass, AB....................... Apr 29–May 1 Drayton Valley, AB.......................... Apr 29–May 1

MAY Falkland, BC.............................................May 21–23 Grande Prairie, AB................................May 25–29

2022: A Year of Optimism Looking ahead, we enter the 2022 season full of optimism and hope to return to a year that sees a full roster of events and full grandstands to watch those events. As rodeo committees begin to meet and make their plans, this might be a great opportunity for community members to experience the rewards and fun of working with your local committee. Thank you to all the volunteers who make our Canadian Professional Rodeo season a reality and have done so for years. Please know that your efforts are appreciated by competitors, contractors and all of us associated with the sport.

I would like to join rodeo fans in congratulating those CPRA competitors and stock contractors who, once again, made us proud at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December in Las Vegas. Special recognition to Macza Pro Rodeo, whose outstanding saddle bronc, OLS Tubs Get Smart, won top horse for the second straight year.

The 2021 PRCA Resistol Rookies of the Year were also celebrated; among them, TieDown Roping Rookie Beau Cooper from Stettler, Alta., and Saddle Bronc Rookie K's Thomson from Lundbreck, Alta.

And, with the season already underway in Canada, which begins with the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals, and pro rodeos in the U.S.; It’s really good to see so many CPRA athletes off to a great start.

A special word of thanks as well to our sponsors and corporate partners who continue to support us. We are very much aware that many of you have also experienced difficult times in recent years. As we anticipate a full rodeo season, we want to extend an invitation to businesses and organizations that would like to join us for this year and into the future.

Feel free to contact the CPRA for sponsorship details.

Our 2022 tentative schedule includes virtually all our long-standing events, and we’re excited to welcome a number of new rodeos.

Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a happy, healthy New Year. I look forward to seeing you on the rodeo trail.

Terry Cooke, President, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association cowboycountrymagazine.com

JUNE Leduc, AB........................................................ Jun 2–5 Bonnyville, AB............................................... Jun 3–4 Hand Hills, AB...............................................Jun 4–5 Brooks, AB.................................................. Jun 10–11 Rocky Mountain House, AB.................. Jun 9–12 Lea Park, AB...............................................Jun 10–12 Innisfail, AB.................................................Jun 17–19 Wildwood, AB............................................Jun 17–18 Wainwright, AB....................................... Jun 23–26 Sundre, AB................................................ Jun 24–26 High River, AB.......................................... Jun 25–26 Ponoka, AB.............................................Jun 27–Jul 3

JULY Airdrie, AB............................................. Jun 29–Jul 3 Williams Lake, BC .............................. Jun 30–Jul 3 Benalto, AB.................................................... Jul 7–10 Coronation, AB.............................................. Jul 8–9 Teepee Creek, AB ...................................... Jul 15–17 Bowden, AB ................................................ Jul 16–17 Morris, MB ................................................. Jul 21–24 Kennedy, SK...............................................Jul 23–24 High Prairie, AB.........................................Jul 25–26 Medicine Hat, AB .................................... Jul 28–30 Strathmore, AB ..................................Jul 29–Aug 1 Pollockville, AB *(SB)......................................Jul 30 Bruce, AB.............................................................Jul 31

AUGUST High Prairie, AB........................................... Aug 2–3 Grimshaw, AB.............................................. Aug 6–7 Regina, SK .................................................... Aug 5–7 La Crete, AB................................................ Aug 9–10 Jasper, AB.................................................. Aug 10–13 Dawson Creek, BC ................................. Aug 12–14 Cranbrook, BC.......................................... Aug 19–21 Pincher Creek, AB................................... Aug 19–21 Smithers, BC * (BB....................................... Aug 25 Okotoks, AB.............................................Aug 26–28 Armstrong, BC.............................. Aug 31–Sep 3-4 *BB—Bareback *SB—Saddle Bronc Visit RodeoCanada.com for updates 26

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

By DIANNE FINSTAD

I

N A SPORT WHERE DOLLARS AND BUCKLES ARE WON OR LOST IN THE TINIEST INSTANT, ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL

RODEO JOBS IS THE TIMERS. IN FACT, IT’S SO IMPORTANT THAT THERE ARE TWO TIMERS AT EVERY RODEO.

The task takes keen focus, lightning reflexes and a great understanding of the sport.

During the rough stock events, timers measure the required eight seconds from when the animal’s inside shoulder crosses the plane of the chute gate. For events at the other end of the arena, the timers clock and record how long it takes contestants to officially complete their go and record any barrel, barrier or other penalties assessed by the judges.

Some of Canadian pro rodeo’s most experienced timers have spent decades honing their skills. Maxine Baird has had a stopwatch in hand for performances over some 40 years now, while Brenda Vold first took out her pro card in 1997. The duo has been selected for and worked together at the Canadian Finals Rodeo 16 times, while Baird has a total of 32 CFR’s on her resume.

“Some don’t realise how important your job is as a timer, especially now as there’s more money, and with the CFR’s and NFR’s (qualifications),” Baird points out. “If you make one little error, you could cost somebody going if you’re not paying attention.”

Dusty Daines is one of the ‘newer’ timers on the scene, and she’s already logged more 27

Top: Brenda and Maxine going for their souvenir photo at the 21 Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer. Above: Intense concentration is mandatory when titles are on the line. Maxine Baird (left) and Brenda Vold are both masters of simultaneously focusing their attention on their stopwatches and the arena action. Photos by Covy Moore.

than ten years of experience, having taken out her timer’s pro card in 2008 at the encouragement of Maxine Baird, whom she also shadowed.

“I’ve always looked at Maxine as my mentor in the timing world,” says Daines.

Vold explains at each rodeo, both timers run their watches in the roping and wrestling events, and the official time is an average of the two. For the eight-second duties, they take turns, with one being the ‘designated’ timer for an event, while the other’s watch is a backup.

In barrel racing, digital timepieces allow for measurements to 1/1,000th of a

second. Electronic scoreboards changed things too. A ‘plunger’ controlled by the timers gives an automatic buzzer or horn at the eight-second mark, often replacing the traditional ‘whistle.’ All timers carry a whistle around their neck, just in case technology fails.

Interestingly enough, a more traditional ‘sweep’ style stopwatch is still the preferred go-to for rough stock timing.

“Many of us do,” comments Vold, “because it’s just easier to watch it. If you have a digital, you kind of anticipate when it’s going to switch. So a sweep watch is much easier for the rough stock.”

Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2022

C.P.R.A.

If the scoreboard shows the running tally for the timed events, the timers start both the board and their stopwatches simultaneously, but the manual watch is still considered the official one.

In steer wrestling, team roping and tiedown roping, timers keep their eyes on the chute area and not the competitor.

“I’m watching the barrier flag, and when it makes a move as it is released, that’s when you start your watch,” explains Vold. The flag needs to be in a clear and clean view (which can require a few mud wipe offs).

The electric eye is used in barrel racing, but both timers run a watch as a manual backup, recording both times. That comes in handy if the eye malfunctions or weather conditions interfere.

It’s critical to the timer’s job performance to have a clear, unimpeded view of all the chutes, bucking stock or timed events for them to get accurate times. But not all announcer’s stands are equal. All the timers agree that if they’re going to a new-to-them rodeo or if there’s been a revamp of the facilities, they like to get there well in advance of rodeo time to check out their surroundings and ensure they have the best vantage point. Sometimes, that has even meant getting the stand moved or juggling positions in the stand.

Timers also do other tasks as part of the team.

“We’re kind of a lifeline between the chute boss and the judges,” adds Baird. “The announcer is trying to do his job, so we convey the messages. Sometimes we do a lot of hand signals if the timed event chute is far away!”

“You do have to have good knowledge of the rules and pay attention,” adds Daines. “I like to be there a couple of hours ahead of time, so I’m organised; getting any splits or turnouts so we’re on top of it because we work so closely with the announcer. We’re there to assist them too.” (“Splits” are the changes in contestant order to accommodate multiple runs on the same horse.)

Timers agree that it helps to know the competitors in case of last-minute changes in the order.

Canadian Pro Rodeo (CPRA) has a roster of experienced timers. Anyone wanting to join their ranks needs to be approved and buy a CPRA card. cowboycountrymagazine.com

Vold, the Contract Acts Spokesperson on the CPRA board, says candidates should shadow an experienced timer during at least three rodeos. A timer’s training clinic was held a few years back, in conjunction with a judge’s school, both Vold and Baird shared their insights.

“I tell them, ‘Don’t be distracted,’” says Vold. “Your job is to watch that event and work that event. If the clown is filling in between runs, you’re not looking at him. People may think I have no sense of humour when he’s carrying on, but I’m focusing on my job.”

Like so many rodeo jobs, being a timer is no get-rich-quick venture. But it does mean becoming a part of the rodeo family.

“It’s the people, for sure, and travelling a bit,” says Vold, about the benefits of her work. “It’s the sport that I love, and it’s a way to be involved.”

“Besides the friendship part of it, we always enjoy seeing the production side of different rodeos and how committees produce them, adds Daines. “There’s always a cool, new idea to learn.”

“I love my job at the rodeos, and I love to do it,” says Baird. “Some people think, ‘If

you’ve seen one rodeo, you’ve seen ‘em all,’ but that’s why I love it so much. I can get excited because every event is different, every run, every bucking trip is different from any you’ve ever seen. It gets my adrenaline going.” c

Top: Rodeo announcer and 2015 Cowboy of the Year Dave Poulsen and Maxine Baird at Innisfail. Photo courtesy Maxine Baird. Above: Experienced pro rodeo timer Dusty Daines and her husband, Danny, at the free camping grounds of the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo near Innisfail. Photo by Billie-Jean Duff.

28

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider ROAD TO THE CFR

CODY CASSIDY HUNTING SEVEN

By TIM ELLIS

Cody Cassidy competing in 2021 Canadian Finals Rodeo. CFR photo by Covy Moore/CovyMoore.com

S

TEER WRESTLING, PERHAPS MORE THAN ANY OF THE OTHER RODEO EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS THE

UNIQUE CAMARADERIE AMONG COWBOYS WHO ARE OFTEN IN COMPETITION WITH EACH OTHER FOR THE SAME PRIZE. SO, IT SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE WHEN CODY CASSIDY CREDITS A FELLOW BULLDOGGER WITH PROVIDING THE BOOST HE NEEDED TO BECOME PART OF RODEO HISTORY.

“When Stephen (Culling) phoned me and said he’d like to rodeo with me, I knew I needed to jump on that opportunity,” reveals Cassidy. “I knew if I was here by myself, I wouldn’t be practising as hard as I needed to.”

“He helped me finish my arena, and then before Calgary, we practised every day for two weeks. It had been about a 29

year since I had thrown a steer. That was definitely a key to the year going the way it did, having Stephen around to motivate me to be better in the practice pen.”

It also came as no surprise when it was Culling who Cassidy needed to beat on the final day of the 2021 Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alta., to win his record-tying sixth Canadian steer wrestling championship.

“He’s a force; he’s going to win some championships,” predicts Cassidy, who split the go-round win on that last day with a 3.5-second run to finish ahead of Culling and Justin Miller.

“He’s motivated, he’s dedicated, and he wants to win.”

The sixth buckle ties Cassidy with the late Bud Butterfield for the most in Canadian history. He also became the first 40-year-old bulldogger to win the title since his dad, Greg, won the 2000 championship at the age of 43.

“My first goal was to win as many as dad,” begins Cassidy, who won his first title in 2008 and has qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo sixteen times.

“When I got to four to tie him, the next goal was to get to five to tie Lee Graves.”

“I think Lee was probably the best steer wrestler to look up to in my era. I think it was after winning my second one; I was walking with him and chuckled that I only needed three more to catch him. He just laughed and said, ‘you better buck up, sonny’.”

Once I got the fifth one, my attention immediately turned to six. I knew Bud well. I travelled with Chance one year and practised over there. Bud was instrumental in Chance’s career and would have lots of pointers. It meant a lot to win that sixth one.”

But Cassidy has no intention of stopping at six. He also has no illusions that winning number seven will come easy.

“There’s no guarantee you’ll make it to the CFR,” says Cassidy, who missed qualifying for the Finals the season after winning back-to-back titles in 2008-09.

“You always start every season with the intention of winning. I’m planning to just focus on Canadian rodeos again. It’s full speed ahead for 2022.” c Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2022

C.P.R.A.

JAYDEN CALVERT ALREADY MAKING HISTORY

By TERRI MASON

2022 Miss Rodeo Canada Jayden Calvert.

Photo by Leslie Dawn Photography.

I

T WAS SOMETHING TO SEE. IT WAS CANADA NIGHT AT THE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO. WITH THE LIGHTS DIMMED,

OUTGOING MISS RODEO CANADA ALICIA ERICKSON STOOD ON THE RED CARPET IN THE ARENA AND SANG THE CANADIAN ANTHEM. CANADIAN TRICK RIDER, MADISON MACDONALD RODE IN, CARRYING THE CANADIAN FLAG AS THE CROWD STOOD UP TO HONOUR OUR COUNTRY.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Moments after the last note faded from the rafters, the massive yellow gate was flung open and the competitors thundered in on horseback, led by the top money earner carrying their state flag or their country’s flag.

Then, Miss Rodeo America galloped into the arena. And then for the first time in NFR history, Miss Rodeo Canada shared the spotlight when Jayden Calvert made her NFR debut racing in on a beauty of a horse.

In all, it truly was Canada Night with Alicia’s last farewell from a job well done, and Jayden’s emotional introduction to the professional rodeo glitterati, and the

die-hard rodeo fans in Vegas and those tuned in around the world.

“It was awesome,” said Jayden. “I was in Vegas, meeting sponsors and they called me that morning and asked if I would ride Grand Entry.”

The crowd’s response was electric.

“That was a moment I’ll never forget,” she said.

Upon returning to Canada, and experiencing the restrictions imposed by yet another pick-a-Latin-named-variant, the personal appearance requests haven’t exactly been piling up. But life, especially the life of an in-demand rodeo queen does go on, and with a lot of flair.

An upcoming fun event Jayden will experience is flying down to Dallas, meeting many of the MRC sponsors and choosing a Western wardrobe that’ll be the envy of all.

From there, it’s straight to Denver.

“I’ll be going to the National Western Stock Show; I’ll be there for Canada Night.

From there I’m heading to Banff for a skijoring event,” she explained. [Skijoring is a Norwegian word that, in my personal experience, translates as ‘faceplant in the snow.’-Editor] “When I got home from Vegas, I went to an event in Cochrane that my aunt was planning, a Stuff a Bus and Santa Claus meet and greet. I got to be a part of that little toy drive. That was a fun way to start off my year as Miss Rodeo Canada,” she said.

An upcoming event that promises even more hullabaloo is the infamous 48th annual Steamboat Springs' Cowboy Downhill Races in Colorado.

“Yes, I’m also going to the Steamboat ski race. I’ve never been, but in the main picture it looks like it could be pretty Western,” she laughs.

This brief lull in what will prove to be an action-packed year is well earned as Jayden continues to use her university education to raise Speckle Park cattle on the family ranch, the MT Bar near Drayton Valley.

In the meantime, Innisfail Chrysler is outfitting 2022 Miss Rodeo Canada with a custom, detailed and personalized Dodge Ram to travel along the rodeo trail.

“I’m really looking forward to all of the events,” she said.

To meet Miss Rodeo Canada, or to inquire about booking her for a personal appearance at your event, contact the program coordinator on their website, MissRodeoCanada.ca. c 30