Reay Earns Ultimate Rodeo Title

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How tough are they? Three of the cowboys, Travis Reay, Steven Turner and Colter Harden, all rode in the three roughstock events; saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding. The photo shows Travis gritting it out on a tough bull.
Photo by Susan Rex – The Buckin’ Photographer

There was quite a crowd on hand in tiny Buffalo, Alta., in mid-June for the first annual All-Around Tough Man competition as the greatest all around cowboys in Canada arrived to compete in at least two rough stock events (saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding) and all of the timed events (tie-down roping, bulldogging) for $10,000 in prize money. Pro cowboys Steven Turner, Jeremy Harden, Wyatt Daines, Colter Harden, Devon Porter, Josh Harden and Travis Reay rounded out the impressive field of competitors. Once the dust settled it was Travis Reay of Mayerthorpe, Alta., who took home $4,000 in prize money and trophy spurs; second place (and $3,000) was earned by Jeremy Harden, third place and a cheque for $2,000 went to Colter Harden and in fourth ($1,000) went to Josh Harden.

“It was pretty impressive,” commented seven-time CPRA Announcer of the Year, Joe Braniff. “To have all these top pro cowboys competing and not overshadowing the local contestants, it was well done.” The event proved so popular with the crowd and contestants that plans are already underway for 2014.