Feb-Mar 2010
Dec-Jan 2010
Oct-Nov 2009
Aug-Sep 2009
Jun-Jul 2009
Apr-May 2009
Feb-Mar 2009
Dev-Jan 2009
Oct-Nov 2008
Aug-Sep 2008
Jun-Jul 2008
Apr-May 2008
Feb-Mar 2008
Dec-Jan 2008
Oct-Nov 2007
Aug-Sep 2007
Jun-Jul 2007
Apr-May 2007
Feb-Mar 2007
Dec-Jan 2007
Oct-Nov 2006
Aug-Sep 2006
Jun-Jul 2006
Apr-May 2006
Feb-Mar 2006
Dec-Jan 2006
Oct-Nov 2005
Aug-Sep 2005
Jun-Jul 2005
Apr-May 2005
Feb-Mar 2005
Dec-Jan 2005
Oct-Nov 2004
Aug-Sep 2004
Jun-Jul 2004
Apr-May 2004
Feb-Mar 2004
Dec-Jan 2004
Oct-Nov 2003

In the Corral

Feb-Mar 2007

Opening ceremonies at the 2006 Heritage Ranch Rodeo in Edmonton

But…Who’s Doing the Chores?
Photos by Terri Mason
Top hands from across the West converged on Edmonton for the 2nd annual Heritage Ranch Rodeo, held over three days during Farmfair. Huge crowds, many of whom knew the difference between a hoolihan and a backhand shot, cheered on teams of working cowboys from the Douglas Lake and River Ranch of B.C., Alberta’s Rocking P, Porcupine Quill, Round Top T, Sears Ranches, Willows Ranch, a7, Heritage Site Bar U, Sleepy Spring and the Diamond 7 Ranch. Saskatchewan was well repped by the Leslie Ranch and for the first time a team from Manitoba - the K Bar S Ranch.

Record crowds cheered on the ranch teams as they vied for first place and bragging rights. Not surprisingly, a number of Canadian Finals Rodeo contestants were in the crowd and behind the fence. Pictured above, from left, Lorrie Hunter, Trent Kraft, Tee Hunter and Peter Gonnet - the Leslie Ranch team.

All the teams competed for the first two days in sorting, doctoring, branding (with paint) wild cow milking, the wild horse race and bronc riding - in a stock saddle, with the top eight advancing to the Finals. First place went to the Willows Ranch, second to Rocking P and third to the Heritage Site Bar U Ranch. CPRA Hall of Fame cowboy Bruce Flewelling supplied the broncs and sorted the stock so each team was doctoring cows that weighed 1,600 lbs., requiring stout horses, strong ropes and experienced hands.

Hugh McLennan on the mic at the ranch rodeo

If you’ve never been to a ranch rodeo make plans to do so this summer! Check our online western events at canadiancowboy.ca

Pride of the Prairies

Photo by Terri Mason
The most photographed cowboys (and back numbers) at CFR XXXIII had to be Team Tattrie. From left: Team Tattrie # 1 - Brody, Team Tattrie # 2 - Jaxen, Team Tattrie # 3 - Dixon and Team Tattrie # 4 - Rhett.

The class of 2007/2008 of the Youngstown Kindergarten Association has created a fundraiser that includes a supper, entertainment and auction of some of the most collectable cattle in the West.

Ceramic cows (11” x 12”) decorated by famous artists such as Judie Popplewell, Ash Cooper (and special guest artists from the art department of Canadian Cowboy Country magazine!) will be auctioned off to raise funds to help support the Youngstown kindergarten.

Shelli Tattrie, wife of professional bareback rider Troy Tattrie, organized this gala event, and as you can see from the photo “Team Tattrie” - whose back numbers were flashed on the CFR Jumbotron every time Dad came out of the chute, are big supporters of rodeo - and kindergarten.

Miss Rodeo Canada 2007

Photo courtesy of CPRA / Photo by Mike Copeman
2007 Miss Rodeo Canada, Tara Sergerie

Tara Sergerie was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2007 during the Friday evening performance of the 2006 Canadian Finals Rodeo. The former Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess is the 39th woman to hold the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo Canada.

Twenty-one year old Tara hails from Okotoks, Alberta and is fluent in both of Canada’s official languages. Tara is currently pursuing her nursing degree at Mount Royal College in Calgary with future plans of becoming a doctor and working with “Doctors without Borders.”

As the First Lady of Canadian Professional Rodeo, Tara will complete over 550 appearances as she travels throughout Western Canada and into the United States as the official ambassador for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. In addition, Tara will also utilize her position as Miss Rodeo Canada and serve as a spokesperson for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, helping to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

As Miss Rodeo Canada, I intend to share my passion for rodeo and its history. I have the opportunity to reach out and positively influence future generations to ensure a solid future for professional rodeo in Canada.”

For more information on the Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant or to book an appearance contact the Canadian Professional Rodeo (CPRA) office or visit the website at www.rodeocanada.com

Mel Hyland inducted into National Cowboy Hall of Fame
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Okla., inducted Mel Hyland in a ceremony held during their rodeo weekend in October.

Hyland, born in Alsask, Sask., was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1999 and is also in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame (1996). Hyland won Canadian saddle bronc championships in 1967, 1972, 1979, 1982 and the Canadian bareback championship in 1975. Hyland also won World saddle bronc titles in 1972 and 1976. Hyland qualified for the National Finals Rodeo for eleven straight years and finished in the top 10 in the world standings for 10 straight years.

Eli Barsi Wins Will Rogers Award

Photo courtesy of AWA
Eli Barsi and her husband, John Cunningham at the 2006 Academy of Western Artists awards.

Congratulations to Eli Barsi, winner of the best female recording artist in the western music category! The coveted Will Rogers Award was presented at the 2006 Academy of Western Artists this past September in Richardson, Texas.

Barsi, a well-known western singer who originally hails from Kennedy, Sask., now makes her home in Branson, Missouri. Barsi was recently in town where she was profiled on Cowboy Country Television for an episode that will air later in 2007.

Empty Saddles
Arnold Haraga Rodeo Pioneer
Rodeo pioneer Arnold Haraga passed away Oct 18, 2006. Haraga, a grain farmer from Skiff, southeast of Lethbridge, worked the pro rodeo trail for 20 years, starting in 1958.
He won the Canadian all-around and steer wrestling championships in 1970. He also competed in the bareback riding and tie-down roping. Shortly after his retirement, Haraga began creating bronze trophies and seven of his sculptures were chosen by the Stampede to be presented to its champions.

This past summer, Haraga was recognized by the Stampede as a Pioneer of Rodeo for his significant contributions to the sport. Haraga was one of the most gentlemanly and respected cowboys in the industry.

From the Creepy but True File…
Hall of Fame Barrel Horse Cloned in Texas
Eleven-time World Champion Barrel Racer Charmayne James recently announced she cloned her ProRodeo Hall of Fame horse, Scamper. The clone was born on August 8 in Boerne, Texas, and was named Clayton.

James decided to clone the 29-year-old Scamper in order to continue to use his genetics in her breeding program. She hired ViaGen, the Austin, Texas- based company to do the cloning work.

The baby looks so much like Scamper, conformation-wise,” James said. “I am really looking forward to seeing how this all turns out.” Currently, cloned Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds cannot be registered.

James’ clone’s price tag was not disclosed, but research indicates it costs $15,000 to clone a cow, $4,000 to clone a pig (that would be one great pork chop) and to date it appears the average price tag is $150,000 to clone a horse.

Ian Tyson honoured in Alberta

Photo by Terri Mason

Singer and songwriter Ian Tyson was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence October 19.

Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong presented the Order, the highest honour in the province. Tyson was one of nine people that received the award.

Tyson, now 72, continues to write, record and tour in Canada and the U.S. Stony Plain, the independent Edmonton record company has to date released 12 solo Tyson albums.

Tyson, born in Victoria, was also recently inducted into the British Columbia Country Music Association Hall of Fame.

Tyson is participating in a tribute CD to mark the 100th anniversary of Gene Autrey’s birth, along with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Pam Tillis and many others.

PBR Honours Cody Snyder
The Professional Bull Riders recently awarded Cody Snyder with the gold Ring of Honor, bestowed on those that have made a profound impact in the arena and through their accomplishments in the industry.

At 20, Snyder was the first Canadian to win the PRCA World Champion Bull Rider. In 1986 he earned the CPRA Bull Riding Champion. He was Cowboy of the Year in 1994, and inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the CPRA Hall of Fame in 2005. He qualified for a record-setting nine Canadian Finals, and recorded the highest marked bull ride (95 points) in CPRA history in 1983. He is also a four-time NFR qualifier.

He and wife Rhonda Schlenker-Snyder own Cody Snyder’s BullBustin’, producing professional bull-riding events in North America.

Top of the Class College Finals Rodeo
Cowboys and cowgirls from ten colleges and universities across the West have their sights set on the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo (CNCFR) in Edmonton at Northlands AgriCom on March 30 to April 1, 2007. This is the second year Northlands will host the college championship rodeo, which runs concurrent with the Alberta Farm and Ranch Show.

Only the best competitors make the grade for the finals in ten events as determined by the season’s circuit standings. One of Canada’s best rodeo clowns, a top-rated announcer and nightly entertainment enhances the show.

Having the CNCFR at Northlands has meant a tremendous boost to the entire college rodeo circuit,” says Jim Leitheiser, rodeo coach at Lakeland College. “The number of competitors on the college rodeo circuit has doubled since last year, and the higher profile of the CNCFR is a big reason for that.

The Alberta Farm and Ranch Show draws tens of thousands of people to the site that weekend, and we can introduce rodeo fans to the next generation of rodeo stars.” Tickets are $10 in advance through Ticketmaster.

Viva! Lost Wages!
Images from Sin City

Photo by Terri Mason
Probably the most famous cowboy in ‘Vegas…

Photo by Deb Mason
Four-time Canadian Bareback Champion and CPRA Hall of Famer Robin Burwash and Terri Mason, editor, at the Canadian Party in Las Vegas, NV


Photo by Terri Mason
If there’s a dancing girl it must be ‘Vegas. This young lady, who I assume is working her way through university, was one of two dancers outside the ‘tent’ of a smokeless tobacco advertiser.

Photo by Deb Mason
2007 Miss Rodeo Canada Tara Sergerie and Terri met up on the concourse in the Thomas and Mack arena. The finger-snapping energy at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo translated into the photo.


Photo by Terri Mason
Who has more fun than Canadian cowboys poking a little fun? From left: Ken ‘Goose’ Rehill from Calgary Stampede, Bruce Sunstrum from Big Stone Rodeo, Keith Marrington from Calgary Stampede, Shane Franklin from Franklin Rodeo and Living Legend Jack Daines, the million-dollar voice of the Innisfail Auction Market. Photo was taken at the Canadian Party held at the Union Plaza in Las Vegas, December 8th.


Photos by Terri Mason
From the media seating in the second tier behind the bronc chutes, Terri captured Lee Graves 3.5 second winning run on Willy in Round Eight.


Where in the World is Canadian Cowboy Country?

Photo courtesy of Ivan Mizera

New subscriber Ivan Mizera posing in Prague in front of the famous Charles bridge and “Hradcany” Castle. Photo taken by unknown tourists.

Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares). Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Borivoj, the castle was renovated from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague Castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18th century during the reign of Maria Theresa.

The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence.

 
Home :: © Tanner Young Publishing Group