Competitors often talk about their rodeo “family” but it’s not too often that a particular clan produces a champion in each generation. That is, of course, unless you’re from the Laye bloodline.
Bareback rider Clint Laye of Cadogan, Alta., is the third branch of this talented family tree to bring home the Championship from the Calgary Stampede. He outrode some of the top bareback riders in the world in the final round, scoring an 88 on Bar C5 Rodeo’s mammoth grey, Virgil, to claim $100,000 and the title.
Thirty years ago, Mark Laye won the bulldogging at the Stampede in 1985; 24 years ago, Billy Laye won the bareback event in 1991. Both Mark and Billy are cousins of Clint’s father, Darcy.