The Calgary Stampede 4-H Rodeo is a showcase of the next generation of rodeo stars and at the end of its 18th annual competition, 16-year-old Cranbrook, B.C., cowgirl Taylor Holt, atop her horse Diesel, claimed first place in Senior High Point competition at the youth rodeo event.
“I was shocked,” says Holt. “It was pretty amazing to experience going there and to compete on the [Calgary Stampede] grounds. I didn’t think I’d be winning it, getting the all-around or even winning any events. But I guess practice pays off.”
She has been involved in 4-H for eight years, achieving in horse, beef, swine, pygmy goat, photography, and foods. She is in the Cranbrook 4-H Multi Club but because B.C. does not have a rodeo component to their 4-H program, her rodeo training has come from her coach, Jodi Savage, and team roping with the Pine Ridge Roping Club.
With her victory, Holt was presented with a pair of Calgary Stampede 4-H Rodeo belt buckles—one each for her victories in goat tying and breakaway roping—as well as a championship ring for the overall High Point title.