Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

COWBOY CANADIAN

COUNTRY

Cowboying on

The Bell Ranch

LIVING LEGEND WAYNE VOLD

CANADIAN FINALS RODEO CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!

AUG/SEPT 2024 • $6.95

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CONTENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 28, NO.2

FEATURES

43

15 50 YEARS OF CFR

Records, memories and the famous roping competition no one saw

24 COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK!

The Country Music Awards are back, and Edmonton is ready

28 THE MANY (COWBOY) HATS OF WAYNE VOLD

The life and times of the multi-talented, spotlight-dodging cowboy

36 THE WINTER THAT CHANGED THE WEST—PART 2 OF 2

The deadly Canadian prairie winter of 1906–’07, written by a man who lived through it

40 TRAILBLAZERS

Bert Riggall, he blazed a million trails and helped found a National Park

43 JAY CONTWAY LEGACY

The treasured championship sculptures

51 WESTERN EVENTS

Events and happenings in the Canadian West

DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER: PG 47 Cowboy skills of the Martindale family on the traditional Bell Ranch near Merritt.

Photo by Kim Taylor.

@cowboycountrymag cowboycountrymagazine.com

@CowboyCntryMag

5 7 12 13 14 22 34 55 56 58

MY POINT OF VIEW IN THE CORRAL SPIRIT OF THE WEST RANCH RAMBLINGS WHEEL TO WHEEL ROAD TO THE CFR COMMON THREADS CLOWNIN’ AROUND COWBOY COOKING COWBOY POETRY

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August/September 2024 Vol. 28, No. 2

Proud Member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame

PRESENTS

THE RANCH LIFE PHOTO CONTEST

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Contest closes September 1, 2024

Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director Shannon Swanson shannon@cowboycountrymagazine.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner circ@cowboycountrymagazine.com Accounting/Administrator Marie Tanner admin@tanneryoung.com Columnists Brittney Chomistek, Tim Ellis, Niki Flundra, Jackie Rae Greening, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville Contributors Bill Borgwardt, CrAsh Cooper, Harry Otterson, Tom Reardon, Anne Stevick, Marie Tanner, John Tilley Tanner Young Publishing Group Box 13, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road Cooking Lake, AB T8E 1J1 Tel: 780-465-3362 | Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336 Website: cowboycountrymagazine.com E-mail: askus @cowboycountrymagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call Marie at 1-800-943-7336 Make all cheques payable to Tanner Young Marketing Ltd 1 Year: $29 incl. tax | 2 Years: $46 incl. tax | $Single Copy: $6.95 + 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 c/o Tanner Young Publishing Group Administration Office Box 13, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road Cooking Lake, AB T8E 1J1 FREELANCE POLICY Canadian Cowboy Country welcomes freelance contributions but will not be held responsible for unsolicited text or photographs.

Direct all freelance enquiries to: editor@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

The good folks at Canadian Cowboy Country magazine are putting together another photo contest! This time, the contest is all about your Ranch Life – where you live and how you live. For full contest details, rules, regulations and prizing go to cowboycountrymagazine.com

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

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

PHOTO BY TERRI MASON

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

MY POINT OF VIEW

Canada’s Most Western City

Everett Guenther (on the paint with the medicine hat) bringing in a heeled calf. On the bay is Hunter Braniff, who is earning his college degree with a lariat. The man visiting with Hunter is rancher Howard Southwood. What you may notice is the storm that was rapidly moving in, and there we all were, on top of a hill, in a steel pen, surrounded by cattle…

PHOTO BY TERRI MASON

I

t seems strange to be writing about the Canadian Finals Rodeo while I’m still shooting brandings. Yes, the CFR has moved to Rogers Place in Edmonton, and it’s happening a month early. One thing about an early start—it’ll surely help with road conditions!

In this issue, our ranching article features the young, hardworking Martindale family of the Bell Ranch near Merritt. Like most ranch families, they have multiple jobs and tons of fun, and it’s all about how they’re making their ranch work for them.

We have also featured a true Living Legend, gorgeous Western fashions, all the info on the Canadian Country Expo and Canadian Country Music Week, plus great photography.

Each year, I get to feature the CFR (and create the CFR Souvenir Program), and with this being the 50th anniversary I called on some of the unique people who have graced the arena to ask for their favourite memories. I also wanted to share mine—and I’ll bet a lot of us have this same one.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

My memory is of the most famous loop ever thrown in the CFR. In 2010, Gary Rempel received international acclaim for his cowboying skills and stock reading ability when he roped the exit-hunter a nanosecond before it jumped into the crowd. Gary dallied and rared back, holding the bull tight against the panels as fans scrambled out of the way.

One man saved the situation—and God bless the ultimate pick-up man, Gary Rempel.

As we saddle up to enjoy all the festivities around CFR 50, I hope you take in everything you can in the capital city. From art to music and all kinds of rodeo action at Rogers Place and Expo Centre, Edmonton promises to once again be Canada’s Most Western City, and proud of it—here in Canadian Cowboy Country.

— Terri Mason, Editor

DEAR COWBOY COUNTRY… RENEWED!

CONGRATULATIONS

TO OUR EDITOR TERRI MASON ON 20 YEARS AT THE HELM OF COWBOY COUNTRY!

Thanks, Marie! I am all ordered up. I love the magazine and have subscribed for years. It's fantastic to have such a goodquality, local, Canadian publication!

Leanne Diehl Cabri, Sask.

STORM CHASERS

SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW TODAY!

I was looking at some older issues of Canadian Cowboy Country and was reminded I had intended to let you know how IMPRESSED Doug and I were by the storm chaser photos in last year's conservation issue.

They were better than many seen on specific weather sites and magazines.

Candy Vetter Azar Russell, Ontario

WAYNE VOLD REDUX Good morning, Terri, I have spoken with Rob, the president of Royalty Records, and he has decided that we are going to do a special digital release of the Wayne Vold album, “Country Dreams.”

He would like to do the release in conjunction with the article you are writing.

RECEIVE A FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION + MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS WITH YOUR PRINT SUBSCRIPTION

SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Chris Nielsen-Smith, Royalty Records Inc.

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Email: editor@cowboycountrymagazine.com

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

IN THE CORRAL

WILDWOOD IMAGERY/CHANTELLE BOWMAN

//// NEWS & HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE WEST ////

Sunshine Toews, Goat Tying, Sask High School Rodeo Ass'n Finals

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IN THE CORRAL

(RODEO) SCHOOL DAZE

Clockwise from top: Josie Young, Junior Barrels, Sask High School Rodeo Ass'n Finals; Arrowyn Nixon, Junior Pole Bending, Sask High School Rodeo Ass'n Finals; Sam Flaherty, Tie-Down Roping, Alberta High School Rodeo Ass'n Finals

IT’S BEEN A busy season for Junior High, High School, and College Rodeo Finals across North America, with some of the gutsiest, most talented competitors vying for the wins.

Every athlete goes home with something—sometimes it’s the coveted saddle or buckle, sometimes it’s a scholarship, but guaranteed each goes home with a new friend or two and a deep respect for the organizers who create the Finals for these enthusiastic kids.

I extend sincere thanks to photographer Chantelle Bowman of Wildwood Imagery for her dedication to getting these shots.

Listen to

THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST “Radio Program” Ride through the Rangeland of the West every week

Celebrating over 30 YEARS

of Stories Great Western Music Horse Training Advice And much more

Hear it on your favourite radio station or on demand at Hugh-McLennan.com Check out the new Spirit of the West Facebook page too!

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS: WILDWOOD IMAGERY/CHANTELLE BOWMAN(3X)

with Hugh McLennan

IN THE CORRAL

TRUE COLOURS THE RCMP HAS taken a significant step in acknowledging and honouring First Nations and Métis culture. By incorporating the Ribbon Skirt, the Eagle Feather, and the Métis Sash into their ceremonial dress uniforms, they have recognized these cultural symbols and celebrated their importance.

This is not the first time the scarlet uniform has adapted to real life. On the March West in 1874, the fledgling force set out from Dufferin, Manitoba, wearing pillbox hats that provided no shelter. It wasn’t long before they adopted today’s wide-brimmed Stetson hats.

Almost forty years ago, retired Inspector Baltej Singh Dhillon, the first observant Sikh to join the RCMP, was allowed to wear a beard and turban. After 151 years of policing this nation, the top cops have finally recognized Canada’s oldest culture.

Three years ago, Sgt. Kelly Willis, a First Nation Cree from Chisasibi, Quebec, formed the Women’s Indigenous Network (WIN) to identify and address issues related to recruiting, development, and promotion of Indigenous employees. Their idea was to develop a uniform Ribbon Skirt.

RCMP Sgt Kelly Willis in dress uniform wearing her UN peacekeeping beret with Eagle feathers, which she was honoured with early in her career

“We serve 650 communities, and 550 are Indigenous,” said Willis. “The Ribbon Skirt helps us Indigenous women to show our cultural pride as well as be more visible to our Indigenous people and communities."

The design of the Ribbon Skirt was a result of three years of careful consultation with “our families, communities and Elders,” reflecting both the Medicine Wheel colours and the RCMP. “Our Indigenous women were empowered to advance this ribbon skirt working alongside our allies in the Warrant Officer Group (guardians of the uniform) as well and Uniform and Equipment Program,” said Sgt. Willis.

Thanks to the efforts of Indigenous employees, including Sgt. Willis, the Métis Sash and the Eagle Feather were approved as items of honour and distinction that could be worn in Uniform by Indigenous employees. Before, each member had to ask permission each time to wear their Métis sash or the Eagle Feather.

Currently, there is no uniform representation of the Inuit.

“This is part of my healing journey,” said Sgt. Willis, a third-generation residential school survivor. “I know my past, and working on the Ribbon Skirt and starting up the WIN are ways I choose to heal and move forward in a good way.”

Specializing in Rodeo, Ranch & Humourous Fine Artworks!

PHOTO COURTESY RCMP/GRC

“

It is not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”

Check our Facebook page to see where Ash will be next: Follow Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery

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ust/Sept

EXTRAORDINARY! Kaylee Shantz, Miss Rodeo Canada 2024

–

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CANADIAN COWBOY?

Grad ’24 class. From left, Sandy Cooper, Matthew Reynolds, Shay Erickson, Brette Tully, Sarah Beierbach, Abi Swihart.

THE PAST FEW months have been filled with nothing short of extraordinary experiences.

So far, I have travelled extensively across Alberta to attend as many professional Canadian rodeos as possible. I have loved the diverse communities and rodeo performances, which are each unique but share an unwavering passion for our Western way of life.

The most rewarding part of my travels has been connecting with individuals. Attending rodeos, parades, and community events, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the impact rodeo culture has on different regions and the unifying bond it creates between us.

As my reign continues, I look forward to my hometown rodeo, the Ponoka Stampede, and travelling across our southern border to experience Cheyenne Frontier Days! This journey has been a testament to the power of chasing a dream, hard work, and the unyielding spirit of rodeo.

I am so excited for what the rest holds as we come to the halfway point. Happy trails, rodeo fans!

WESTERN HERITAGE AWARD

Consul, Saskatchewan INCORPORATED AS A village in 1917, the ranching community of Consul (2021 population: 50), located 80 km south of Maple Creek, recently celebrated their Grad ’24. The six graduates received their diplomas to resounding applause from the standing-room-only crowd of family and friends.

Some of the graduates’ plans include rodeo scholarships in the U.S. and Canada; chef school, vet tech school and continuing the legacy of their family ranch. The tiny community made international headlines as the homeplace of ranch kid Sandy Cooper, who, as longtime readers can see, has made remarkable progress from his bronc riding wreck that initially saw him paralyzed from the neck down.

Consul is also home to Reno Rodeo, known as the Biggest Little Rodeo in the West (Aug 3–4), a full weekend of rodeo, dancing and visiting.

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Eli Barsi and honouree Reba McEntire.

Eli and her husband, John, were entertainers at the Western Heritage Awards in Oklahoma City earlier this year.

THE MULTI-MEDIA entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has conquered it all—music, TV, film, theatre and retail, and earlier this year, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame awarded the Oklahoma-native with the Western Heritage Award Lifetime Achievement.

Among the awards given, the songstress also received a coveted hand-crafted buckle from Traditional Cowboy Arts Ass’n president and multi-award-winning jeweler, silversmith and designer, Scott Hardy of Longview, Alta.

To see the full list of actors, writers, singers, and terrific people of the West who were honoured that night, please visit nationalcowboymuseum.org

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS COURTESY MISS RODEO CANADA COLLECTION (2X); ELI BARSI COLLECTION; TERRI MASON

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–A

IN THE CORRAL

J.R.’S RAMBLING MIND

IAN TYSON & CRYSTAL GAYLE BERT RIGGALL’S GREATER WATERTON

PHOTO COURTESY CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASS'N

A CONSERVATION LEGACY

This book is not for the faint of heart; it contains photographs in stark black and white that will make your heart catch in your throat or ignite a primitive longing for the high, wide and lonesome country.

This remarkable collection of photographs is enriched by the words of writers who deeply understand and appreciate Bert's work, from Sid Marty and Fred Stenson to Kevin Van Tighem and Dave Sheppard, plus many more. Their admiration for Bert’s life’s work resonates in their writing, underscoring the magnitude of his achievement.

This book also introduces the reader to the full story of Bert, his wife Dora, their family and extended family. It also touches on the participation of Nature Conservancy Canada and the Waterton Biosphere Reserve.

If you’ve never been to the greater Waterton area, this is your chance to experience it through the lens of Bert Riggall. If you’ve been to this area a thousand times, then you too appreciate how the work of a small handful of men, including Bert, created a Park and saved this area for all time.

Bert Riggall's Greater Waterton: A Conservation Legacy Paperback – Illustrated Edited by Beth Towe | 276 pages Fifth House Publishing fifthhousepublishers.ca

cowboycountrymagazine.com

I do realize that I could be Shania Twain’s twin sister.

Now that I have your attention and you’ve stopped laughing… the 2024 Canadian Country Music Week & Awards are going to be in Edmonton from September 11–14.

It all culminates with the big Awards Show on September 14th at Rogers Place with Thomas Rhett and Medicine Hat’s Mackenzie Porter hosting it. I remember my very first time volunteering at Country Music Week. It was 1990 at Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditorium and it was hosted by Ian Tyson and Crystal Gayle.

Ian cleaned up good!

Now over 30 years later, here I am, Chair of the local host committee inviting you to make the road trip to Edmonton to celebrate our amazing Canadian talent.

And we do have talent!

My career in country radio started back in 1983 at 1170 CKGY in Red Deer (it’s now New Country 95.5). I did the

midnight shift, and the first hour always took requests. I recall that every Friday night just after midnight, a guy would call and request an Ivan Daines song.

Fast-forward to my first Daines Music Picnic out at Innisfail, when I would meet Ivan for the first time, and I kind of noticed he sounded just like the guy who requested his music every week!

Every time you go see live music in your hometown, be it at the corner bar or at a rodeo, you are supporting our great local talent. Thank you for doing that—and I do hope you’ll come to Edmonton for Country Music Week.

Of course, I also I have to put in a plug for The Legends Show that will happen September 12th at The Winspear Centre. Go to www.cfcw.com and have a look at the stars that will be there celebrating CFCW’s 70th Anniversary. Yes, that was a shameless plug.

Shania, over & out!

Jackie Rae Greening 840 CFCW Program Director & Mid-Days Honourary Doctorate MacEwan University CCMA & Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame Hear Jackie Rae weekdays on 840 CFCW! Email Jackie Rae with column suggestions: jrgreening@stingray.com

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SPIRIT OF THE WEST

Cowboys & Buckaroos

BY HUGH MCLENNAN

W

hen the early cowboys of Texas saw the spade bits of the California vaqueros, they called them “stomach pumps.” The Spaniards brought this style of horsemanship to Mexico over 500 years ago. I was long fascinated by the world of working cowboys; I didn’t know the difference between a cowboy and a buckaroo.

I think most folks in today’s world of horses have some idea of the difference, but there still seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about the art and function of the spade bit.

The process of developing a Californiastyle bridle horse is beautifully explained in Ian Tyson’s song “Jaquima to Freno” which translates to hackamore to spade.

The un-hurried process works its way from the bosal through the two rein, sometimes a half-breed bit and finally to the precisionbalanced, finely crafted spade bit.

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Most purists will only start a colt with a bosal, and not until they’re five years old. That was to protect the mouth until it was fully developed. Once things were working as well as possible, the colt would carry a bit, but without any reins attached, until he was ready for the “two rein” and finally the full Spanish spade, and the process would take several years, with the spade being perfectly balanced, giving the horse comfort and confidence but never being used as more than a signal alerting the horse that a cue was coming from the riders seat, legs and reins—in that order.

Until recently, the skills of the vaquero were closely held secrets, not passed on to the coming generation, and that may be why so many of them are misunderstood today. Now, thanks to groups like the Canadian Bridle Horse Association, fine, California-style bridle horses are being

shown and being ridden by more cowboys in this part of the West.

Years ago, Dave Ciriani and I were riding with the drover crew of the Kamloops Cattle Drives and became close friends. There was a shared appreciation for each other’s horses and stockmanship.

Now, after retiring from his dental practice and undergoing two hip replacements, he’s one of the founding members of the Canadian Bridle Horse Association. He brings his bridle horse skills to many working ranches in our area.

Two of the group’s showcase events are the Skills of the Outfits East and West of the Rockies, August 2–4 at the Silver Slate Arena in Stavely, Alta, and Sept 20–22 at the Barriere Fair Grounds, in Barriere, B.C. Miles Kingdon, who most folks call the consummate buckaroo, heads up each event.

I’m honoured to be providing commentary for the Barriere event again this year. c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO BY CONNIE ELLIS

David Ciriani

RANCH RAMBLINGS

Raising Them Up

BY NIKI FLUNDRA

Kace Flundra and his dad, Dustin in the branding pen

PHOTO: CAMILLE REESOR

I

t's a big old beautiful world out there and a big old scary world, too.

For the time being, I can shelter our boys from some of the realities out there—that's my job. It’s also my job to prepare them to face those realities someday.

Sometimes, it feels like a fine line to walk.

We want to shield them, yet they need to learn to cope with the less-than-rosy things that life hands us.

Our lifestyles and experiences shape us.

On the ranch, it is known for making us tough and resilient, and there’s a reason for that. I have watched my children weep over losing animals they have given their hearts and souls to try and save. Frequent loss is inevitable on the ranch, but it never gets easier.

It is also a given that things will not always go as planned, and we must learn to roll with the punches. With this, we must also see a job through no matter how tired or hungry we are, and we have to figure out

cowboycountrymagazine.com

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt how to finish the job when the challenges arise. Equipment breaks down, animals become sick or hurt, and the weather can be merciless, yet there is no choice but to figure it out. Lives depend on it, and our livelihood depends on it.

I hope that, even though there will be trials and tribulations, it will shape our boys into young men who will grow up in a way

that makes them capable of handling whatever life throws at them with perseverance, integrity, and fortitude.

Raising our children in the world today sometimes weighs on my mind, but I find peace in knowing they are here on purpose, here to carry on the values and traditions of this way of life, here to fight for what we know is right, here to shine their lights where we see darkness.

There is so much good to learn from Western culture, including where our food comes from and the work it takes, the values and moral code woven throughout its people, and the history and traditions that are so worth carrying on.

Even the junior rodeos, where the kids work hard at their disciplines, play together, ride together, sit on the fence, cheer for each other, and learn how to win and lose in the arena and out, is a village worthy of raising the next generation. c

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WHEEL TO WHEEL

Remembering the “Bonnyville Bullet”

BY BILLY MELVILLE

T

he dictionary defines a hero as a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model.

An important tradition around the world is remembering heroes, as our heroes are “symbols for us of all the qualities we would like to possess and all the ambitions we would like to satisfy.” 1 In the chuckwagon world, George Normand is, by definition, the epitome of a hero. Even thirty years after his untimely passing, Normand's impact and influence on the chuckwagon community are everywhere, and he continues to inspire the current generation of competitors and chuckwagon fans who never met him or even saw him race.

He started outriding in 1969 as a 13-year-old kid and began his career as a driver with the Northern Chuckwagon Racing Association in 1975 when he was nineteen. He turned professional in 1977 and competed at his first Calgary Stampede in 1978. He took a two-year break in 1983 and 1984, but when he returned in 1985, George Normand made a triumphant comeback by winning the

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World Chuckwagon Championship. His achievements over the next nine years were staggering.

Between 1985 and 1992, George won the World Chuckwagon Championship six times in eight years, breaking the record of five held by chuckwagon legends Ralph Vigen and Kelly Sutherland. Notable victories included four Ponoka Stampede Championships, three times at the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River, and twice each, he would capture the Grande Prairie Stompede and the Big M Stampede in Morris, Manitoba. He won the Calgary Stampede Aggregate title in 1989 and received an Alberta Achievement Award for excellence in 1987, not to mention countless track records and numerous other victories.

Outside of his special achievements, George was the consummate professional, and he always put the sport of chuckwagon racing first, even if it did not benefit him.

George Normand was the first to volunteer, no matter how big or small the task—from serving on the WPCA Board of Directors to driving tractors and picking rocks by hand on many racetracks to ensure safety and fairness. George did it all.

He mentored many young drivers and outriders, some of whom went on to have legendary careers. From lending horses to sharing knowledge, offering encouragement, and even giving young outriders a shot at riding for a big-time outfit, George’s contributions outside the racetrack are too numerous to mention.

In 1989, he was the first chuckwagon driver awarded the WPCA’s highest annual honour—the Chuckwagon Person of the Year. At the time, he was also the youngest recipient of that prestigious award.

George Normand passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 2, 1994, as the result of a racing accident at the Ponoka Stampede. He was just 38 years old. Since his passing, George Normand has been inducted into many Halls of Fame, awards have been named after him, and songs have been written about him.

This year, 2024, marks 30 years since that tragic night in Ponoka, but the world will always remember “The Bonnyville Bullet” and a genuine hero— George Normand. c Scott Labarge, Why Heroes Are So Important

1

Markkula Center For Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. January 1, 2000.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS: BILLY MELVILLE COLLECTION

Left: George Normand in his last race at the Calgary Stampede in 1993 ‌Right: George Normand, their son BJ, his wife Joey, and their daughter Bobbi when he won his record-tying 5th World Chuckwagon Championship in 1992

50

YEARS OF CFR

50 YEARS OF CFR The past, the present and the future

2020

2024

The Canadian Finals Rodeo has been celebrating the extraordinary athletes, both human and animal, that have brought to us the thrills and legacy of professional rodeo over the past 49 years.

In 2024, we are celebrating the hallmark of 50 years of pro rodeo in Canada and all that it entails. From the adrenaline-pumping runs and rides to the fellowship among the competitors, the memories of fans and competitors alike are sculpted from the dust gleaned from countless arenas.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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50

YEARS OF CFR

“MY FAVOURITE CFR MEMORY…” COMPILED BY TERRI MASON

Since the first Canadian Finals Rodeo was held in 1974, a wealth of competitors earned the ultimate buckle in professional Canadian rodeo. It takes a lot of good people to put on a great rodeo, and with thanks, here are some of the favourite memories of some of the greats who have graced the CFR arena.

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cowboys of that calibre made it an event. As my dad said, ‘The cream always rises to the top,’ and we had a lot of fun. A lot of fun.”

DON JOHANSEN 1978 Canadian Bull Riding Champion, CFR Chute Boss (33 years), Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame 2011.

“I think for great memories… the first year you qualify for the CFR is spectacular. That first year—just to get there is probably your greatest excitement. And it’s exciting when you're the Canadian Champion. But many of my greatest CFR memories were watching my brothers win their Canadian Bull Riding Championships [Bruce Johansen 1980; Jack Johansen, qualified 1982-injured); Dale Johansen 1983, 1984; Guy Johansen

1987]. It was more exciting for me than it was winning mine.

I also held the record, and I'm still in the record books—nine times to the CFR—but it was exciting for me to watch Scott Schiffner break it because he went through our steer riding and bull riding schools.”

CURTIS CASSIDY Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, 9 High Point Awards, 2001 Canadian TDR Champion; 2006, 2010 Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion.

“One of my favourite memories? Back in 2000, Dad [Greg Cassidy] won the steer wrestling, and I won second in steer wrestling. Then I won the High Point Award; that was definitely a highlight and pretty sweet.”

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO COURTESY CPRA

MEL HYLAND 1972, 1976 World Saddle Bronc Champion, 1967, 1972, 1979, and 1982 Canadian Saddle Bronc Champion, 1975 Canadian Bareback Champion. Inducted in National Cowboy, Pro Rodeo Cowboy, Canadian Pro Rodeo and BC Sports Halls of Fame.

“I remember the first year we had the CFR; I competed in bareback and saddle bronc. For me, it wasn’t a lot different than any other rodeo, but the good thing was you knew you would get on pretty good bucking horses. But the six rounds of competing in two events could darn sure wear on you a little bit.

The sudden death concept opened the door to many other guys who got the chance to win a Canadian title, too, because when we got there, we were all even. Riding against

50

YEARS OF CFR

THE WALTER FAMILY

NIKI FLUNDRA

The entire Walter family—Dad, Mom and their two daughters—are all Canadian Champions.

Trick rider, pyrotechnician, multi-CFR opening ceremonies producer.

“I have so many great memories. One of my favourites was a family opening we did.

Ridge (her and Dustin’s son) led my good horse, Zee, out into the arena, pretended he couldn’t get on him, then he laid Zee down, got on his back, and rode him around and out. I was so proud because Ridge was just an itty-bitty thing.

Another was riding into that alleyway to trick ride; those are moments you’ll never forget.

Then, there was 2010; I performed at the CFR, Dustin rode, and I watched him win the Canadian Saddle Bronc Championship.

The CFR has been a great part of our lives for so long.”

OSCAR WALTER 1979 Canadian Tie-Down Roping Champion.

“My favourite memory; when I won— that was good, but watching my three girls win their Championships, that’s my favourite. It was unbelievable.”

MARY LYNN WALTER 1980 Canadian Ladies Barrel Racing Champion.

“Besides winning it? For us, it was a lot more intimate. We used to park our trailer where the hockey players used to park, and it was less crowded; you could just walk down into the Coliseum. My family brought our daughter Raylee the last two nights, so at 15 months, she got to watch me win.”

RAYLEE (WALTER) EDWARDS 2003 Canadian Ladies Barrel Racing Champion.

“My favourite? The whole Grand Entry and the Michael Martin Murphy song, “Tonight We Ride,” are my core memories.

Also, the year I won, I was beside Gary Rempel, waiting to run in the sixth round and thinking, “Wow. I can’t believe it,” knowing I had already clinched the Championship.

I’m also an Oilers fan, so just being in the Coliseum where Gretzky played—what great memories.”

RANA (WALTER) KOOPMANS 2010 Canadian Ladies Barrel Racing Champion.

“My favourite CFR memory? Probably winning it. But I used to love the Grand Entries the Shuckburghs put on. The music was “Tonight We Ride,” and everyone would run out and stand on the Maple Leaf chalk outline.

I was 12 when I got to be a part of that Grand Entry, and I finally felt like I had made it. To me, that Grand Entry was the accomplishment—to run into the arena with everyone that made the CFR.”

cowboycountrymagazine.com

TYLER HELMIG Ground Crew, 41 years, 1978–2018.

“Between me and my brothers, Troy and Trevor, we've been on the chute gates for over 40 years at the CFR. The only thing I could say is that I opened the chute gate for every rough stock champion, from Daryl Mills to every person who won the Canadian or won the World.

Like Don Johansen, I opened the gates for him when he was riding bulls. And then, years later, he was the chute boss.

The one year, they had a salute to Don Johansen and a whole bunch of them.

Every time they'd show the highlight of them driving out into the arena, I was there. You can name every Canadian champion. I was there for all of it.”

MIKE COPEMAN 1996-2017 CFR Arena Photographer, 19982015 NFR Arena Photographer, 1997-2017 Calgary Stampede Rodeo photographer, 2004 PRCA Photographer of the Year, 2022 Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee.

“As the arena photographer, my job was to capture everything that happened in the CFR arena, including any specialty acts that performed there.

In 2011, at CFR, they introduced a singer who made his way to a stool placed at center ice/center dirt for him to sit on. I had not paid attention when he was introduced, so I had no idea who the guy with a drink in one hand and a guitar in the other hand was.

The crowd gave him a nice round of applause when he came out, and then he talked for a couple of minutes. He mentioned his award from the night before in Nashville and how happy he was to be at CFR. I seem to remember him mentioning how much colder it was in Edmonton than where he had been the night before.

He began playing the first song in his set, and I thought, ‘This guy is pretty good.’ By the third song, I was thinking, ‘This guy is really good.’ By the end of his set, I figured, 'This guy is great! I think he might go somewhere with his music!’

Now, I must admit that while I have listened to country and Western music, it has mostly been background music at rodeos. I really didn’t follow it well enough to know many of the artists.

As luck would have it, rodeo photographer Sarah Timmons was on the other side of the fence. I caught her attention and asked her who this guy with the guitar and great voice was. She looked at me and said, “You don’t know who he is? He is Blake Shelton, and he was just named Male Vocalist of the Year.” [Plus, Album, Single, Music Video and Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Awards.]

Wow! I got to photograph and listen to him from 15 feet away, and I had the front row, the best place in the Colesium.

What a show.”

GREG BUTTERFIELD Qualified in first CFR in Bareback and Steer Wrestling, 1977, 1979, 1980 Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion, inducted into 2005 Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

“The first year I won [1977] would be the best. I was a pretty young man; I think I was only about 24, and it was just a big deal. It was hard to believe that I was a champ when it was over.

That first CFR was really memorable.

In 1977, my brother Blake and my cousin Craig Butterfield also qualified, and it was good because we rodeoed together all year—riding in the same truck, riding the same horses, and practicing together. We were like a team. You wanted to beat them, but you wanted everybody to do good— and they did.” c

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YEARS OF CFR

CFR MEMORIES The Unseen Highlight

BY TOM REARDON

From left, pick up man Blake Schlosser, bareback rider Jason Havens, and pick up man Gary Rempel at the CFR. Gary was named CPRA Cowboy of the Year in 2009, and Blake followed suit in 2011.

I remember listening to CFCW’s broadcast of the first go-round before driving to Edmonton for the last couple of days when it was held in a smaller venue while the new, bigger, better Northlands Coliseum was being built. I’ve seen the season leader prove it was no fluke and clinch the title Saturday night when it didn’t end ‘til

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Sunday afternoon. I’ve watched underdogs put together the best week they ever had and emerge as the champion. I’ve witnessed ride-offs and seen where it boiled down to the last ride or run. I’ve viewed the emotions of a fully grown steer wrestler who burst into tears when he realized he was the Canadian Champion. But my

favourite CFR memory spanned four days in 2011, and it was all so smooth that it went mostly unnoticed.

That year, the buckers in the Steer Riding were heifers, muley heifers (no horns). They were right out of a feedlot, fat, sassy and full of grain. I don’t recall whether the first contestant made the

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO BY MIKE COPEMAN

I’m definitely not an authority on the Canadian Finals Rodeo. I’ve only been a spectator, sometimes just on the weekend, other times at all six performances, and for some years, I only saw what the television showed me. I certainly don’t have Jack Daines' attendance record, but I have lots of CFR memories.

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YEARS OF CFR

whistle, but I know that as soon as the youngster was on the ground, the hostile heifer was blowing snot in his back pocket. Suddenly, the bad-intentioned bovine was roped and guided elsewhere while the youthful contestant picked up his bull rope and strolled back to the chutes. I can’t say who fired that loop, but I do know it was either Gary Rempel or Blake Schlosser; they were the pick-up men that year.

Going by what that first heifer had shown them, the savvy cowboys knew that each bucker should be roped for safety’s sake. They alternated who took the shot for the rest of the competition, making me suspect they were having a spontaneous competition.

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ RAKIB; STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ MARC

“Those carnivorous heifers never stood a chance to harm their young rider.”

Not everyone saw what I thought was happening. I don’t think the announcers ever twigged because they never did direct the crowd’s attention to the fine display that punctuated each steer ride.

There were six steer riders for four performances, and 24 consecutive times the loop’s timing and accuracy was impeccable. Every one of those mean-minded heifers was roped less than a jump after the contestant checked out. Each scenario was different, so several variations of overhand, backhand and underhand loops were employed. Those carnivorous heifers never stood a chance to harm their young rider. It was the most impressive roping I’ve ever seen.

If indeed those master horsemen were having a rope-off, then they both won because neither one lost. Later, in a conversation with Gary, I told him of my theory. He didn’t confirm or deny my suspicions. He just smiled and said, “You really need to hump up when you’re roping with Blake.” c

cowboycountrymagazine.com

50TH ANNIVERSARY RODEO FACTS In the 49 years that champions have been crowned at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, some remarkable records have been set. Here’s a glimpse of some of the stats and facts. Hats off to the 50th anniversary of Canada’s greatest rodeo!

TICKET SALES

Since its inception in 1974, rodeo fans have purchased over 3 million tickets to the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

STOP THE CLOCK

The late Maxine Baird was the CFR Arena Timer a record 29 times.

HOLDING THE CALF— AND THE RECORD

The roping competitors vote on the annual Tie-Down Roping (TDR) Horse of the Year award. The great Sid, owned by Dean Edge of Rimbey, Alta., holds the record. Sid earned this prestigious award seven times. (2005–2008, 2013–2015.)

MOST DECORATED HORSE IN CANADIAN RODEO

The all-time leading Saddle Bronc of the Year is K2 Kingsway, owned by Verne Franklin. Kingsway dominated the saddle bronc scene and was awarded the title five years in a row, from 1992–1996. Before that, Kingsway was also voted as the Bareback Horse of the Year in 1988, 1990-1991 — a total of eight record-setting awards.

IT’S AN AGE THING

Youngest Qualifiers • Raylee Walter: 9 years, seven months— LBR, 1987 • Kolton Schmidt: 17 years, four months, 12 days—TR, 2011 Oldest Qualifiers • Toni Dixon: 57 years, four months, seven days—LBR, 2011 • Les Deschamps: 48 years, nine months, 22 days—SW, 2002

BUSINESS IS PICKING UP

In the first 49 years of the CFR, the cowboys have voted in the pick up men. Leading the pack with the most appearances is Saskatchewan-born Gary Rempel of Fort Shaw, Mont., with 21, Wayne Vold of High River, Alta., at 11 and Shane Franklin of Bonnyville, Alta., at 10.

SEEING DOUBLE

In 2017, Jeff and Jason Resch were the first twins to pick up at the CFR. In 2018, Taylor (LBR) and Tristen (JSR) Manning were the first twins to qualify for the CFR.

RODEO DYNASTIES

Since the CFR’s inception in 1974, at least one family member from either (and often both) the Cassidy family or the Butterfield family has competed in every Canadian Finals Rodeo.

FEEL THE BYRNE

There have been at least one (and sometimes two) members of the Byrne family (Bo, Jesse, Scott, Ryan and Tanner) fighting bulls at many of the CFRs—and yes, they are all related.

MOST CFR QUALIFICATIONS IN MAJOR EVENTS

• Curtis Cassidy 37 — TDR (16), SW (21) • Cliff Williamson 29 ­— TDR • Joe Lucas 25 — TDR (22) TR (3) • Greg Cassidy 23 — TDR (10) SW (13) • Bill Boyd 22 — BB (22) • Mel Coleman 22 — SB (20) TR (2) • Debbie Guelly 22 — LBR • Jim Dunn 20 — BB (19) BR (1) • Rod Warren 20 — SB

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YEARS OF CFR

CANADIAN COUNTRY EXPO 2024 Celebrating the West

BY TERRI MASON

Canadian Finals Rodeo Week in Edmonton will kick off Oct 2–6, and the Edmonton Expo Centre will be buzzing with the official trade show of Canadian Finals Rodeo, Canadian Country Expo (CCE) a thrilling celebration of Western heritage and lifestyle.

“We are excited to bring rich Western culture and entertainment to the Edmonton Expo Centre,” said Gillian Grant, one of the organizers of the Canadian Country Expo. “With over 8,000 attendees expected daily, we are thrilled to offer a platform where the spirit of the West is celebrated in such a grand and inclusive way.”

Western Events Showcase: Two full-sized rodeo arenas feature youth rodeo, ranch rodeo, barrel racing, team roping, stock dogs, a premier horse sale and the Bullfighters Only competition.

Western Trade Show: Carefully curated vendors will be showcasing the latest in Western fashion for yourself and your home.

Shop for the best in equine technology and state-of-the-art agricultural equipment.

Western Art Show and Sale: Delight in an array of artworks from award-winning artists that feature paintings, sculptures, and mixed media inspired by the Western spirit.

Kids Zone: This family-friendly area features pony rides, a petting zoo, and educational activities such as the popular dummy roping, ensuring fun for the youngest of our visitors.

Historical Exhibits: Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Finals Rodeo with the special 1974 Exhibit, exploring our rodeo heritage through the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Dynamic Stage Shows: Engage with industry experts and enjoy entertaining stage

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From top: Bullfighter's Only, Western fashions and Western Trade Show

shows featuring CFR highlights, industry trends, fashion icons and insights from leading figures and competitors.

The new Canadian Country Expo, held at the Edmonton Expo Centre, offers something for everyone. Admission is free,

and we promise there is something for every Westerner.

Canadian Country Expo promises an exceptional experience. Don’t miss out on this Western celebration!

For more, visit countryexpo.ca. c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

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50

YEARS OF CFR

ROAD TO THE CFR

MARRIAGE & RODEO

BY TIM ELLIS

Caitlyn Dahm competing at the CFR. Photo by Wildwood Imagery/Chantelle Bowman.

There are two reasons why Kansas native Caitlyn Dahm is now residing in Canada, and her new husband, saddle bronc rider Dawson Dahm, would like to believe he’s first on that list.

“He’s very lucky they brought breakaway roping to Canada,” chuckles Caitlyn. “I told him jokingly that if there was no breakaway, I was never moving here.”

“Seriously, they’ve (Pro Rodeo Canada) moved mountains in a very short period of time to get breakaway going up here.

To be honest, it’s one of the major reasons I’m here. I love my husband and I love roping so much. I mean, if you don’t have a chance to do what you love, then what are you doing?”

They met while on the Panhandle State Rodeo Team in Oklahoma. Dawson was a freshman bronc rider, and Caitlyn was a junior on the women’s team. They qualified together for the College National Finals

22

Rodeo in 2018, with Dawson finishing as runner-up to the college championship.

“You know, he was the life of the party,” begins Caitlyn, who went by Caitlyn Wiswell in college until the pair were married on New Year’s Eve in 2022. “I didn’t like him at first, but he eventually won me over and convinced me to come to Canada.”

“That first year I came up here, there was no breakaway at the professional level.

I was roping steers at some amateur rodeos.

I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t want to come to Canada.’”

Her decision to stay, however, has been worthwhile. She’s qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo, along with Dawson, in the last two seasons and appears headed for a third straight trip to the Finals.

“It turned out to be the best thing I ever did,” confirms Caitlyn of the move from Spring Hill, KS. “The Canadian rodeos are so much fun; the people are awesome, and the summers’ are unbeatable.”

“I’ve been welcomed with open arms by the rodeo community up here. From day one, my in-laws have made me feel like family. It hasn’t been a difficult transition from that aspect. I miss my family and friends, but those are growing pains that have made me better. No matter where you are, there are no strangers in rodeo.”

Ironically, she also misses her husband during the busy rodeo season.

“We don’t get to travel together very often,” says Caitlyn. “But, when we do, we make the most of it.”

“I want the best run on the calves, and he wants the best night for the broncs. I’m focused on Canada and the CFR for now until my horse is more seasoned. Dawson is travelling on both sides of the border. He’s very humble, works hard and deserves to make the NFR. Hopefully, someday, we’ll both be in Las Vegas. We cheer each other on and want each other to win, but we’re both competitive, and we each want to win, too.” c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

Clockwise: Brett Kissel, Gord Bamford, Hailey Benedict, Thomas Rhett, Tenille Townes Centre: Mackenzie Porter

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS: COURTESY BRETT KISSEL (1X); BILL BORGWARDT (3X), JOSH AIKIN (1X); COURTESY CCMAS (1X)

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK

Edmonton Goes Country Canada's greatest week of country music

PHOTOS: AUSTIN CHAFFE (1X); RYAN NOLAN (1X); BILL BORGWARDT (3X)

BY BILL BORGWARDT

Clockwise: Jade Eagleson, Dallas Smith, Robert Adam, Michelle Wright, The Reklaws

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK

Canadian Country Music Week, Canada's biggest country music celebration of the year, culminating with the 42nd annual Canadian Country Music Awards presented by TD, will take place in Edmonton from September 11 to 14, 2024.

Canada's top country talents on the show, including 2023 CCMA Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year award winner Jade Eagleson, multi-Platinum, 22X CCMA Award winner Brett Kissel, 8X CCMA Award-winning duo The Reklaws and 2X JUNO Award winner, 3X CCMA Entertainer of the Year Dallas Smith, along with many others.

For a free public event, head downtown early on Saturday to the Ice District, right outside Rogers Place. The red carpet, where the stars enter the show dressed in their finest, begins at 3:30, and you can expect to see several artists performing on stage in the area prior to the awards show.

What else is happening? The popular Songwriter Unplugged sessions will take place at MacEwan University beginning on

Wednesday, Sept 11, and running again on Thursday and Friday. These are ticketed events open to the public. In these sessions, you can expect to see two sets of four songwriters daily, talking about how they were inspired to write their hits and performing them acoustically. Ticket availability and a list of performers will be released closer to the date.

Cook County Saloon will be the official host bar for the CCMAs. Cook is the longest continuously running live music country club in Canada, having opened in 1981 and now celebrating their 43rd year in business under the original owner, Barry Sparrow. Almost every Canadian country artist has performed at least once on the famed Cook County Stage, and many major American country stars like

From left; James Barker, Brayden King, Prairie States

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS: BILL BORGWARDT (3X)

This will be the eighth time the CCMA has come to Edmonton since 1985, and it's been a decade since they were last here. While part of the week will be an industry-only conference, many events will be available to fans, offering a unique chance to see and even meet their favourite country artists.

The week's highlight will be the Canadian Country Music Awards Show, held in Rogers Place on Saturday, Sept 14. The show will be televised live across Canada on Bell Media (CTV) stations. Tickets are already available at Ticketmaster.

Canadian country artist MacKenzie Porter, an Alberta-raised woman from the Medicine Hat area, and American country artist Thomas Rhett will host the Awards Show. You can expect to see many of

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK

PHOTO: BILL BORGWARDT

Tim and the Glory Boys

George Strait, Toby Keith, Clay Walker and others made their first Canadian appearances there. Cook is undergoing a major expansion to double its capacity to 1,200 people, and it will be completed before September.

Kicking off Country Music Week on Wednesday, September 11, Cook County Saloon will be hosting the SiriusXM Top of The Country Finale Concert, where one of three artists, Zach McPhee from Kelowna, BC, Robert Adam from Bonnyville, Alta, or Trudy from Montreal will be awarded the $25,000 grand prize. Although the performer hasn't been announced, the show will have a major Canadian country star who will host the event and perform.

It hasn't been released yet whether this will be a ticketed event, but it will be open to the public.

Another public event, CCMA House, featuring many of Canada's top country stars, will also be hosted at Cook County Saloon on Thursday night. Additional CCMA events are sure to be held at Cook

cowboycountrymagazine.com

that weekend, but details haven't been finalized yet.

The popular CCMA Legends Show will also occur on Thursday, Sept 13, at the Winspear Centre. 840 CFCW will present this year's show, celebrating the station's

“840 CFCW will present this year's Legends show, celebrating the stations 70th Anniversary.

70th Anniversary. Hosted by Carolyn Dawn Johnson, the show will include Michelle Wright, Gord Bamford, Tenille Townes, Patricia Conroy, Jade Eagleson, and Hailey Benedict, with more artists to

be announced. A highlight of the show is the pairing of veterans with some of the top new artists in the industry. Tickets are available through the Winspear ticket office.

Another free event, although not an official CCMA-sponsored one, will be the Diamonds In The Rough showcase. Presented by LimeLite Audio and Media, this will take place at Campio Brewing, 10257 – 105 St, daily from Wednesday through Saturday. Details haven’t been announced yet.

This is a great place to see breaking talent from across Canada in an intimate setting, and you never know what major star you may run into taking in the action!

Check the CCMA website for dates, times and updates announcing several other shows and showcases around town as artists from all over the country flood the city.

If you're a country music fan, plan to shine up your boots, take a couple of days off in September and head to Edmonton. You're guaranteed to have a honky tonkin' great time! ccma.org/edmonton-2024 c

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LIVING LEGEND

THE MANY (COWBOY) HATS OF

WAYNE VOLD

BY TERRI MASON

arry Wayne Vold was born in Lacombe, Alta, at the end of the largest war in history. As his dad’s reputation as a stock contractor soared in the post-WWII rodeo era, “Vold” became a household

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name. However, no one was less interested in fame than Wayne, but talent won out.

First, it was his musical skills. “When I was seven years old, my mother, Eileen, who was very musical, figured that I could carry a tune and sing on key, but she was prejudiced because she was my mother,”

said Wayne. From age seven until around 14, Wayne “was dragged” to classical voice lessons in Calgary with Norma Piper Pocaterra, a coloratura soprano who had studied in Milan.

“That's sort of how that singing thing started,” deadpanned Wayne.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO COURTESY PRCA ARCHIVES

H

Wayne Vold with lariat at the ready, picking up the bull riding event at the 1979 National Finals Rodeo.

PHOTO COURTESY PRCA ARCHIVES

LIVING LEGEND

Then came rodeo. “I started riding steers when I was about ten. When I was 13, I won the boys' steer riding in Calgary. I won a Charlie Beil bronze, which I'm quite proud of—not many of them around.”

That same summer, Wayne started training as a pick-up man with two experienced cowboys.

As all cowboys know, it’s not easy to switch from steers to broncs, but the late “Ellie” Lewis [Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame] helped Wayne make the switch.

“When I was at Rimbey, I told Ellie, a good bronc rider, that I was gonna get on this saddle bronc—my first one. He helped me with my stirrups, and I got on. The horse didn't buck a lot, and I don't think it was that pretty. But when I got back home to DeWinton for the winter, I had Roy Lemke, one of my dad's guys, take me over to the neighbour's indoor arena where I had an old bronc called Tom Tom, and I got on him probably four or five times a night. He was perfect because he'd buck for about six seconds and then stop. I didn't need much of a pick-up man, and I started learning to ride on him,” said Wayne.

“One year, I rode boys’ steers and novice broncs at Calgary,” he said. “Then one day at the same Stampede, one of the pick-up men had a mishap, and Dick Cosgrave [arena director] knew that I'd picked up some, so he said, ‘Get on that horse and get out there’ because they needed a pick-up man. I was 15. So that went on for about another 30 years.”

In 1961, he won Novice Saddle Bronc at Calgary, and at 19, he turned pro. The old saddle bronc Tom Tom had done his job, and the next year, Wayne won the first of two pre-CFR Saddle Bronc Championships (1965, 1966) and competed in the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma in those same years.

When Harry Vold moved to Colorado in 1968, Wayne took over the Canadian rodeo operation.

“I rode broncs for a couple more years, but it got to be too much, and I basically retired.” Wayne focused on producing rodeos. Then, just for fun, his brother Doug entered Wayne in saddle bronc at the 1975 Calgary Stampede. Wayne won enough money there to vault him into the middle of the Canadian standings. He entered a few more, did well, and secured a berth in the

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Wayne competing on Necktie in saddle bronc at 1963 Pendleton Round-Up

second-ever Canadian Finals Rodeo. But the cowboy blew a stirrup on his last horse and, as he said, “I didn’t buck off, I basically fell off,” and ruined his chance at a Canadian Championship.

For the fall/winter run, Wayne would head south and pick up for his dad in Colorado. He was chosen as the first Canadian to pick up at the National Finals Rodeo in 1977 and again in 1979.

Then, as if all this wasn’t enough on his plate, his singing talents were recognized, and television came calling when

CTV approached him and convinced the reluctant singer to give it a shot. The Wayne Vold Show was born and ran for three years.

It was shot in Ranchman’s and featured guests ranging from Ian and Sylvia to Mickey Gilley and Eddie Rabbit.

He has some good memories of those days. “They shot the show in the fall and winter only because I was putting on my rodeos in the summer,” he said.

“Back then, Ranchman’s was a small steakhouse seating maybe 100,” he explained. “At the time, I had a four-piece

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LIVING LEGEND

band that sounded like eight and drank like 16, so the owner [the late Harris Dvorkin] offered us door money. Rodeo Royal started, and we packed the joint for five nights with cowboys and cowgirls, and Ranchman’s caught on. After they built the big room, I played there quite a bit in my off-season.”

He also had a strong connection with the late Ian Tyson, touring with him and Sylvia. In summer, Wayne was in demand: supplying rodeo stock, singing the anthem, picking up in the arena, and then playing the dance at night.

Wayne was also still picking up for his dad at Denver, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston and San Angelo in the ’70s. “Fort Worth,” he said. “That was my Triple Crown.

I rode broncs at Fort Worth. Later, I picked up at Fort Worth, and I sang at Fort Worth.

I’ll never forget 1980; that was when Iran released the hostages.” It was a good time to be a Canadian in the United States.

As he looks back over all of his riding, both broke horses and broncs, he shared that he was never seriously injured. But like

30

the cowboys of old, staying on started as a necessity because Wayne was one of the last to ride a horse to school. “We moved to DeWinton; I was in grade three. I rode a horse to Pine Creek School until Grade six.

It was just a little country bumpkin school.”

Wayne opened the Ponoka Stampede with the national anthem as the sold-out crowd filed into the grandstand

The “cowboy” school started on the way to the classroom, as Harry would get some “half-broke horse no one could handle,” and that’s what Wayne would ride to school when he was only nine. “I’d ride them bareback in winter, get them nicely broke, and he’d take him away and buy me another bronc.”

“That sort of helped me in my bronc riding career,” he understates.

Another “school” he treasured was learning alongside Bobby Christiansen at Ellensburg, Washington. Wayne says Bobby is “the best pick-up man I ever worked with.” Over a few years, the top hand taught Wayne how to turn horses back. “There’s an art to that,” he states.

“The reason that we feel, even to this day, that turning horses back is because they don't cover as much ground (as long as the turn back isn’t too tight), and you can get another couple of points out of them. It’s better for the cowboy and better for your stock,” he said.

Wayne has picked up with some of the best. “After Gerald Shockey passed away

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS COURTESY PONOKA STAMPEDE (X2)

The pick up men at the Ponoka Stampede a couple of years ago; from left: Gary Rempel, Tyler Kraft, Jeff Resch, Stran Schlosser (Vold on his chaps), Jason Resch, Tyler Thomson. Stran and Tyler Thomson are Wayne’s regular pick up men at his rodeos.

LIVING LEGEND

Wayne Vold, Ponoka Stampede

PHOTO COVY MOORE, COURTESY PONOKA STAMPEDE

and Winston Bruce had to replace him at Calgary, he would bring in a different pickup man every day,” said Wayne. “After the fifth day and the fifth guy, he brought in a guy named Gary Rempel. I picked up with Rempel that day, and I rode over to Winston and said, ‘That’s enough. I want to pick up with him.’ The rest is history.”

From riding high to hitting the high notes, Wayne got the bug to start flying high, and he got his pilot’s license. He quickly went from piloting a taildragger (Cessna 180) to earning an instrument flight rating [IFR— flying by instruments only] and considered getting his commercial license. But after 15 years, the planes got expensive and commercial flights got cheaper. Even now, Wayne is no road warrior. His motto is “Anything over 250 miles, I fly.”

Some of his biggest rodeos are fairly close. Wayne’s outfit, Vold Rodeo Company, is the primary stock contractor for the Ponoka Stampede, the biggest CPRA-sanctioned rodeo in Canada, and he’s primary

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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LIVING LEGEND

for Cranbrook, BC, Morris, Man, Wainwright, Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie, Okotoks and Stavely, Alta., to name a few. His stock is also seen in the arenas from Calgary to Puyallup, Washington, Strathmore, Alta, to Pendleton, Oregon and beyond—all rodeos of significance and prestige.

He’s got a keen eye for stock, and since he’s settled in the “high rent district” west of High River, expanding to accommodate a broodmare band is out of the question, so he’s got his “go-to” guys that raise top-notch stock, and one of them is Jimmy Lawrence.

“Jimmy Lawrence has probably been my best,” said Wayne. “But I’ve bought the ‘finished’ horse from a few different guys.

That's a tough racket that horse raising because they only get one out of 10 that are any good,” he said. “Jimmy is in Eastern Saskatchewan, and he raises these horses, gets them ready and then brings them to me. He bucks them on a permit at my rodeos, and I buy the stars. I've had a lot of luck with him.

We've been doing this for about 15 years. He trusts me, and I trust him.”

Most big rodeos present a buckle for the top stock, and, in conjunction with the CFR, comes the crowning achievements of Stock of the Year Awards. Wayne has lost count of how many buckles he personally or Vold Rodeo has won. “I tend to give them to my crew,” he said. He also gave a buckle to Conservative MP John Barlow, a friend.

“He wears it in the House of Commons,” said Wayne.

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WAYNE VOLD DISCOGRAPHY

WAYNE VOLD “AT THE CREAMERY” Recorded at the Living Room Studio in Calgary and released in 1979, this album featured country classics, including Bartender's Blues and Today I Started Loving You Again.

Available on Discogs.com

WAYNE VOLD “COUNTRY DREAMS” Recorded in 1974, Wayne’s first album of classic cover tunes was re-released

by Royalty Records on June 28, 2024, in coordination with this Living Legend article. Available worldwide on all your favourite streaming services July 26th 2024.

SINGLES 1972 – I t Hurts, But It Helps / Mama’s Voice, Damon Records 1975 – W e May Never Pass This Way Again/All I Ever Meant, Westmount Records 1975 – S he Started Drinking/Texas, Westmount Records n.d. – C algary Stampede Star/Point Of No Return

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO COURTESY PONOKA STAMPEDE; ALBUM PHOTO COURTESY ROYALTY RECORDS / PRIVATE COLLECTION

Harry Vold leading his son Wayne at the head of the 1947 Ponoka Stampede

But there is one award he’ll never forget: in 1984, his saddle bronc, L2 Try Me, was awarded the PRCA Top Saddle Bronc of the Year Award, a rare honour to come north of the border. That’s one buckle he’ll keep.

Because a primary stock contractor must also supply bulls, Wayne partners with his second-cousin, multi-award-winning stockman Nansen Vold. “We (Nansen and his wife, Jennifer) were raising [rodeo] bulls near Ponoka,” said Nansen. “Wayne called us up 15 years ago, and we’ve been working together ever since.”

With the many moving parts of producing a rodeo, Wayne credits his late father, Harry, for guidance. “I talked to him on the phone three times a week,” he said.

“Whenever I had problems, I'd phone him—he was a wise man. He was considered one of the smartest stock contractors because he was a pioneer and respected on both sides of the border. One guy said, ‘He went to America and took over—and never fired a shot.’”

Wayne is understandably protective of his privacy and his children, who are now grown. His eldest son, Shane, is a chiropractor, his second son, Cody, is a plumber, and his daughter, Lisa, is a Human Resources specialist. “They’re all doing really well,” said Wayne.

The other very important person in his life is Donna Letwinetz, the willowy blonde blessed with sun-kissed freckles who is Wayne’s partner in life. “She’s a big part of this operation,” he said.

Like his father before him, Wayne built a career as a mainstay of professional rodeo.

In Canada, Wayne has competed in the CFR, supplied stock to the CFR, picked up at the CFR, and sung the National Anthem at the CFR. He has also done all that at the NFR. With the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Finals occurring this year, another CFR-related anniversary is coming up, and it’s one that will never be beaten. There was Wayne Vold stock in the chutes at the very first CFR in 1974 and at every CFR since.

That makes 2024 a golden anniversary for Wayne Vold.

“I’m very proud to have been a part of the CFR since its inception,” said Wayne.

“Every year, I’ve watched it grow, and I wish them all the best in Edmonton. I think it’s going to be very successful. I’ll be proud to be there for the 50th time—and I’m not done yet.” c

BRINGING RODEO TO

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COMMON THREADS

Rodeo Ready!

BY BRITTNEY CHOMISTEK

Photographer: Kindred Wolf Photography; Brittney Hair: The Social by Red Velvet; Makeup: Aria Studios; Sheona and Shawna: Makeup: KT Beauty

Tag us on Instagram @canadiancowgirlcloset @cowboycountrymagazine with your summer looks

W

hen someone asks if I’m “Rodeo Ready,” the first thing that pops into my mind is the great selection of rodeo fashion available—everything goes this year! The important thing is to be comfortable in what you are wearing, as styles range from bold and daring fringe to classic and traditional button-up shirts.

Sheona Lucas once told me that the best way to expand my wardrobe is to make two investment purchases a year: one piece of quality jewellery and one classic garment that will stand the test of time. Here, I am highlighting companies that will help me achieve that goal: Double D Ranch, Smithbilt, and Sweet Iron Silver.

Most companies in the fashion industry have identified a niche market they target. The demographics may include style preferences, body types or customer age. It is very rare to find a company that is desired by multi-generations. Double D Ranch, however, is a leader in the Western fashion industry that appeals to all ages. My grandma, mom, and I all have outfits from the Double D Ranch collection. Luckily, we are all a similar size, and these pieces make the rounds into each of our closets.

For over 100 years, Smithbilt Hats has been known for its quality handcrafted cowboy hats. But did you know they are now a one-stop shop for the finest rodeoready attire? In addition to hats, they now carry a great selection of boots and men’s and women’s clothing. Double D Ranch is one of the many quality lines they now carry! c

Jacket: Double D Ranch Skirt: Way Hat: Smithbilt Hats Boots: Lane Boots

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

COMMON THREADS

Tracy Keith Skirt: Double D Ranch Jacket: Double D Ranch Jewellery: Sweet Iron Silver Hat: Smithbilt Hats, Designed by Holly Allen Hats & Millinery Boots: Tanner Mark

Hat: Smithbilt Hats, Designed by Holly Allen Hats & Millinery Sheona Lucas Jacket: Double D Ranch Jewellery: Sweet Iron Silver Boots: Old Gringo

Boots: Old Gringo

Jewellery: Sweet Iron Silver

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Shawna Whiteside Erickson Dress: Double D Ranch Jacket: Double D Ranch Jewellery: Sweet Iron Silver Boots: Old Gringo

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KEEPER OF THE WEST

THE WINTER THAT CHANGED THE WEST PART 2 OF A 2PART SERIES

BY HARRY OTTERSON CONDENSED AND EDITED FOR CLARITY BY TOM REARDON

Waiting for a Chinook (The Last of 5000) Charles M. Russell watercolour, 1887

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

USED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE MONTANA STOCKGROWERS ASSOCIATION, HELENA, MONTANA L1953.01.01

PROLOGUE: In the last issue, after an arduous five-day journey across the plains of northern Montana and southern Saskatchewan, newly appointed ranch manager Harry Otterson and his wife Ella settled in at the T-Down Bar ranch. In Harry’s words, here is what happened next.

As published in Brave Heritage/Shepherd in 1967 and Range Riders and Sodbusters in 1984.

KEEPER OF THE WEST

SASKATCHEWAN

ALBERTA

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY

SWIFT CURRENT

MEDICINE HAT CRANE LAKE

MAPLE CREEK

FOREMOST 1913

CYPRESS LAKE

SHAUNAVON 1913

EASTEND

WOOD MOUNTAIN

K

EE CR

R

IVE

R

EEK

RIVE

STONE PILE

LE CR

MILK

LO ST R

BATT

FRONTIER 1917

SASKATCHEWAN IVER AN R UD) CHM FREN WHITEM (AKA

cowboycountrymagazine.com

N

SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER

E DG LO

“To the east, there were only three winter cow camps. Our own was at Stone Pile; the Turkey Track was farther east, and another Turkey Track was located at the Montana line—it was known as the Line Camp. The next ranches to the east were located near the barracks at Wood Mountain.

Our nearest sign of life was the Eastend barracks, where Harry Willis was in charge. He was a fine figure of a man—tall and dark with a heavy black moustache. Harry was jovial in manner and had a keen sense of fairness besides being an avid poker player. He had two constables to assist him. The involvements of the Mounties were many; besides their normal police duties they tended to customs and immigration and also played the roles of judge and jury for the surrounding countryside. They did a splendid job.

Another character to the west of us was Harry Barnett. He also lived close to the barracks. About twice a year he made the rounds of his various friends and acquaintances so they wouldn’t think he was mad at them. Hospitable Harry went out of his way to make you welcome at his ranch and we always enjoyed his company when he came to visit us.

Ben Rose lived up a deep coulee. This was an important spot as he was the Eastend postmaster—the only post office in the whole country. The mail arrived once a week from Maple Creek [CPR main line] and it was always a social centre as many who gathered there often spent the night.

Ben was a bachelor but also a good cook and on mail nights would make tasty preparations for the crowd. A huge pot of coffee and plenty of roast beef and home baked bread was served by him for the usual feast.

While Ben worked the night getting the outgoing mail ready for morning the rest of us played poker and discussed the possible winter losses on the range and the price of beef. Ben would put on a social evening occasionally and the six or eight ladies, mostly married women, did not sit out any of the dances. Often, there would be 40 men on hand.

Practically all the ranch buildings were of log. Most of the houses were whitewashed with mud from the river which gave ranch buildings a pleasant appearance. Travel was by buckboard or

HAVRE

WILLOW CREEK BORDER CROSSING

CHINOOK

60 MILES | 100 KM

HAR

LEM

MILK

RIVE

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MONTANA

SACO MALTA GLASGOW

horseback and the social calls between ranch families would last from three days to a week. Socially, ranch houses were the easiest to get into and the hardest to get away from.

In the fall ranchers hauled their winter’s supply of groceries in wagon boxes from Maple Creek. Beef cattle were loaded for shipping from either that point or Crane Lake or were sometimes driven over the Line to the Great Northern Railway in Montana. By the middle

“We began to take stock of what was becoming a very serious situation.”

of December, we had butchered two steers for our winter’s meat supply. They dressed out at about a thousand pounds [450 kg] apiece. Winter prospects did not look good; we had a lot of snow and the hoped-for-chinooks did not arrive. Antelope were drifting down from the north in large herds and we all agreed that their movement south was a sure indication of a bad winter.

I rode down to our Stone Pile winter camp and covered the 30 miles [48 km] in 15 hours. A blizzard struck, and I was stormstayed at Stone Pile for two days. We began to take stock of what was becoming a very serious situation. We figured we had enough hay to feed the 1,500 calves we had weaned, and the rest of the cattle would have to be turned out to fend for themselves. The stock was already showing the effects of the storms. For the first time that I could remember, there was no visiting among the neighbours at Christmas. Everyone was becoming more and more concerned about

37

KEEPER OF THE WEST

their livestock, and travelling was getting almost impossible.

There were far too many cattle on the Whitemud range that winter. To our east, the Turkey Track, [with seven crown leases totaling well over 250,000 acres] was ranging about 25,000 head. Our outfit had started the winter with about 10,000 cattle.

About 2,000 head from the 76 [Ranch], which laid to the north, had drifted down during the winter storms, and there were also a large number of cattle from smaller ranches.

We were stuck with them, and there was nothing we could do.

Often, when cattle stand in a sheltered spot during a blizzard, they become surrounded by snow which could pack into a wall going as high as six feet [two meters]. Then, in a weakened condition they are unable to break out and slowly perish. Our ranch hands, faced with this situation, rode from daylight to dark to try and save as many of the stock as possible. Some cattle were caught in the storms and stuck in the deep snow, where they became entangled in the branches of trees. This presented a sad sight in the spring—carcasses suspended 20 to 30 feet [seven to ten meters] in the air.

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“Socially, ranch houses were the easiest to get into and the hardest to get away from.”

We fashioned a snowplow of heavy timbers and tried to plow where there was grass. The cattle followed readily. But, with continued storms, deeper snow and played-out horses, we had to quit.

Household supplies were getting thin, and the ranch hands, wearing out their overshoes and mitts, were patching them with canvas. We used tallow candles for lighting since kerosene is an unhandy commodity to freight in a mixed load of provisions. It invariably taints, and sugar, flour and fruit are not very palatable seasoned with kerosene. We had a short chinook in February that raised our hopes, but it only lasted a few days and was

followed by intense cold and terrific storms.

This made a crust of ice two to four inches thick [five to ten centimetres] all over the country and dashed all hopes of a small loss of cattle.

I made another trip to Stone Pile toward the end of March—it was a gruesome ride.

The cattle were in all stages of dying. The brush in the coulees was simply lined with dead cattle. The live ones would lie down at night with the dead ones, and many would not be able to get up again; consequently, they were literally piled up—dead and dying together.

We finally ran out of feed at Stone Pile.

There was nothing else we could do but drive the cattle [now yearlings] out into the brush and leave them to their fate. Every one of us had an ache in his throat.

The first week in April was mild. The snow was beginning to melt, and a little grass was showing up on the hilltops. Mrs Otterson and I rode up to the Z–X Ranch to see Mr and Mrs Hardin. It was the first time my wife had been off the ranch since we had arrived there in November.

She shed a few tears at her first sight of another woman. You can imagine the many uneasy nights she had when I was away in the storms.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO BY EVERETT BAKER

This photo was taken in 1952, 45 years after the killer winter. From left: Tib Moodie, Buck Hardin, Ben Rose, and Harry Otterson.

KEEPER OF THE WEST

“She shed a few tears at her first sight of another woman.”

Practically all of the large owners began to make preparations to close out or still further to reduce their herds. Banks and other financial concerns, who had made heavy advances in the range cattle business, were feeling very anxious as the loss was heavy over the entire open range country up to and including the foothills of the Rockies.

The cattle industry had always been gold brick with the bankers, and this was a rude awakening.”

EPILOGUE:

Ben Rose's post office

Such a loss was appalling, and while the value of cattle was still high, this dieout was soon reflected in lower prices.

It took three years, but the American-owned T-Down Bar Ranch was liquidated in 1910.

By then, the Turkey Track had folded, and the nearly bankrupt 76 had new owners.

Within a few years, much of the native grasslands became available for homesteads and smaller fenced-in ranches. Railroads were built, and towns like Shaunavon, Frontier and Foremost sprung up along those rails.

The open range was a thing of the past. c

PHOTO SCANNED FROM BRAVE HERITAGE/SHEPERD

By the middle of May, we started off with our round-up wagons. We went west to Battle Creek, then down to Chinook, Montana, then east to Harlem. Cattle were not very plentiful, and we turned about 2,000 head north of the Milk River.

The Turkey Track had collected only 1,000 head. We heard that the Matador, north of Swift Current, had got a tally and estimated they had lost around 35 percent which left hardly enough to keep a cattle outfit going. The big cattle spreads, including ours, estimated the herd loss at 65 percent which, when one considered the weak condition of calving cows, meant a wipeout. The 76, with headquarters at Crane Lake, reported similar losses. The situation in the Battle Creek area west of us was much the same.

Linder Bros., Jim Gaff, Gilchrist Bros. and Joe Wylie of Cypress Lake [formerly Davis Lake] all estimated their losses at from 30 to 50 percent.

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TRAILBLAZERS

“Bert” Riggall Waterton’s Park Makers

Dora and Bert; Dora was a terrific horsewoman and teamster who preferred ranch work

Fredrick Herbert “Bert” Riggall was born into a wealthy family in England in 1884. By the time he was 19, he was well-educated and went on a world tour by steamship in 1904.

Canada, a land of untamed beauty, beckoned Bert because of a photograph of a majestic Bighorn ram that captured his imagination. When he finally saw the Rockies from Calgary, he was spellbound,

40

declaring, 'This is a Canadian Switzerland; I need go no further.”

His first job was at Craighurst Farm, where he soon became a coyote hunter. His love of horses and hunting led him into training their horses for "the hunt." While working there, he became enamoured by Dora Williams, an Irish lass who had immigrated with her sister and was employed as a cook at Craighurst. Bert was an abstainer, which appealed to Dora’s Quaker upbringing.

Bert's photographic memory was enhanced by his attention to detail in his daily diaries and the fact that he carried a camera in his vest pocket. These attributes led to his next job with the Correction Land Survey in southwest Alberta. On March 5, 1905, the crew reached Waterton Lakes, and Bert said, "This is the place." (I want to live.)

On January 23, 1906, Bert and Dora were married in Calgary. Bert returned

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

BERT RIGGALL, WHYTE MUSEUM OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES, ARCHIVAL FONDS,V26-1X-D-NA-D17-15

BY ANNE STEVICK

BERT RIGGALL, WHYTE MUSEUM OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES, ARCHIVAL FONDS, V26-1X-F-NA-F3-2

PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST

immediately to his homestead 4.5 miles south of Twin Butte, and when Dora joined him there later, she was greeted by a stove in the trees and pots hanging from the branches!

Bert built a small shack before the terrible winter of 1906-07. No chinooks came, and the snow piled up. By 1907, the chinook winds returned and blew the little shack into Cottonwood Creek. Dora's family came and helped build a more substantial log cabin. Dora would become the backbone of Bert’s guiding and outfitting business with her fortitude and cooking skills. They made a wonderful team, with Bert's scouting and guiding abilities and her work ethic keeping things going on their small ranch and expanding family.

Persistence and hard work were the keys to the Riggall’s success. While Bert partnered with a buddy from England to start a fishing guide business, Dora took care of the chores at home, feeding the cattle and raising the children. By 1912, they had three children, a boy and two girls, but tragically lost their son, Richard, to polio in 1911. The girls, Kay and Doris, would also grow up with a passion for the natural wildness.

Kay would marry Andy Russell (Order of Canada writer and outfitter), who worked for Bert and then became a partner. Doris, “Babe,” would marry a rancher from the Porcupine Hills—Ed Burton.

In the long, cold winters, Bert studied books on geology, history, nature and photography to hone his skills as a mountain guide. He also wrote articles for magazines like “Field and Stream.”

Due to the work by “Kootenai” Brown, Bert Riggall, and others, Waterton Lakes Dominion Park became Canada’s fifth National Park in 1911 (it was only 35 sq km). Bert was very much in favour of protecting the area's vast biodiversity, and after 1920, a lot of his hunting was shot with a camera.

Bert’s business was gaining notice. By 1919, four families from Minneapolis had made several trips with Bert. These annual trips were huge events. They took supplies for twenty guests for two months at a time and required as many as 20 pack horses plus riding horses. Bert’s meticulous “grub lists” were used yearly; Kay did the cooking, and Bert did the guiding. They also hired local help to cook and wrangle.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Pack horses strung out along a shale trail, Carthew Pass, 1943

In 1923, the four Minnesota families decided to build a house to store their gear.

The “Hawk’s Nest” was built, used for many years, and given to Andy and Kay as their wedding present in 1938.

Bert Riggall was a consummate naturalist because of his keen power of observation, endless reading, and meticulous record-keeping. When Bert died in 1959, he had 14,000 photos—all neatly labelled and now housed in the Whyte

Museum in Banff and the Kootenai Brown Museum in Pincher Creek.

Bert Riggall died in 1959, and Dora passed away a year later. They are buried in Pincher Creek, Alta.

References: Bert Riggall’s Greater Waterton; A Conservation Legacy (editor Beth Towe); Bert Riggall: Mountain Guide Extraordinary by Doris Burton; Fred Stenson: notes on 100th Anniversary of Hawk’s Nest: 2023; The Whyte Museum, Banff and Kootenai Brown Museum. Pincher Creek c

41

THE OFFICIAL EXPO OF THE CANADIAN FINALS RODEO

CCE 2024 is free to attend!

What to Expect: • Rural Lifestyle Trade Show • Western Event Showcase • Rodeo Museum Exhibition • Fashion & Talk Shows • Kids Activities • Western Art Show & Sale

Edmonton, Alberta

October 2-6, 2024

COUNTRYEXPO.CA

ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

THE JAY CONTWAY LEGACY

BY TERRI MASON

1988 North American Bareback Riding Champion bronze Height 12.5" Length 12.5" Depth 8”

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ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

2008 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Trophy Chuckwagon Aggregate winner Height 12” - Length 48” - Depth 12”

I

2013 North American Tie-Down Roping Champion bronze Height - 13" Length -30" Depth -11"

1993 Rangeland Derby Champion bronze Height - 11" Length 45" Depth - 19"

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t’s not easy starting over—just ask Lynn Contway, the widow of internationally famous artist Jay Contway. Not only did she lose her husband of 23 years, but she also left her home in Montana and moved to central Alberta, crossing the border in the midst of COVID lockdowns to be near her huge family.

“Last summer, we went to my family farm where my brother Jeffrey lives. We had a huge tent with a fire pit in the center.

About 75 of us—brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, all the “greats” and one cousin, it was just my blood. It was just wonderful to go right back to the roots where I grew up.” she said.

The retrospective of revisiting her childhood home ties in with the retrospective book she wrote on Jay’s life. It highlights the beautiful images of his bronzes, including the famous “Quick Draw” bronzes that he created on the spot in an hour at the Stampede. His subjects were southern Albertans ranging from Ralph Klein to NWMP poet Robbie Robertson to First Nations elders.

“Jay and I knew we were going to write this book long before he died,” she said. “It covers his life, art, and the bronzes awarded to Stampede Champions. Catherine [Laycraft] and I went through my list and checked how many bronzes Jay created for

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT the Stampede Awards. Catherine said, ‘No one has ever come close to Jay; no one will ever outdo him.’”

For those who got to spend time in the affable man’s company, what is also missed are his stories from his youth, like when he competed three different times in the Stampede in calf roping in the 60s. “I put that in the book,” said Lynn. “Jay told me I should have said, ‘Just because I roped the calf when it went out the gate at the end of the arena doesn't mean I didn't rope it,’” she laughs.

The Jay Contway bronzes first appeared on the Championship stage at Calgary in 1988 and are treasured. Jay’s bronzes were presented 244 times to a Stampede Champion. The book lists the year and the name of every competitor who received a Contway bronze.

I also found out the reason why his sculptures cause such an emotional response in viewers, and it’s shocking. Jay never worked from a photograph. Every bronze he created came from his memory.

He would watch rodeo for hours, studying how the muscles moved, the rider shifted— everything was recreated in his work. So, in his memory, the subject was always moving, and that’s why you can feel the anticipation of the next jump, the next stride, the next footfall. His bronzes are never still.

This year at Calgary, the chuckwagon champion will receive the last Jay Contway bronze award, and that piece will never be cast again. That mold, and many, many others, were destroyed to protect the integrity of Jay Contway’s work.

To find out more about this book, Jay Contway The Artist, The Cowboy, His Legacy, visit jaycontway.com/the-book. c

1998 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Trophy Chuckwagon Aggregate winner Height - 15" Length 18" Depth - 12"

1988 North American Barrel Racing Champion Height - 10.5" Length 10.5" Depth - 11"

PHOTO BY CINDY CIELUCH

2003 Staff Sergeant Robbie Robertson, RCMP Height - 14" Width - 10" Depth - 11"

Jay and Lynn Contway, 2009

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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RANCHING AND CONSERVATION:

A PARTNERSHIP FOR LIFE

When we lose a ranch, we lose nature. With a legacy of over 30 years working alongside Alberta’s ranchers, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is committed to helping you conserve the land you love.

Start Your Conservation Journey Today!

1-403-609-1482 | alberta@natureconservancy.ca

Photo by Leta Pezderic

WHAT WORKS FOR US

The Bell Ranch

BY TERRI MASON

PHOTO BY KIM TAYLOR

Since Curt was a kid, he knew what he wanted, and he had the opportunity to learn the skills needed to succeed.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

47

WHAT WORKS FOR US

When it comes to horses, the buckaroo influence started young. “I got most of my horsemanship knowledge from my dad, Phil Martindale,” said Curt. “He's a good horseman.” The young cowboy settled in as one of the cowboy crew.

Later, the cowboy packed up his bedroll and moved to the Quilchena (now owned by Douglas Lake Cattle Co.), which soon introduced him to his future bride, Erica Huber.

“We met in 2007; she was working in the Quilchena Hotel,” he said.

Erica is ranch-raised, just down the road, and after they married, Erica’s parents, Gene and Sherry, decided to retire. “We were able to buy the place,” said Curt.

Erica’s parents had long been out of cattle but continued to raise an irrigated hay crop. When Curt and Erica took over the lakefront ranch, they brought their small but growing herd they’d been amassing for a few years. They kept all of the hay land in production and it works for them to get it custom cut and baled

48

rather than buy new equipment. In the summer, their cattle are on the rented grass and later, the Provincial Forestry grazing permit.

I had to ask: How difficult or easy was it to transition from a working cowboy with a steady paycheck to a ranch owner at the mercy of markets and weather?

Top: Branding on the Bell Ranch; all calves are headed, then heeled. Then the ground crew removes the head rope and places it around the front feet, holding the calf for processing (branding and tagging, etc.) as illustrated in the (bottom) photo.

“It wasn't too bad because Erica is a teacher and works for the school district,” said Curt. “We had started buying cows back in 2015, and we gradually just kept getting a few more each year. I also still worked for Douglas Lake a full year before we were ready to take over.” Curt also does farrier work, and rides outside horses for extra income. He also starts and trains all the ranch horses on the Bell as all of the cattle work is done on horseback.

It was a full year of double duty for the young couple, but a good neighbour helped make it possible. “We already had the grass that we rent now, and we had a deal with a neighbour—we ran our cattle with his for the summer.”

The in-laws, Gene and Sherry, were a big help in lessening the pains of figuring out how a new place runs best. Curt and Erica had no trial and error or costly mistakes that sometimes happen when moving to a new outfit, and one of the big lessons was to teach a cowboy how to run an irrigation system that feeds water from Nicola Lake.

“It was all set up,” Curt said.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTOS BY KIM TAYLOR (2X)

—Interview with Curt Martindale “Originally, I was raised around Claresholm, Alta,” said Curt. “I always knew I wanted to cowboy, and when I was 17, I came out to this area to work for Douglas Lake.”

PHOTOS BY KIM TAYLOR (3X)

WHAT WORKS FOR US

One of the many benefits of cowboying for a big outfit in an area for years before striking out on your own is that you’ve already experienced how good or bad the area can be impacted by weather. Whether large or small, the rhythm of ranch life is very similar, such as calving time.

“I’d do a full day for Douglas Lake, and then in the spring at calving time, I’d come home and check cows and stuff in the evenings,” said Curt. “Even when we turn them out on grass in the spring, usually, first of April, we turn them out on grass as pairs.

Weekends, you'd be fencing, and evenings, you'd be checking cows or doing any little thing to look after them.”

The couple doesn’t “babysit” their cows during calving. They select bulls and replacement heifers for ease of calving, so they don't typically have to assist any.

On the Bell Ranch, they start calving on the first of March. “In a month, usually, 3/4’s of them have calved, and within two months, they’re done,” said Curt. “We don't pull our bulls, and also when we [the vet] preg checks the herd in the fall using ultrasound or palpating, they can tell the age of the calf, and anything that's going to be late [born after May 15] we sell.”

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Top: Branding on the Bell Ranch; Nicola Lake in the background Middle: holding horses Above: Curt and Mya

I ask him to back up. “Yes, the bulls stay with the cows all summer and come in with them in the fall.”

It turns out that keeping bulls with the cows until the fall works for them and for most ranches in the area. “It's because the summer range is in big, tough, mountainous country that’s pretty much impossible to just gather bulls, so they come in with the general roundup—usually November 1.”

Once at home, the calves are weaned and usually shipped, but in 2023, Curt and Erica tried something new: they partnered with a friend and pre-sold their calves at the end of June on TEAM video.

“It worked well; our friend has pretty much the same type of cattle, and we got a full liner load of steers and a full liner load of heifers. I think they sold quite a bit better by selling them as a full liner load,” said Curt.

“By pre-selling them, we knew what we were getting for them, and we weren't worried about the market dropping come fall,” said Curt.

Winter feeding starts around Christmas and typically lasts 90-100 days.

Along with a strong market, a teacher’s pay, and extra hay every year, the Bell

49

WHAT WORKS FOR US

Clockwise, Curt, Erica, Mya Calum, Chase

Ranch is well set and shows all signs of prosperity. Most importantly, it is a nice place to raise their growing family: Mya, 12; Chase, 8; and Calum, 3.

“We run our cows pretty similar to how we ran them on the big places,” said Curt, “just the numbers are different. We move them paired up, and we make sure everyone is paired off after we move them, just so everything stays square. Our leased grass range is just down the highway from us, so we trail them in. We also brand the calves there. We gather some friends, hold the herd in a fence corner and bring the calves to the irons, holding them head and heel,” he said. “The Crown range, we have to truck them in liners about an hour’s drive,” he said.

Lessons learned on the big ranches translate well to the Bell Ranch. “The same as on the big outfits; we look after our [native] grass. In everything, I tried to simulate how we did it on those big places,” said Curt, “And that’s what works for us.” c

AT A GLANCE NAME: Bell Ranch ESTABLISHED: 2022 OWNERS: Curt & Erica Martindale NEAREST TOWN: Merritt, B.C. ELEVATION: 2,100 ft / 640 M PRECIPITATION: 8 inches / 20 cm SIZE: 320 acres deeded/1,000 rented / 200 head range permit BREED: Commercial/mainly black Angus HERD: 130 mother cows BRANDS:

Cattle: Square Top Bell, LH Horse: LT

-HOG I H

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www.hi-hog.com

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO COURTESY MARTINDALE COLLECTION

Outstanding Equine Equipment

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ DONALD WOLF

WESTERN EVENTS

RCMP MUSICAL RIDE The highlight of any summer is watching the RCMP Musical Ride. In 2024, the Ride will be in Ontario and Manitoba, and in 2025, it will tour Alberta, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories. To see the full schedule, visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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51

WESTERN EVENTS

Sun-sational Fun! RANCH RODEOS & SUCH AUG 1, 2024 SHOWDOWN IN COWTOWN Maple Creek, Sask Canadian Indian Relay Racing and Ranch Bronc Riding facebook.com/CowtownMapleCreek

AUG 7, 2024 DAWSON CREEK RANCH RODEO (Part of Dawson Creek Exhibition) Dawson Creek, BC dawsoncreekex.ca

AUG 9–10, 2024 TRIPLE L CATTLE HANDLING RANCH RODEO Maple Creek, Sask.

Check “Triple L Cattle Handling” on Facebook for updates)

AUG 18, 2024 OLD TIME RANCH RODEO Bar U Ranch National Historic Site Longview, Alta. parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru

AUG 25, 2024 ST PAUL RANCH RODEO Clancy Richard Arena St. Paul, Alta. stpaulagsociety.com

AUG 30, 2024 THE SLIMDOR RANCH RODEO Cochrane, Alta. cochranerodeo.com/the-ranch-rodeo

OCT 6, 2024 HERITAGE RANCH RODEO Canadian Country Expo Edmonton, Alta. cfr.ca/canadian-country-expo

FEATURED EVENTS AUG 22–25, 2024 HEART OF THE HORSE Silver Sage Arena Brooks, Alta theheartofthehorse.ca Experience a world-class colt-starting competition, demos, guest speakers, the incredible ‘An Evening with Horses’ Night Show, clinics, Western lifestyle shopping, the never-before-seen Canada's Top Ranch Horse competition and much more!

AUG 24, 2024 95TH CANADIAN DERBY Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Edmonton, Alta cnty.com/centurymile It’s Western Canada’s premiere Thoroughbred racing event, the 95th running of the Canadian Derby. Break out the fascinators and heels and make a full day of high stakes action on the track and in the casino!

SEPT 6–15, 2024 FESTIVAL WESTERN DE ST-TITE Saint-Tite, Québec festivalwestern.com It’s ten days of rodeo, high-speed horse racing—plus music, dancing and shows! And you’ll already know two people there—Albertan’s Jeff and Jason Resch have been the rodeo’s pick up men at St. Tite for 20 years.

“You’ve got to experience it to believe it; it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before,” said Jeff.

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

WESTERN EVENTS The first publication about Jay Contway, Sculptor of The Calgary Stampede Trophies

CANADIAN PRO RODEO ASSOCIATION 2024 RODEO SCHEDULE

Available through

Lynn Contway

AUGUST Regina, SK — SMS.......................................................Aug 1–2 Strathmore, AB — SMS............................................... Aug 2–5 Grimshaw, AB — PT................................................... Aug 3–4 La Crete, AB................................................................ Aug 6–7 Dawson Creek, BC — SMS........................................ Aug 9–10 Cranbrook, BC......................................................... Aug 16–18 Pincher Creek, AB.................................................... Aug 16–18 Lethbridge, AB — SMS............................................Aug 22–24 Nanton, AB — NEW................................................Aug 23–24 Okotoks, AB............................................................Aug 23–25 Armstrong, BC — SMS........................................... Aug 28–30 Armstrong, BC — SMS Final.......................................... Aug 31 SEPTEMBER Merritt, BC — PT ...............................................Aug 31–Sept 1 Langley, BC * (SB, BB, BR, LBR)...................... Aug 31–Sept 2 Coronation, AB ** — PT ........................................... Sept 6–7 Medicine Lodge, AB **................................................... Sept 7 Olds, AB **............................................................. Sept 13–14 Hanna, AB **.......................................................... Sept 13–14 OCTOBER Canadian Finals Rodeo — Edmonton, AB.................. Oct 2-5

lynn@jaycontway.com

403-994-1950

Pizza Supper Friday evening during preview

Bertram ~ Parsonage ~ Perrin ~ Swanson

ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE & GUEST SADDLE HORSE CONSIGNORS Saturday September 14, 2024 | Maple Creek Rodeo Grounds Preview of all riding horses online Friday Sept 13 @6pm & Saturday Sept 14 @9:30am Live sale or bid online through Jack Auction Group 306.641.9285 or info@jackauctiongroup.com

NOVEMBER Maple Leaf Circuit Finals — Agribition, Regina, SK **.Nov 27-30

SMS indicates SMS Equipment Pro Tour PT indicates Precision Tour presented by Precision Well Servicing and Precision Drilling Rodeos * indicates Special Event ** Indicated monies earned at these rodeos will count for 2025 season

THE CANADIAN FINALS RODEO WILL BE HELD OCTOBER 2-5, 2024 IN EDMONTON, AB

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WESTERN EVENTS MUSIC FESTIVALS BRITISH COLUMBIA AUG 1–4, 2024 SUNFEST Cowichan, BC sunfestconcerts.com

AUG 2-4 FILBERG FESTIVAL Comox, BC filberg.com

Texada Island, BC texadabluesfestival.com

AUG 9-10 WAPITI MUSIC FESTIVAL Fernie, BC wapitimusicfestival.com

AUG 9-11 FIVE ACRE SHAKER Port Alberni, BC fiveacreshaker.ca

AUG 16–18, 2024 COUNTRY THUNDER

AUG 4–5, 2024 HOMESTEAD DAYS

Calgary, Alta countrythunder.com

Prince George, BC hublehomestead.ca

SEPT 13–15, 2024 CAROLINE COWBOY MUSIC & POETRY GATHERING

ALBERTA AUG 3–4, 2024 DAYS OF YORE

Caroline, Alta Facebook: Caroline Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering

Didsbury, Alta Two days, dozens of historical reenactors, sword fights, big cannons, and live combat! daysofyore.ca

AUG 16-18 ROBSON VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL

SASKATCHEWAN AUG–16, 2024 NORTHERN LIGHTS BLUEGRASS AND OLD TIME MUSIC CAMP

Dunster, BC rvmf.ca

Big River, Sask northernlightsbluegrass.com

ALBERTA AUG 14, 2024 BIG VALLEY JAMBOREE

AUG 17, 2024 MOTHERWELL HOMESTEAD MÉTIS FESTIVAL

Camrose, Alta bigvalleyjamboree.com

Abernethy, Sask parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/sk/motherwell/activ/ decouverte-tours/festival

AUG 31–SEP 1, 2024 HARVEST FESTIVAL Wetaskiwin, Alta Families will enjoy steam threshing, a children's carnival, a petting zoo, and more. reynoldsmuseum.ca

SEPT 15 CHORE HORSE COMPETITION

NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT…

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site Longview, Alta Teamsters drive their chore teams around a course of skill-testing maneuvers. parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru

AUG 2–4, 2024 PIGEON LAKE MUSIC FESTIVAL

BRITISH COLUMBIA AUG 2–4, 2024 ARTSWELLS FESTIVAL OF ALL THINGS ART

SASKATCHEWAN AUG 3–4, 2024 THRESHERMEN'S SHOW AND SENIORS' FESTIVAL

Wetaskiwin, Alta plmf.ca

Wells, BC (Neighbouring Barkerville) artswells.com

Yorkton, Sask wdm.ca/event_manager/threshermensshow

AUG 2–4, 2024 BLUEBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Stony Plain, Alta blueberrybluegrass.com

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

PHOTO: CARLA VICTOR

AUG 3-4 TEXADA ROOTS & BLUES FESTIVAL

WESTERN EVENTS AUG 28–SEP 1, 2024 HILLTOP SHEEPDOG TRIAL 2024

AUG 2–5, 2024 STRATHMORE STAMPEDE

Mankota, Sask Incredible show of natural instinct and training. hilltoptrial.com

Strathmore, Alta

AUG 30–31, 2024 2024 NUTRIEN FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

Dawson Creek, BC

Saskatoon, Sask nutrienfireworksfestival.ca

WPCA CHUCKWAGON RACES

Attend the races, listen LIVE on New Country 92.5 FM or watch LIVE at wpca.com

CLOWNIN’ AROUND | CRASH COOPER

AUG 7–11, 2024 BATTLE OF THE NORTH AUG 15–18, 2024 BATTLE OF THE ROCKIES Rocky Mountain House, Alta

AUG 28–SEPT 1, 2024 WPCA WORLD CHUCKWAGON FINALS Ponoka, Alta c

ASH COOPER ART AND RANCH GALLERY

“Apparently I have done something to upset you!?” cowboycountrymagazine.com

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PHOTO COURTESY FOODLAND ONTARIO

COUNTRY COOKING

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

COUNTRY COOKING

Summer Fruit Recipes FRESH RASPBERRY PIE

PEPPERED BEEF WITH BALSAMIC STRAWBERRY SALSA

By Terri Mason

Courtesy Foodland Ontario The sweet-and-sour melange of strawberries and balsamic vinegar makes a delicious companion to the peppery steak. This relish is also delicious on chicken and pork.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp (15 mL) whole peppercorns cracked • ½ tsp (2 mL) salt • 1 clove garlic minced •b oneless beef top sirloin grilling steak about 1-inch (2.5cm) thick

Salsa:

• 1 -½ cups (375 mL) chopped Ontario Strawberries • 3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped red onion • 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped sweet yellow pepper • 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh parsley • 2 tbsp (25 mL) balsamic vinegar • 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil • 1-½ tsp (7 mL) granulated sugar • Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

PHOTOS: BC BLUEBERRIES; TERRI MASON

1. C ombine mustard, cracked peppercorns, salt and garlic; rub in an even coating on both sides of the meat.

2. G rill steak over high heat or broil for about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.

Tart, fresh, cool and the taste of summer, this is rancher Ann Lawrence’s second-most favourite branding day dessert.

BLUEBERRY SPINACH LENTIL SALAD Courtesy BC Blueberries

INGREDIENTS

Blueberry Apple Cider Vinaigrette: • ½ cup (75 g) B.C .Blueberries, fresh or frozen (thawed) • 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive or vegetable oil • 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar • 1 tsp (5 ml) honey • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper Salad: • 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach leaves, washed and stems removed • 1½ cups (225 g) fresh B.C. Blueberries • 1 cup (125 g) cooked green lentils, cooled • ¾ cup (100 g) apple, sliced • ½ cup (75 g) goat cheese (optional) • 1/3 cup (40 g) walnuts, chopped

In a bowl, combine strawberries, onion, yellow pepper, parsley, vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Slice steak thinly across the grain and serve with salsa.

For more, visit ontario.ca/foodland

For more, visit bcblueberry.com

cowboycountrymagazine.com

DIRECTIONS

1. B ring water, sugar, cornstarch and raspberry Jello™ almost to a boil to thicken.

Stir constantly. Remove from heat.

2. B ake your pie crust — (whether homemade or store-bought, it takes about 8-10 minutes). Allow to cool.

3. A dd the fresh raspberries to the cooled pie crust. Carefully pour the thickened Jello™ mixture over the berries.

4. S et the pie in the fridge; it takes about 4 hours to set up. Great with fresh whipped cream.

DIRECTIONS

1. T o make vinaigrette, blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Keep refrigerated.

2. T oss the spinach leaves in a small amount of the blueberry apple cider vinaigrette and place at the bottom of a large shallow bowl.

3. L ayer the blueberries, lentils and apple on the bed of dressed spinach.

4. D rizzle with more vinaigrette and top with goat cheese and walnuts.

Salsa:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup water • 1 cup sugar • 3 tbsp cornstarch • Half (about 4 heaping tbsp) pkg of raspberry Jello™ • 2-3 cups of fresh raspberries • 1 pie crust

57

COWBOY POETRY

Just a Barn Cat

BY JOHN TILLEY

Some say, “It’s just a barn cat,” but to that, I disagree Because I’ve had one or two that got mighty close to me Now, I say I'm not a cat guy, but I don’t walk the walk ‘Cause I’m the first to coochy coo and give the baby talk They greet you in the morning, at night, they tag you to the house And you get a sense of pride when you see them with a mouse When a little girl has a barn cat wrapped up in a huge bear hug It’s hard not to soften up as it gives your heart a tug At times, you pay them no mind, but their presence, you can sense Out of the corner of your eye, as they tiptoe down the fence They curl up on a bale as the sun’s light comes shining in They help the smile on your face spread wide into a grin Barn cats, they aren’t a pet; they work the ranch for pay The wage is a full dish at the end of a long, hard day They do their thing and mind their own and proudly take their roles And stop mice from chewing saddle pads plum clean full of holes Well, the orange cat has been missing for a couple weeks or more And I’d give an awful lot just to see him at my door If the end has come for him, I sure hope that it was fair ‘Cause he was more than just a barn cat, and his people really care.

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ WILDMEDIA

John Tilley from Leroy, Sask., is a horse trainer, clinician and storyteller specializing in starting young horses for a bright future. tilleyscustomcolts.ca

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2024

WITNESS CHAMPIONS RISE, LEGENDS REBORN AND HISTORY REWRITTEN OCTOBER 2-5, 2024 EDMONTON, AB ROGERS PLACE

GET TICKETS AT CFR.CA