June/July 2011

 

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The lines for autographs from the First
Ladies of Pro Rodeo stretched into the
concession area at the Camrose Spring
Classic Rodeo. 2011 Miss Rodeo Canada
Kezia Morrison signs an autograph for
Danica, a freshly-minted rodeo fan, while
her Dad, Greg, looks on. Both Kezia and
Kirsten Braumandl, 2011 Miss Rodeo
Canada Princess, attended the near
sold-out event.
Photo by Terri Mason

Camrose, Kids & Queens
The spring months were busy for Kezia Morrison and Kirsten Braumandl as they hit the road to make appearances in Edmonton for the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Canvas Auction, the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo and the 790 CFCW Listener Appreciation Concert.
Kezia travelled to Pocatello, Idaho for the Western Frontier PRCA Rodeo before meeting up with Kirsten in Williams Lake for their famous indoor rodeo. The girls had a fabulous time at the Grand Prairie Stompede alongside their reigning royalty, Samantha Callioux.
Watch for the Rodeo Royalty June and July at the Innisfail, Sundre, Ponoka, Teepee Creek, Medicine Hat, Strathmore and High Prairie pro rodeos. They will also be in the Calgary Stampede parade and Kezia will be heading south for Cheyenne Frontier Days. Be sure to stop by and get an autograph!

The lines for autographs from the First Ladies of Pro Rodeo stretched into the concession area at the Camrose Spring Classic Rodeo. 2011 Miss Rodeo Canada Kezia Morrison signs an autograph for Danica, a freshly-minted rodeo fan, while her Dad, Greg, looks on. Both Kezia and Kirsten Braumandl, 2011 Miss Rodeo Canada Princess, attended the near sold-out event.


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Ky Marshall of Bowden, Alta., competed in
tie-down roping and roughstock. He won
the bareback championship.
Photo by Mike Copeman

Canadian National College Finals Rodeo
Good crowds were on hand to cheer on the future of rodeo at the 2011 Canadian National College Finals Rodeo, held Mar 31–Apr 2 at Northlands in Edmonton. Presented by Martin Deerline and a host of sponsors, the championship rodeo was held in conjunction with the popular Farm & Ranch Show.
Congratulations to the qualifying rodeo riders who made it to the top in college rodeo competition!
Here are the 2011 Champions:
Bareback Ky Marshall
Pole Bending Bailee Stanton
Steer Wrestling Glen Allen Nash
Saddle Bronc Reed Sparks
Goat Tying Shanisse Medd
Barrel Racing Bailee Stanton
Tie-Down Roping Scott Guenthner
Breakaway Roping Leah Olstad, Ashley Nickolson
Team Roping Tyler Davis, Derek Griffith
Bull Riding Armando Davilla Rodriguez


corral0611_03_250Theatre on the Hoof
This summer’s sure hit is Theatre on the Hoof-, a live outdoor theatre production riding across the plains of Saskatchewan.
The touring theatre’s main feature is an outdoor drama, Spirits of the Trail that captures the fascinating friendship between NWMP Inspector James Walsh and Sitting Bull, the great Sioux Chief.
Touring during July and August, it is best described as a “Real West Show” with NWMP Mounties, Sioux warriors and a horse-drawn Red River cart.  While the play itself is about an hour, the event encompasses the whole day thanks to local community involvement such as ranch rodeo events, a barbecue supper and evening campfire for local story-telling, native dances and cowboy tales.
Confirmed venues for summer 2011 include Bengough, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, Moose Jaw, Lumsden, Crooked Lake Provincial Park and Rocanville. For more information and venue updates call 1-800-919-9437.


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From left, John Cunningham, Eli Barsi,
R.W. Hampton and record producer Gary
Bright at the 50th Annual Western Heritage
Awards. R.W. holds his 2011 Wrangler
Award for ‘Shortgrass’, honoured as the
year’s Outstanding Original Western
Composition by the National Cowboy &
Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma
City, OK
Photo Courtesy owenbeyphotograhpy.com

Jingling, Mingling and Wowing the Crowd
Canadian western music recording artist Eli Barsi, was invited along with her bass player John Cunningham to perform with R.W. Hampton at the 50th annual Wrangler Awards at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.  R.W. was a recipient of a Wrangler Award for Outstanding Original Western Composition for his work, Shortgrass.
Eli and John travelled from south-eastern Saskatchewan to be on stage with R.W. Friday night at the Jingle Mingle opening party as well as the Black Tie Wrangler Awards show.
Eli Barsi performs full time internationally with shows every week promoting western heritage.

 


Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame 2011 Inductees
The Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame is pleased to announce their 2011 inductees.
The inductees include three contestants, Don Johansen, Glen O’Neill and Joe Lucas; three builders of rodeo; Ted Vayro, Ernie Marshall and Ralph Murray and one rough stock, Franklin Rodeo’s bull, Charles Manson.
Along with being inducted into the Hall of Fame, each inductee will also be recognized at their hometown rodeo; Vayro at Falkland Rodeo, May 22; Charles Manson at Bonnyville Rodeo, May 28; Marshall at Wainwright Stampede, June 25; O’Neill at Ponoka Stampede, July 2; Lucas also at Ponoka Stampede, July 2; Murray at Medicine Hat Summer Rodeo, July 29 and Johansen at Strathmore Heritage Days Rodeo, July 30.
The 2011 Banquet and Induction Ceremonies will take place at the Coast Plaza Inn, Hwy # 1 East, Calgary, October 22.
Also announced are the 2011 Ranchmans Legends, these include Duane Bruce, Rocky Hubley and Ted Glazier. Each will be recognized at their hometown rodeo; Bruce at the Interior Provincial Ex & Stampede, Armstrong, BC, September 3; Hubley at Dawson Creek Rodeo, August 13 and Glazier at Coronation Rodeo, June 18.


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One of Quam’s new bucking horses is
Lucky Moon, purchased from Jim
Mossbrucker of North Dakota. The mare
was entered in the Vegas futurity bucking
horse sale with a string of victories under
her cinch, including Fargo, ND and Lincoln,
NE. This spring she earned 80.5 at
Camrose. The high-kicking mare will be
bred to their son of Wyatt Earp stud this
spring and will enter the broodmare band
in the fall.
Photo courtesy Rusty Quam

Carrying on an Old Family Tradition
Rusty Quam, rodeo coach at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta., and daughter of respected rodeo stock contractor Barry Quam, is assembling a cast of bucking horse stars that are long on talent and sentiment.
She has started to amass a breeding band whose bloodlines are thick with talent and family tradition; the mares go back to her Dad, Barry and her equally famous grandpa, the late Bill Gomersall.
It started last fall,” explains Quam. Dale (Woodward, of Outlaw Buckers) and I got the remainder of Dad’s herd; one brood mare and some colts from that mare plus a Brother Baldie stud colt.” Quam also had Old Dollar Hustler, a two-time CFR bareback horse.
“That horse came from my grandpa. She’s a papered (Thoroughbred) mare that was running on the track but then she started bucking off the jockeys, so grandpa got her.”
The feisty mare is the mother of multiple NFR trips bareback horse Fancy Free and One Dollar Chip, another rising star. “She’s also the mother of one of my good barrel horses,” laughed Quam.
Quam’s plans for her band are geared towards the bucking horse futurity scene.” The futurities have doubled in numbers from last year,” explains Quam. “And I think that’s where there is going to be a huge market for these bucking horse colts—if they’re good.”
Rodeo stock futurities are rapidly rising in popularity. While the rules vary, basically you enter your bucking horse, the horse is judged (as is the rider) and the winning horse owner gets the prize money—and it ain’t chicken feed.
“We’re holding a futurity in Vermilion in mid-May,” explains Quam. “Open to 5-year-olds and under.”
The prize is $13,000 added for contractors and $5,000 added for cowboys. “With this kind of prize money we’re sure we’ll be attracting many of the top cowboys,” she added.
Talent scouts from the Vegas futurity will probably also be there. Last year’s highest selling bronc at Vegas was Pedro, an Alberta horse raised by Darcy Hollingsworth.


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Artist rendering of the new Ponoka Ag
Centre slated to open in 2011
Photo courtesy of the Ponoka Ag Centre

Canadian Rodeo
Hall of Fame Has Permanent Home
The Ponoka Ag Centre Society Board voted unanimously to welcome the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association’s (CRHA) Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame to a location in Ponoka’s brand new ag centre, currently under construction. Construction is planned to be completed in time for the 75th anniversary of the Ponoka Stampede.
The permanent home of the Rodeo Hall of Fame now means that thousands of archives, including photographs, buckles, trophies, rodeo gear and memorabilia will be brought out of storage and proudly displayed. The Hall of Fame will be easily accessible all-year round and will rapidly be considered a must-see.


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Photo courtesy of Robert Stoop

Where in the World is Canadian Cowboy?
The seaside resort town of Newcastle, located in County Down, Northern Ireland, lies on the Irish Sea coast at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mourne Mountains.
In popular mythology, the Mourne Mountains was the site where Saint Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland. The small stream is said to mark the boundary of the Kingdom of Mourne and legend has it that there is a rock in the stream with his hand print in it where he knelt down to drink the water.
Popular Mourne Granite was quarried here and shipped around the world. The famed granite was used to make the base of the 9/11 memorial in New York. Newcastle is home to the Royal County Down Golf Club, reputedly one of the ten best golf courses in the world. The town is twinned with New Ross, County Wexford, in the Republic of Ireland.
The popular resort town attracts many international visitors a year, including Robert Stoop of Virden, Manitoba.


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Rick Hansen wheels on the Great Wall of
China during the symbolic Relay on the 2
5th Anniversary of the Man in Motion
World Tour
Photo courtesy of the Rick Hansen
Foundation

Rick Hansen Named Calgary Stampede Parade Marshall
The Calgary Stampede is honoured to announce that respected humanitarian and Canadian icon Rick Hansen has been chosen as 2011 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal.
In 1985, Hansen drew the admiration of the world as he began his legendary Man In Motion Tour, a two-year odyssey that saw him travel around the world raising awareness and funds for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) research.
“Over the past 25 years, Rick Hansen’s foundation has raised more than $200 million to help make a difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide,” says Mike Casey, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede. “He has dedicated his life to helping others and inspiring Canadians to do the same. He’s one of Canada’s most recognized and respected ambassadors, beloved worldwide as an icon of perseverance and hard work.”
Earlier this year, Hansen announced a nine-month, 12,000 kilometre cross-Canada 25th Anniversary Relay, which recreates the route of the original Man In Motion Tour. This time, one man in motion will be represented by many in motion as 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made a difference in the lives of others will have the opportunity to walk, wheel or run in the Relay.
Hansen, the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, expressed both humility and excitement at being named Parade Marshal for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. “The Calgary Stampede brings Canadians and the world together every year and showcases the best of what our country can be through its dedication to strengthening communities and supporting programs for youth,” said Hansen.
“It is an honour to be selected as the Parade Marshal for this year’s Stampede,” added Hansen.


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Everyone’s a winner in this photo! From left,
Trainer’s Challenge announcer Hugh
McLennan, presenter 2011 Miss Rodeo
Canada Kezia Morrison, Trainer’s Challenge
competitors Aaron Ralston, Shawn
Seabrook and 2011 Champion Kade Mills,
Challenge judges, Mel Hyland, Stan Jacobs,
and Bob Kaufman and magazine editor
Terri Mason. The Trainer’s Challenge is
sponsored by Canadian Cowboy Country
magazine.
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Kade Mills working with the young horse in
the finale of the Trainer’s Challenge held in
Red Deer. The arena was packed to the
rafters with spectators.
Photos courtesy of Chris Schauer and
Terri Mason

Mane Event
The 2011 Mane Event Horse Expo wrapped up a stellar weekend at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alta. The event is renowned for bringing the top trainers and clinicians under one roof to showcase and teach literally thousands of avid horse people from both Western and English riding disciplines as well as driving.
The immensely popular Trainer’s Challenge features three young horses and three trainers. Once again, Lukacs Farms supplied the evenly matched young horses. This special event showcases three different methods of training to start the young horse out on the trail to become a quiet, broke horse. The judging at this challenge is based 10 per cent on the horse, 60 per cent on the trainer’s ability to train the horse and 30 per cent on the trainer’s ability to educate the attendees. The winner of the challenge is the trainer that can achieve the highest success with both the horse and the spectators.
Congratulations to this year’s winner and the youngest winner to date, 16-year-old Kade Mills. Kade is the son of five-time Mane Event Champion Doug Mills.
The weekend also featured a wealth of presentations on horsemanship, training (including training trick horses) and demonstrations plus the beautiful Saturday night extravaganza featuring a stunning display of horses and horsemanship.
The Mane Event also includes a horse lovers trade show filled with great products and information on breeds, plus tack, fashion, horse trailers, jewelry, custom saddle makers—the list was seemingly endless.
The next Mane Event Expo is in Chilliwack, B.C. The event is held at Heritage Park October 21–23, 2011.


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Traudl Marten presents Liz Twan with the
Joe Marten Memorial Award at the Kamloops
Cowboy Festival
Photo courtesy of Mark McMillian

Liz Twan Receives Award for Preserving Cowboy Heritage
Congratulations to writer, photographer and columnist Liz Twan of the Alkali Lake Ranch in B.C., the 2011 recipient of the Joe Marten Memorial Award for the Preservation of Cowboy Heritage. The award, founded in memory of cowboy Joe Marten, was presented to Liz by Traudl Marten.
In 2008 Liz published a coffee table book; Cowboys, Characters, and Critters featuring over 170 of her ranch-related photos. She has won multiple awards for her photography. Many of her images have also been published to promote tourism and two of her rodeo photos were chosen for the highly-sought-after collector series, Williams Lake Stampede posters.
Twan is a frequent contributor to Canadian Cowboy Country, Beef in BC and Country Life.


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Photo courtesy of Billy Melville

Dorchester Inducted into Hall of Fame
The late Dallas Dorchester was inducted into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame March 26.
Over his 35 years in chuckwagon racing, Dallas was the World Champion Chuckwagon Outrider in 1977; he was the 1984 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver and won more than 40 show championships. He twice won the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby and made eight appearances in the Stampede’s Rangeland Derby sudden death championship. His record of five North American Chuckwagon Championships and five Grande Prairie Stompede Championships still stands to this day.  His last major win came in 1996 when he captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award, symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champion.
Dallas was a founding member of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association and served as a director for 20 years. He was named the WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year in 1995. In 2006 Dallas was named an honorary lifetime member of the Ponoka Stampede Association and the Calgary Stampede honoured him with the Pioneers of Rodeo Award.  He was the recipient of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s Special Tribute Award in 2006 and the George Normand Lifetime Builder’s Award in 2007.