Who’s Making It Pro Rodeo Standings
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Miss Rodeo Canada Rodeo Is All in the Chomistek Family
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Lest We Forget
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ARNOLD FRIBERG Arnold Friberg’s classic images made the RCMP the sexiest police force in the world. Mountie by Campfire (moose in mist), 1952, oil on canvas, 81"x44". Photo courtesy Collection Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota, Duluth; Gift of Potlatch Corporation
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 | VOLUME 22, NO. 3
On the Cover
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Silver Buckle Lineage 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada Brittney Chomistek and her parents are all in the Canadian pro rodeo record books
2018 Miss Rodeo Canada Brittney Chomistek in the corral with one of her dad's rope horses, Roman. Clothing by Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack. Photo by Nicole Marie Photography
RANCHER'S SPECIAL
Fitting & Showing Cattle Criteria and methods of showing cattle from some of the top producers in the show world
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Real Gifts for Ranchers and Cowboys Treat your loved ones to practical gifts that show you really care
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COWBOY WAY
Starting Your Next Great Horse, Part 6: The Essential Drills Trainer J.P. Forget brought you this far — now the rest is up to you
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Lest We Forget: Bob Carry Nothing — not even cutting off his own leg — slowed this cowboy down INTERESTING PLACES
Pioneer Town & Western Paradise Some people collect cars, this man turned his vintage collection into his own private town
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cowboycountrymagazine.com
New Home of CFR! A few suggestions and highlights to hit when the cowboys roll into Rodeo Central
DEPARTMENTS 6 My Point of View 9 In the Corral 13 Western Art Review 14 Spirit of the West 16 Wheel to Wheel 18 Reflections 45 Pro Rodeo Canada Insider 59 Clownin’ Around 62 Cowboy Poetry 5
MY POINT OF VIEW
Thanks! This is what I am calling our Thank You issue. I say thanks to one of the toughest men I’ve ever read about — Bob Carry, a veteran of WWI and a lifelong cowboy. We’ve been saving his story for just this issue — and when you read what he had to do to survive, it will give new meaning to the saying “cowboy tough.” I doubt if you’ll use that term lightly ever again. We want to thank the good folks in the city of Red Deer for welcoming us, and it’s our pleasure to produce the Canadian Finals Rodeo Souvenir Program once again. We get to highlight their great city and the surrounding area. There’s plenty to do and see and lots of great places to dine! We are also saying thank you to 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada, Brittney Chomistek. As we have a tight connection to rodeo, it was a given that we knew the extent of her family’s involvement in pro rodeo, and that we would seize the opportunity to include the family in the fashion shoot. If you haven’t met this remarkable clan, I guarantee they’re well worth knowing. I know you’ve enjoyed J.P. Forget’s six-part series, Starting Your Next Great Horse, and incorporated his wisdom and experience into your training program. This issue will see the finale, and we send out a huge thank you to J.P. for sharing his expertise with us. We also thank Tara McKenzie for her gorgeous photography of the training process, which sometimes was shot under trying
conditions. (Snow in May in Alberta? Unheard of…) Thank you to our ranchers who shared their blue-ribbon ways of fitting and showing cattle, and special thanks to the Tweed Museum of Duluth, Minnesota, for sharing some of the most famous “Mountie” images ever painted, and of course, thanks to Brian Lovig for the tour of the most private “town” in Canada — I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! We especially want to thank you, our readers and subscribers, for keeping us on your Christmas gift list and in your mailbox, and for making us the perennial best-selling Western magazine in Canadian Cowboy Country.
Subscriber Tip Your mailing label on the magazine will tell you when your subscription expires. Right above your name is an issue date, which is the final issue of your subscription.
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XXX XXXXXX JUN/JUL’19 JOE SMITH RR 1 EDMONTON, AB T6B 2L5
@CowboyCntryMag
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
IMAGE COURTESY VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA
— Terri Mason, Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
October/November 2018 Vol. 22, No. 3 Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Copy Editor Carmen D. Hrynchuk carmen@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director Zuzana Benesova zuzana@cowboycountrymagazine.com Graphic Designers Scott Dutton, scott@cowboycountrymagazine.com Erin Murphy, ads@cowboycountrymagazine.com Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Traffic Coordinator Cheryl Lindquist traffic@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner frontdesk@tanneryoung.com Accounting Administrator Catherine Staszkiewicz admin@tanneryoung.com Customer Relations Manager Marie Tanner marie@tanneryoung.com
Tanner Young Publishing Group #1, 9301–50 Street, Edmonton AB T6B 2L5 Tel: 780-465-3362 Fax 780-448-0424 Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336 Website: cowboycountrymagazine.com E-mail: askus @ cowboycountrymagazine.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call Marie at 1-800-943-7336 1 Year: $21.43 + tax | 2 Years: $35.71 + tax | 3 Years: $46.45 + tax Canadian Cowboy Country magazine is published six times per year by Tanner Young Publishing Group PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40070720 ISSN 1701-1132 Please return undeliverable addresses to: Canadian Cowboy Country magazine #1, 9301–50 Street, Edmonton AB T6B 2L5 FREELANCE POLICY Canadian Cowboy Country welcomes freelance contributions, but will not be held responsible for unsolicited text or photographs. Direct all freelance enquiries to: freelance@cowboycountrymagazine.com PRIVACY POLICY At Tanner Young Publishing Group, we value your privacy. For our complete privacy policy go to tanneryoung.com/ privacy.html or call us at 1-800-943-7336 Canadian Cowboy Country makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. This magazine is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, and Magazines Canada, abiding by the standards of the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors. Visit albertamagazines.com
PHOTO BY RICHARD WRIGHT
Columnists Tim Ellis, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville, Bryn Thiessen Contributors Tim Ellis, Dianne Finstad, Sergeant David Allison Fleming, J.P. Forget, Karen Kitchen, Barb Poulsen, Bert Sheppard Contributing Artists/Photographers Mike Copeman, Billie-Jean Duff, Paul and Carol Easton, Arnold Friberg, Nicole Marie Photography, Tara McKenzie
Fernando with the Theatre Royal wagon at Barkerville Historic Town & Park, B.C.
Greetings from Barkerville! My name is Fernando. I am working as a performer at Barkerville, and I just read your article about Jesus Garcia. I wanted to let you know that I am actually playing his character but without knowing it. I am using the name Pancho Gutierrez. So now I know this is accurate. It was a great surprise to find out about Mexicans in Barkerville.
Myself, I am from Mexico, and I’m studying Performing Arts at the Canadian College of Performing Arts and currently working as a performer with the theatre company Theatre Royal at Barkerville. I am playing a mule packer that made his fortune packing Aparejos like his grandfather. If you have a chance to come and watch the show, feel free to come and be our guest! Anyway, thanks for the article. It was awesome! — Fernando Ricardo Jimenez Arévalo, Barkerville, B.C. / Toluca, Mexico
FSC logo An example of an Aparejo pack saddle “This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.” «Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.»
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1 Karen Kitchen
3 J.P. Forget
New Home of CFR!, page 43
Starting Your Next Great Horse, Part 6, page 32
The Executive Director at Hotels Red Deer, Karen is known as an industry advocate. She has spent decades working in hospitality and tourism and includes training horses and writing in her skill sets.
2 Bert Sheppard (1901–1999)
J.P. Forget of Sundre, Alta., is an internationally accomplished trainer, showman and an award-winning professional instructor and coach. He is the author of four books on horsemanship and starting young horses. jpforget.com
4 Barb Poulsen
Bob Carry, page 36 Herbert Campbell “Bert” Sheppard ranched on the Riverbend and TL Ranch. He later managed and was part owner of the OH (Rio Alto) Ranch. He published two books, Spitzee Days and Just About Nothing.
Manning Twins Make History, page 54 Barb is the media director for the CPRA and a regular contributor to the magazine. Barb and her husband, Cowboy of the Year, author and rodeo announcer, David Poulsen, raise running Quarter horses.
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or8 call 1.800.943.7336
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
IN THE CORRAL NEWS, VIEWS & HAPPENINGS FROM ACROSS THE CANADIAN WEST
PHOTO COURTESY PSEUDOPANAX
Jousting! In Regina this fall, organizers are presenting Full Contact Jousting at Agribition. The six-knight tournament involves two men on horses charging at each other on either side of a 180-foot fence, holding 11-foot lances and colliding at 30 miles an hour. The goal is to strike the opponent with the lance to score points and, if possible, to unhorse the opponent. Full Contact Jousting at Agribition features Shane Adams and the Knights of Valour from History’s Full Metal Jousting TV show. This is not the choreographed stuff you’ll see at a
dinner show; this is authentic, competitive, dangerous, full contact jousting; the same blood sport that saw the Count of Montgomery accidentally kill Henry II of France in 1559. Tickets are required, and they’ll be worth it. Along with the pro rodeo, the Running of the Bulls, Full Contact Jousting and some of the finest cattle around, it’s no surprise that the multi-award-winning Agribition was nominated as the Marquee Event of the Year at the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence. Agribition runs Nov 19–24. Agribition.com.
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IN THE CORRAL
Streaming CFR Bonus!
Outride the Law Over 2,500 people packed the bleachers and hillside of the Cochrane Rodeo Grounds in midAugust for the 36th annual edition of the Calgary Police Rodeo. Chute boss Sgt. Michael Cavilla was pleased with the turnout. “We were about 2,000 last year, so it seems to grow each year. Cochrane has been a fantastic host.” While the event is called Calgary Police Rodeo, emergency services from across the province took part, including the fire departments in Banff and Red Deer, police from the Blood Tribe and Edmonton, Corrections Canada and, of course, the Calgary Police Service. The events ranged from the traditional bareback riding to kids' barrel racing. The rodeo was topped off with cowboy poker — a crazy scene involving three fighting bulls and cowboys around a table playing poker until the
bull man-ages to run them all off (or run them all over). Although there were dozens of paramedics on hand, none had to be called into the arena for aid. “There were winners from every agency this year,” said Cavilla. “The Edmonton Police Service, they showed really well in a number of events.” The rodeo, hosted by the Calgary Police Association, is a fantastic way for members to blow off steam and support the band-aid industry. The rodeo also has a serious side — it is dedicated to raising money for an important cause. “The Missing Children Society of Canada is our primary benefactor. We donate $10,000 to them on an annual basis, and we presented a cheque for that amount at the rodeo yesterday,” said Cavilla. The 2019 Calgary Police Rodeo will be held in Cochrane, and organizers are looking to make it a two-day event.
Gone Viral!
Title of video: Innovative Little Girl Finds Way Back on Horse
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Saskatchewan rancher and working cowboy, Alan Bandy, was having fun watching his kids on their horses, so he decided to videotape his youngest, Addie, as she figured out how to get on her horse, Cisco. He shared the video on his Facebook page. We in turn shared the video on Cowboy Country’s Facebook page — and the video went viral. Now, over 5.7 million people have watched it. The family has now licensed the video with a company, and any windfall is being saved for the kids. “So far, we’ve received $50,” laughs mom,
Brandi Bandy. “But at first, we thought, is this exploitive? Should we do this? Then we realized it’s already out there, so why shouldn’t they benefit?” The Bandy’s have received “a ton” of social media friend requests, and if you can imagine, a few non-horse folks have criticized the parents for even allowing their children around horses. “We ignore those people,” says Brandi. “But what surprised me the most is that not one person has mentioned what good parents we are because they’re wearing helmets,” she laughs. To view the charming video, visit our Facebook site: Cowboy Country Magazine or visit viralhog.com.
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE; ALAN BANDY/VIRALHOG
The Calgary Police Service Mounted Unit and a future recruit were on hand to support the Calgary Police Rodeo (and to show off their impeccable grooming and tack care.) All new horses in the Mounted Unit are named after historical Canadian battles. Police Service Horse (PSH) Ortona is the second horse to be named under this new tradition, following PSH Vimy who joined the unit in June 2016.
No matter where you are in the world, if it’s your turn to do chores while the rest of the ranch heads out to Red Deer for the city’s inaugural hosting of the 45th annual Canadian Finals Rodeo, you don’t have to miss a thing. In addition to being able to watch the top 12 competitors in each of the seven major rodeo events compete for $1.65 million and Canadian champion titles in Red Deer live on FloRodeo Oct 30 – Nov 4, 2018, FloRodeo subscribers will receive the comprehensive and entertaining CFR Souvenir Program, created and produced by Canadian Cowboy Country. The program includes all the pro rodeo highlights in Rodeo Year in Review; the CFR Qualifiers Rodeo Standings and Biographies, CFR Records, Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductees and CPRA’s Award-Winning Competitors and Rodeo Stock. The CFR is the pinnacle event of the Canadian professional rodeo season. The top 12 competitors in each of the seven major rodeo events will compete for $1.65 million. Since 2011, Canadian Cowboy Country magazine has created and published the official CFR Souvenir Program. The cost of FloRodeo is around $29.99 for one month or $12.50/ month US for one year. To join, visit florodeo.com.
EMPTY SADDLES –S
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is Canadian Cowboy?
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Sooke, B.C.
Shirley Hartman 1942–2018
PHOTOS BY BILL BORGWARDT; KRISTINE WICKHEIM; PHOTO COURTESY FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL;
Shirley Hartman was the main organizer for the Alberta’s Men & Women of Country Music, an annual country music concert held in the rural community of Hoadley, north of Rimbey. Shirley carried on the traditional concert started by the late Dianne Brandson. The fundraising concert has been held at the Hoadley Community Hall for the past decade.
The one-of-a-kind, ocean-side village of Sooke (found on the south side of Vancouver Island) has been a thriving Coast Salish settlement for centuries. This summer, the popular village hosted the worldfamous RCMP Musical Ride of scarlet-coated riders and 32 jet-black Canadian-bred horses to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, which supports pediatric cancer research and programs. The events were sold out, attracting international visitors as well as local dignitaries and kids, including Jack Lauzon and William McCutcheon, photographed with Staff Sergeant Maryse Quesnel and her 17hh mount, Warren. In 2018, Quesnel was placed in charge of the Musical Ride.
Children photograph ed with Staff Serg eant Maryse Que snel and her 17 hh mount, W arren.
You Did WHAT Sitting Sideways? The Calgary Stampede focused the international spotlight on the women of racing for three days, as the grandstand audience was treated to three, quarter mile races featuring women in historic outfits racing sidesaddle. To say the demonstration sport was popular is an understatement. The sidesaddle itself was invented some 700 years ago, and while its heyday was most notably in the 1800s Victorian England among the gentry, it has never completely disappeared. The art of racing in a sidesaddle has been a staple of the Millarville area. It has recently become a popular part of the Guy Weadick Days of High River, and now it has debuted at Calgary to rave reviews. While the spectacle is part fashion show, it’s all horsemanship with the added twist of maintaining balance while sitting sideways on a horse running flat out for a quarter mile. It’s the kind of race that requires good riders and good horses that can run, handle the difference in weight differential and, of course, the volume of thousands of screaming fans. Will sidesaddle racing be back next year? Judging from the crowd’s response — you bet, buckaroo.
cowboycountrymagazine.com
Sidesaddle racing took the crowds by storm
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IN THE CORRAL
From left, Buddy Bensmiller, Marlene Eddleman-McRae and John Scott
Pioneers of Rodeo Award 1983 and won the Calgary Stampede five times between 1984 and 1990. She twice won the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in 1983 and again in 1988. She was inducted into the National Cowgirls Hall of Fame in 1995 and won two Gold Medals competing at the Olympic Rodeo during the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. A third-generation Alberta rancher, John Scott’s contributions to the Calgary Stampede span over 60 years. He has helped all of the equine committees, including the Horseshoe, Parade, Stampede Royalty and both the Rodeo and the Chuckwagon committees. He has supplied as many as 200 horses, teams, wagons and equipment to the Calgary Stampede at any given time. Many of the Calgary Stampede special guests and dignitaries have ridden John’s trustworthy stock — not to mention he has contributed to seven Academy Award-winning movies — four of which were shot in Alberta.
More Fun at Farmfair!
Stock dog competition
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Farmfair is pulling out the stops once again to bring the working cowboys to the forefront, as well as showcasing a wealth of equally exciting equine events in the capitol city. Once again, the hotly contested Barrel Racing Futurity is back by popular demand. Farmfair is also hosting two horse sales — the premier Bloodstock Sale featuring some of the top bloodlines in the industry and the Ranch Horse Sale of top working horses. The Canadian National Team Roping Futurity is on again, for horses five years old and under, and on the opposite end of
the scale, the popular Heavy Horse Pull Competition is back. Add in the info-packed Horse Wellness Expo featuring equine health experts, the exciting stock dog competition and the fun-filled Rodeo’s Future Champions and it’s Farmfair fun at its finest. For the cowboy world, the pinnacle event is the three-day Heritage Ranch Rodeo that runs Nov 8–10 that will see the cowboys who ride for the brand of 16 working ranches from across Western Canada as they compete for top honours in the 14th Annual Heritage Ranch Rodeo. To find out more, visit Farmfair.ca
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY STEVE DUECK; FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL
The Calgary Stampede honoured a select few westerners for its prestigious Pioneers of Rodeo Awards. The class of 2018 included retired chuckwagon driver, Buddy Bensmiller, barrel racer, Marlene EddlemanMcRae, and active supporter, John Scott. One of the greatest careers the sport of chuckwagon racing has ever seen, Buddy Bensmiller is a two-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, a three-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Driver and a three-time Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winner. He was honoured with the WPCA’s George Normand Lifetime Builder’s Award in 2011 and ran his last race at the 100th Calgary Stampede in 2012. Buddy received the WPCA’s prestigious Chuckwagon Person of the Year Award in 2000, the Calgary Stampede’s Guy Weadick Award in 1994 and was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2009. Marlene Eddleman-McRae was the World Champion Barrel Racer in
WESTERN ART REVIEW | TERRI MASON PORCH READS
TCAA member Beau Compton of Tombstone, Ariz., created this canteen for the 2017 Cowboy Crossings. It is crafted from heavy gauge sterling silver, overlaid with tricoloured gold flowers, with a fully carved leather strap by master saddlemaker, Cary Schwartz, and a stand made by Wilson Capron. It sold for $23,700 U.S.
Cowboy Crossings Opening weekend Oct 4–6, on display until Nov 25. Featuring both the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association and the Cowboy Artists of America. American Indian Artists: In one of the most significant happenings 20th Century Masters to hit the world of fine art, the National Sep 1–May 12, 2019 Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum “There is much more to Indian hosts a kickoff event and sale for two art than pretty, stylized pictures.” — Lakota artist Oscar Howe. outstanding exhibitions. TCAA showNational Cowboy Hall of Fame, cases the best of saddlemaking, bit and Oklahoma City, OK spur making, silversmithing and rawnationalcowboymuseum.org hide braiding, while the CAA features art from two dozen members who celebrate the West through painting, drawing and sculpture. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the TCAA. National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City, OK nationalcowboymuseum.org
A Modern Guide to Knifemaking Blacksmith, survivalist, knife maker and now writer, Laura Zerra, has created A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, filled with her essential knifemaking tips and tricks, including step-by-step instructions for both forging and stock removal. So, what’s the one thing that stops us from doing this? A forge — few of us has a forge. Well, Laura solves that problem too by showing you how to create one — and it’s very doable! From design to sharpening your finished knife, A Modern Guide to Knifemaking covers every step in the knifemaking process. If you are interested in creating your own, this is a great book to get you started. A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, Step-by-Step Instruction for Forging Your Own Knife from Expert Bladesmiths, Including Making Your Own Handle, Sheath, and Sharpening by Laura Zerra. Paperback, 160 pages, Available through amazon.ca
UPCOMING GALLERY SHOWS Tombstone Art Gallery
PHOTOS COURTESY TCAA, QUARRY BOOKS
Oct 31 This gallery features an ever-changing display of original art, crafts and quilts. By the way, Hallowe’en is the 130th anniversary of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Daily shootouts. Tombstone Art Gallery, Tombstone, Ariz., tombstoneartgallery.com
Farmfair Western Art Gallery
…that his name be not forgotten
Nov 7–11
May–Feb 2019
The Western Art Gallery will feature artists and artisans demonstrating their original works, including two and three-dimensional designs, as well as handmade products.
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. The exhibition is in remembrance of the near 2,500 members who served during the Great War.
RAM Country Marketplace, Hall G, Edmonton EXPO Centre, Edmonton, Alta., farmfairinternational.com
RCMP Heritage Centre, 5907 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Sask., rcmphc.com
cowboycountrymagazine.com
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SPIRIT OF THE WEST | HUGH MCLENNAN
David in Hugh’s studio. The Griffith’s no longer own the apartment building, they were able to sell it and get out “by the skin of our teeth,” he said.
Sinister Side of Life
D
avid Griffith is one of the most spellbinding guests I’ve interviewed in quite a while. There was an instant connection when he and his wife, Pat, visited our place when they dropped in to discuss his award-winning series of novels, “The Border Series.” Growing up on the family ranch in Montana, one of David’s earliest memories was watching his dad saddle up and climb on a humpy colt on a frosty morning. Looking out from the kitchen window as the horse bogged his head and tore up the ground bucking across the yard, he witnessed his dad in full control, and in a matter of minutes had the colt lined out and loping out the gate. From that day on, young David decided he wanted to ride bucking horses. When he was six years old, the family moved to the Vanderhoof area of B.C., to take advantage of the “Ag-Lease” program. The family crossed the border with $500 and a load of machinery to start their homestead. David later attended Montana State University where he rode bulls, calf roped 14
and excelled at riding saddle broncs with the rodeo team. After getting his PRCA card, he spent a year travelling the circuit with Kenny McLean, a time that ranks among his fondest memories. As he eased out of his rodeo career, he continued developing the Vanderhoof ranch into a cow/calf operation. Life was good. That is, until 2003, when the U.S. border slammed shut to Canadian cattle, following the discovery of BSE in one cow — a move that had a devastating effect on Canada’s cattle industry. David had been starting colts for neighbours to keep the ranch going, and after doing some research, decided to buy an apartment building. “According to some late-night TV infomercials, that’s the key to wealth,” he said.
Cattle rancher and horse trainer Hugh McLennan and his wife, Billie, run their cattle in the beautiful rangeland outside of Kamloops, B.C. Hugh is the host of the multi-award-winning weekly radio program, Spirit of the West, heard across Canada and the U.S.
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO BY BILLIE MCLENNAN
The Border Series
The problem was, the apartment had more drugs and drug dealers than anything else. “I was just a naive rancher who became a landlord trying to deal with a huge problem I knew nothing about,” he said. That led to a lot of research that revealed alarming information: 80–90 per cent of the cocaine, crystal meth, and fentanyl brought into Western Canada comes from Mexican drug cartels. Motivated by a powerful desire to raise awareness of this devastating pipeline of destruction, David decided to tell the story in a series of novels, using real places from the Chilcotin to the Mexican border, and beyond. The plots are realistic, with believable accounts of rodeo and ranching, told with a vivid narrative that lets the reader know this could all be true. I just finished the first book in the series, Blackwater Crossing — a fast-paced thriller full of believable characters from the world of ranching, rodeo and life in the West. I sure recommend these books. To find out more, visit David’s website at davidgriffith.ca. C
S P E CIAL ADVE RTO RIAL
Summer’s Over. Time for Your Team to Get Back to Work For that planning conference or team-building program choose Drayton Valley Drayton Valley, often overlooked on the drive to Jasper and the Rockies, is an inspiring getaway only 90 minutes from downtown Edmonton. With much of the same natural beauty of its bigger brothers to the West, Drayton Valley/Brazeau County is a beautiful area to host your meetings away from the hustle and pressure of larger centres and tourism destinations—and the accommodations and services are more affordable, too. Slow down, and take the short drive to Drayton Valley, where the natural attractions and setting allow your meetings to be focused and relaxed. A selection of meeting facilities to accommodate groups from a dozen to hundreds.
cowboycountrymagazine.com
Excellent accommodations close to all areas and adjacent to outstanding valley scenery. A selection of fine eateries for your dining needs— breakfast, lunch and dinner. After the conference/meeting, hike/run or mountain bike the trails of Eagle Point/Blue Rapids Provincial Park. Many kilometers of well-maintained trails allow you to walk through Mother Nature’s palette of exploding fall colours that surround the landscape and wildlife in this natural setting, or… it can be all about you and relaxing.
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WHEEL TO WHEEL | BILLY MELVILLE
Calgary Aggregate he won with Neal Walgenbach back in 2010, Gervais was lacking in this area. “I didn’t want to be a Dan Marino,” says Gervais, “he had a great career but never won the big one.” Outriders are at the mercy of the driver’s success. This is where timing and circumstance can be an outrider’s best friend. For Gervais, despite his ability, he somehow lacked that steady ride of a top-four outfit. But midway through the 2017 season, he got an opportunity to ride steady for Kurt Bensmiller right at the start of Kurt’s “Grand Slam” season that Rory Gervais (he pronounces saw him win major events at his last name Jarvis) throwing Ponoka, Calgary and, ultimately, the stove for Doug Irvine at an the World Championship. As earlier Ponoka Stampede memorable as it was, Rory had his worst finish in the World Outriding Standings since joining the WPCA, placing fourth. “It was an incredible year,” explains Gervais, “to finally win big shows like Ponoka and Calgary, but there was still one buckle missing from my trophy case and that was a World Outriding Championship.” The 2018 season was almost a carbon copy of 2017, with Bensmiller being the dominant driver, but this time, Rory Gervais n most sports, becoming a world champion requires was able to cap the season off with a World Championship of his own. For Gervais, it dedication and sacrifice. Extraordinary talent and an iron was a big load off his back. will to win are contributing traits as well. For an outrider to “Just because you are expected to win it, doesn’t mean it’s going to work out,” says be the world champion, these traits are all contributing factors, Gervais. “There is only so much you can but two of the biggest contributors to an outrider’s success are do as an outrider. But I’m glad this year timing and circumstance. worked out.” If thoughts of retirement enter Rory Nobody knows this better than outrider of retirement and over to the WPCA, Rory Gervais’ mind anytime soon, he can find Rory Gervais. For the first nine years of his would have missed out on some of the most peace knowing he accomplished everything career, he honed and nurtured his skills as incredible years of his life. there was to accomplish as an outrider. But an outrider and horseman. Success came Over the next four years of his career, in for now, Rory Gervais is sitting on top of early for Gervais, who was twice the CPCA addition to outriding for Kelly Sutherland, the world. C High Point Outrider and was a Calgary Rory was able to pick up additional rides Stampede Aggregate Champion Outrider behind some prominent drivers and had Billy Melville is an author, noted historian and in his first four years in the saddle. But in won eight buckles in that time. He was gain- chuckwagon colour commentator on Rural Radio (SiriusXM Ch 147) and CBC Sports. He is the year five he suffered an injury, and thoughts ing the reputation as being one of — if not grandson of Orville Strandquist. of retirement crossed his mind. Had it not the best — outrider on the grounds. Despite been for the coaxing of chuckwagon legend, the reputation, to be the best you need to Kelly Sutherland, who lured Gervais out win the marquis events. Other than the
Outrider Rory Gervais Timing & Circumstance
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO BY CAROLE EASTON
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PHOTO COURTESY NATALLIA KAROL/ADOBE STOCK
REFLECTIONS | BRYN THIESSEN
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
Danger, Danger These words may conjure up images from the state of the world, situations you’ve found yourself in, or the thought that the elected politicians we have in power may get re-elected. All this is true, but their origin was from someone quite unique in my life. Let’s ride back into the rising sun and relive the moment. As I’ve mentioned previously, as of five years ago I became a grandfather (referred to as POPS) to Ella (who I call the Eller Beller or the Ella-funt). Being the first grandchild, and living just a couple of hours north, she receives a lot of time and attention. She was pretty wary of me for the first two years, which was fine. My only experience with diapers was my own (and may be again), so I was content to observe at a distance. As she grew older, she started to come with me in the truck to look at stock and practice her driving. One day, we were walking to the barn to turn some dogs loose and pen the sheep. When we got to the footbridge crossing, one of the tributaries that makes up the Helmer Creek, she stopped and waited to take my hand. This surprised me because she’d crossed it a lot in her short life, but it was when we got to the cattle guard on the road that she uttered that phrase, “danger, danger.” It was then I realized other influences in her life (names withheld to protect myself ) had taught her that. As I mentioned, my time with diapers was limited, but my experience with the young was not. I’d spent my formative years involved with people at Pioneer Camps and with livestock. I’d learned in teaching both kids and colts, to take them a little farther than they thought they could go. As they learned
to trust, they learned to try new things. With livestock and with people, its repetition and reward, observation and opportunities. What Ella had learned wasn’t wrong, but what I wanted her to learn was the difference between yellow (caution) and red (danger). Since that day, Ella and I have progressed to travelling horseback. We rode the other day with her decked out with boots, spurs and chinks that had belonged to her uncles when they were young, topped off with the hat I got married in. As we rode through a pasture, I stretched her abilities a little farther, taking her up and down some slopes and through some trees. She learned to lean forward or back and to move a branch away from her. In short; to see yellow and be aware, not red and see fear. If we look at some of the words of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel; “I send you out like sheep among wolves. So be cunning as snakes but as innocent as doves.” Matthew10:28-32. Be aware, but don’t see red when you see those that can only harm your body, not your soul. The glaring red is with the one who can destroy both your body and your soul for all eternity. A sparrow has no monetary value, but not even they can’t hit the ground without God knowing about it. Just imagine if He cares for them, how much more He cares for you. (My words.) To tie it up, my job is to give my grandchildren, like their parents before them, roots and wings. Roots to give them nourishment, and wings to send them on. Jesus does that for us and leaves us this promise: “Behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of time.” Matthew 28:20. c
Bryn Thiessen is a rancher, poet, cowboy and preacher at Cowboy Trail Church in Cochrane. Bryn and his wife Bonny market grass-fattened beef from their Helmer Creek Ranch southwest of Sundre, Alta.
cowboycountrymagazine.com
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TRAILBLAZERS
PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST
Arnold Friberg Recruiting Imagery
T
///
o our American neighbours, Arnold Friberg is best known for his painting, The Prayer at Valley Forge — the haunting image of Washington praying in the bitter cold and snow during the Revolutionary War. To Canadians, he is the man that made the Royal Canadian Mounted Police the sexiest police force in the world.
Friberg was the painter of presidents and royalty, and he was famous for striking realism and historically correct imagery. He is considered one of the greatest master painters of modern times, but to him, his audience was “the guy down the street.” The son of Scandinavian immigrants, Friberg was born Dec 21, 1913 in Winnetka, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Soon his family moved to Arizona, and his interest in art blossomed. He took art by correspondence and after graduating, enrolled at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, working in the commercial art field for several years. Enter in the Northwest Paper Company of Minnesota. During the Depression the company was struggling, and they sought an advertising theme that would establish its product as strong, dependable, and consistently able to do the job well. The RCMP (the name was changed from North West Mounted Police in 1920) was already world-famous for these qualities, so by 1937, Friberg began painting classic RCMP officers for the company’s ad campaign. Not surprisingly, the illustrations of the RCMP in their red serge uniforms were an instant advertising success. Sales — and the prestige of the force — skyrocketed. Ironically, for over 50 years, the famed Canadian RCMP served as the symbol for the American printing paper company.
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In 1940, Friberg moved to New York City. While there, he enrolled in the Grand Central School of Art, where he studied alongside Norman Rockwell. With the outbreak of World War II, Friberg left art school and joined the U.S. Army, serving in the 86th Infantry Division. He was assigned to G-2 Division, the intelligence section associated with spy missions and high adventure. Friberg spent the war scouting and map-making. After the end of the war, he set up shop in San Francisco, married Hedve Baxter and by 1948 was a success with his Western paintings for the Louis F. Dow Calendar Company. By 1950, Hedve’s doctor recommended they move to a drier climate, so the young Mormon couple moved to Utah. It was here that Friberg was asked to commemorate a centennial event by creating a painting of the first Sunday school taught by a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Friberg was next commissioned to create 12 paintings depicting the Book of Mormon for a magazine called The Children's Friend. Shortly after, the Church chose to put all of Friberg’s paintings in the Book of Mormon. These stunningly beautiful images caught the eye of film director, Cecil B. DeMille, who was searching for an artist to create previsualization paintings (storyboards) of his epic motion picture, The Ten Commandments. Starting in 1953, Friberg spent three years in Hollywood as DeMille's chief artist and designer. Friberg's paintings included costume design for the main characters, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. Meanwhile, Friberg steadfastly maintained his art connection to Northwest Paper Company and was one of their most prolific contributors. Over some 40 years, he sold the company paintings or reproduction rights on 208 RCMP subjects. Years later, the value and importance of their large art collection saw Northwest (a division of Potlatch) select the Tweed Museum of Art, in Duluth, Minn., as curator and repository. Thanks to his much-lauded work in portraying the Mounties and for his contributions to the RCMP Centennial, Friberg was their guest as Queen Elizabeth II was being presented with a new horse. The presentation was in 1973 during the Mounties’ 100th year, hence the horse was named Centenial with one “n” deliberately dropped. The black gelding became a favourite of HRH The Prince of Wales, and in 1978, Friberg was commissioned to do an almost
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLLECTION TWEED MUSEUM OF ART, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH; GIFT OF POTLATCH CORPORATION
By TERRI MASON
Mountie and Native Leader (pointing direction), 1952; Arnold Friberg (American, 1913–2010); Oil on canvas; 81"x43"
life-size portrait of Prince Charles with Centenial at Buckingham Palace. Later in 1990, Friberg and his wife were invited back to spend another six weeks painting an equestrian portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the same mount. Later, during the RCMP's 125th Anniversary in 1998, Friberg created some artwork for “E” Division Mess (Mess is a military term and is usually where regimental officers dine.) In recognition, Friberg was made an honourary member of the “E” Division Mess, the only American to receive an honourary mess membership.
cowboycountrymagazine.com
Throughout his career, Friberg painted railroads and wagon trains, mountain men and miners, Native Americans and religious figures, the U.S. Cavalry and the RCMP, canoes and sailing ships, wildlife and hundreds of horses. With his paintbrush, he symbolized a nation in its most desperate time at Valley Forge and defined a nation in its finest hour with his idealized portraiture of Canada’s greatest symbol — the red-serge-clad, larger-than-life RCMP member. At 96, Friberg died on July 1, 2010. He is buried in Salt Lake City. c
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Emil » Blue and white paisley wild rag; George Strait red mini print shirt by Wrangler Guy » Antique blue authentic cowboy cut work shirt by Wrangler Brittney » Chic rustic red hat by Bailey; Rose gold feather earrings by Montana Silversmiths; Multi print peasant blouse by Roper; Southwest cuff by Montana Silversmiths; Rose gold feather cuff by Montana Silversmiths; Tan fringe clutch by STS Ranchwear; Crochet fringe vest by Wrangler Shelly » Lace front tunic by Roper; Turquoise feather cuff by Cowgirl Confetti
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Silver Buckle Lineage Chomistek Family IS Rodeo By TERRI MASON Styled by JENNA MACMILLAN Photography by NICOLE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY Clothing courtesy LAMMLE’S WESTERN WEAR & TACK AND C5 RODEO Some accessories courtesy PRAIRIE ROSE CUSTOM LEATHER AND BEADWORK, MONTANA SILVERSMITHS, LAMMLE’S WESTERN WEAR
W
e were so excited planning this fall fashion shoot! It was a given we wanted to include the whole family. What an opportunity — to showcase so many members of one family so closely associated to so many different aspects of professional Canadian rodeo. The patriarch is Emil Chomistek. In the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame there is the horse he tried repeatedly to train, then sold her to the late Harry Vold. The mare’s name was JH Necklace, a World Champion Bareback horse inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. Today, Emil has two Gold Rodeo Cards. Dad is Guy Chomistek. In 1984 he was hitting the rodeo trail hard, and he was awarded for his efforts by being named Permit Award Winner. Today, he’s a fiercely competitive roper. Mom is Shelley Chomistek. You will remember her best as 1986 Miss Rodeo Canada Shelley Sodero. Shelley is still active in the rodeo world and involved with the Miss Rodeo Canada Alumni. The daughter and granddaughter who is carrying on the family tradition is 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada Brittney Chomistek. She has toured extensively as Canadian rodeo’s most active ambassador; meeting, greeting, riding and carrying the Canadian flag in countless arenas in front of thousands of people. Each of these folks will go down in the pro rodeo record books — and we might never see so many unique ties to pro rodeo in one family again. c 23
Shelly Âť Red paisley wild rag with copper paisley barrel slide; Medium denim snap shirt by Wrangler; Southwestern-inspired fashion belt by Angel Ranch; Jeans by Wrangler Brittney Âť Hat by Smithbilt; Thin strap tank with bead and sequin bodice by Roper; Faux suede fringe jacket by Stetson; Jeans by Wrangler
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Family and rope horse Cash Shelly » Floral draped shirt with crossover front and 3/4 sleeve by Wrangler; Jeans by Wrangler Emil » Red and black silk wild rag; Grey and red antique paisley print shirt by Stetson Guy » 20X Competition blue & white print shirt by Wrangler Brittney » Hat by Smithbilt; Cactus print dress by Roper
Brittney by trailer Make Up Face bareback horse T-shirt by C5 Rodeo; Jeans by Wrangler
Brittney on Cash Silver double concho necklace by Cindy Smith; Light wash denim jacket by Wrangler
Brittney’s Dog, Bodacious Hand tooled and painted floral, feather and arrow dog collar by Prairie Rose Designs Brittney is wearing Southwest-inspired turquoise and red hand beaded and buckstitched cuff by Prairie Rose Designs
On the cover Standing alongside her dad’s rope horse, Roman, Brittney is wearing her custom cowboy hat by Smithbilt, White Star diamond jewelry set and cuff bracelets by Montana Silversmiths, Silver double concho necklace by Cindy Smith; Paisley tank top by Roper, Triangle concho belt by 3D Belt Co., Jeans by Wrangler
cowboycountrymagazine.com
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Copper concho necklace by Cindy Smith; Blue, orange and white plaid shirt by Roper; Boho maxi skirt with crochet inset by Wrangler
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RANCHER’S SPECIAL
What Works For Us Fitting & Showing Cattle By TERRI MASON
I
phoned a couple of ranches who are also well-respected in the showing world to ask; how do you get your livestock ready to show? They were willing to share what works for them, but the one thing they wouldn’t discuss was how many awards they have won showing cattle. Not surprisingly, they don’t want to appear like they are “bragging” and in all cases, the reply was; “Just say I’ve been fortunate.” Trust me — these outfits have won countless awards, and it’s not because of modern facilities, it’s because of old-fashioned hard work.
PICK THE ONE YOU WANT TO SHOW KURTIS REID
PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK/INK DROP
When picking our show cattle, every now and then you have one born that has that ‘look’ — and always exceeds expectations. That is in the ideal world — what we are trying to take out there and show. Now, showing in the cattle business is not a money-making business; we’re not showing cattle because it drastically increases value. In my family’s operation, we show cattle because it’s a major, mass-marketing opportunity for us. We have lots of interactions and camaraderie with people; the fun, excitement, competitiveness of showing comes into it, too. When picking prospects out of our herd, we’re always looking to elevate our genetics; to take our best bull calf that showcases where we are taking our herd. We want to take the best-bred heifer or heifer calf that we feel is a strong representation of what we’re trying to make as an ideal. When we’re picking out a prospect to go into our show string, we’re always looking for that complete, overall calf. One that balances and is structurally sound that we project to have the performance and capability to remain a top-end animal throughout its life cycle. Pedigree-wise, I think that comes into play cowboycountrymagazine.com
because pedigree helps us dictate predictability. Your greatest teacher is always history. We want a female that is feminine about her head; has some extension to her neck that comes back smooth into her shoulder; and then from there opens up with some boldness through her ribs. When you get in behind her, she has some definite width to her top, some muscle — and when we set her in motion, she is sound structurally. We compete in a bull market against some exotic breeds, so we like our cattle to have some extra size; some extension in their skeleton and to have that little extra muscle shape that also converts to pounds for our commercial bull buyers, or people coming and buying females from us to put in their herd. Because we have a small show herd and we’re around them a lot, we tend to tie them up post-weaning. We’re getting them ready for the fall; we’ll show at Agribition — that’ll be our highlight show. We’ll have three of our cattle and be showing six for clients. Everybody trains cattle differently. We take a relaxed approach, and we’re very fortunate to do that because Hereford’s have such excellent docility. We’re never trying to break the will of a calf to go into a show ring, we’re trying to earn their trust. So, we’ll tie them up several times over a couple days 27
RANCHER’S SPECIAL me that they don’t have the facilities, I just shrug. I don’t either. We put the kids to bed, and I go out, bring the cattle to the barn and work on them. We spend a lot of time getting hair prepared. Good hair is essential to those top-quality show stock. I’m not saying our cattle are more top quality than anyone else’s — I just don’t want to look back on it and say, ‘I could have done more work to get closer to where some of the champions are." Growing up, we didn’t have the very best cattle out there, and in conformation we were maybe in the middle to the bottom, but when it came to showmanship and grooming, we sure tried our best to kick everyone’s behind. If you’re not going to
win in conformation, that doesn’t mean you can’t out-compete in other classes. Showing isn’t just about showing up, getting them ready and putting them through the ring. Showing is months in advance; pre-selecting, talking about our plans, implementing our plans — and we’re 2–3 months away from show time. It’s really easy to take a champion and make him third-place quality, but it takes a lot of work to take one in third place and try to make it a champion. Right now, I’m also getting calves ready for our own private treaty bid-off sale that we host in Oct., and we’ll have 9–10 head at Agribition.”
The Cliffs Farm Canada's oldest registered Hereford breeders (1889)
Hereford and Commercial cattle
Kurtis and Selene Reid; their children, David, Kathy and Carlyle
thecliffsfarm.com
Hepburn, Sask. (north of Saskatoon)
The Cliffs Farm Hereford bull, TCF JVJ11X The Goods 305A
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO COURTESY THE CLIFFS FARM
but for shorter amounts of time. We’ll talk to them, scratch them, brush them — and soon we’ll move them into our barn for an overnight stay. We’ll lead them back and forth to the water bowl, feed them grain and hay in the barn, and over a weekend they get used to it. We tend to show lots of yearling and two-year-old bulls. It’s more about the trust and breaking down the flight zone around them. We want the cattle used to being handled and to walk with us, not be pulled along. Working in the feed industry, I get to see a lot of show cattle. Some good advice might be: when selecting show cattle, you always want to pick the one that YOU want to show. Showing cattle is a lot of time and effort, and I don’t really accept anyone telling me, “I just didn’t have time.” If you come to our place, we don’t have anything fancy like an outdoor wash rack or heated barn. When it gets cold we can’t even wash them until we get to Agribition. When someone tells
WINNING BEGINS AT HOME
Flewelling Cattle Co FCC48Y Natasha 11C — Grand Champion Female, 2017 Farmfair
CURTIS FLEWELLING
PHOTO COURTESY FLEWELLING CATTLE CO
Our family showing cattle started with my Dad, Craig, in the ’60s. He didn’t grow up on a purebred cattle operation, but he ended up getting involved through beef 4-H, and he really took a liking to it. He got involved with helping people prep their cattle for shows, clipping and cattle presentation, and then he was hired to manage a purebred polled Hereford operation near Bowden. Showing cattle was always a big part. I was also involved in 4-H, plus the Hereford breed has a very active Junior Hereford Assoc. We have a national show that moves around the country, and I learned lots showing there. It gave me the chance to improve because just like 4-H, they discourage parent involvement — it’s up to the kids to do the work. I had many mentors, so I was fortunate. I showed my first heifer when I was five, and I haven’t looked back since. How we choose which animal we’re going to show comes down to the type of cattle we like to promote — which cattle we have that demonstrate those abilities and which cattle we’re trying to market. If we’re marketing bulls, we’ll try to show bull calves and bigger bulls. We show the best ones in cowboycountrymagazine.com
our eyes, and the ones we feel will be the most competitive in the eyes of the judge. The traits we look for are structural soundness, thickness, eye appeal — things like that. The end game for our cattle is we are trying to breed animals that are efficient, profitable, grow quickly and produce the type of carcasses that the marketplace needs. Some of the shows we go to include Farmfair in Edmonton, Olds Fall Classic in Olds, we have shown at Agribition in Regina and we exhibited cattle at The Royal in Toronto and the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. In regard to training, first and foremost — our cattle see us lots, so they’re not scared of people to start with. We’ll start halter breaking around Aug 1, we bring all of our calves in, tie them up for three or four days in a row, and then what we find is, from that point they are halter broken and able to stand tied to the fence — they’re pretty relaxed. We’ll comb through them lots, use the blower on them and by the end of August we are starting to zero in on the ones we’re going to show in the fall. In Sept and Oct is when the work really picks up on those cattle. We don’t have a lot of cattle, but we’ll get seven to ten head ready to show.
Flewelling Cattle Co. Curtis, Erin, Nathan and Avery Flewelling Craig and Doreen Flewelling Bowden, Alta. Purebred Polled Hereford flewellingcattleco.com
The best advice I can give is this: ninety per cent of the work happens at home with the training and grooming. If you’ve done all that work at home, then the grooming at the show is just the icing on the cake. But if you try to do it all with clipping and spray glue at the show, it doesn’t work. If a person wants to get started showing cattle, they are more than welcome to talk to us. The way to keep a breed going is to get new blood involved. If a person is really keen, we’ve got all the time in the world to speak with them and help to get them going so they’re successful, too. We help new people — not because we might sell them cattle — but because the more people involved, the better it is overall for the breed.” c 29
Real Gifts
’s Editor
s k c i for Ranchers & Cowboys P
By TERRI MASON
At first glance, these may not seem to be the most “Christmas-y” of gifts, but they will make you and your loved one’s life a little easier — and what could be more loving than that?
Gallagher G50900 SmartFix Fence Tester
Shoe-In Overshoes
Magnetic Wristband
Great invention; no need to take off your wet or muddy boots if you’re just popping into the kitchen to warm milk for the calf or getting meds from the fridge — slip your boots in these!
Whether it’s screws, nails or fencing staples, this magnetic wristband will free up hands — and it’s a lot more convenient, safer, and cleaner than holding any of these things with your teeth! I found this at Lee Valley. leevalley.com
Volt meter, current meter and short finder in one. This tool will save hours finding the short in the electric fence line! Retractable voltage probe for reading voltage in hard-to-reach places; large arrows point to direction of short. There are a variety of manufacturers on the market, but I’ve used the Gallagher brand for years.
Motion-Triggered Wildlife Camera
Leatherman Multi-Tool If you are alive, you need a Leatherman. This is the McGyver of tools — the 007 of handy and truly a “must-have” on the ranch. It’s tempting to get the “biggest,” but weight on the belt becomes a factor. Go right to Leatherman and the website will guide you to the perfect tool for your needs. leatherman.ca
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Slip-On Ice Crampons If you ranch anywhere within range of a Chinook, you need these! We all know someone who broke a bone slipping on the ice, and with these, navigating an icy yard wearing a set of slip-on ice crampons is an absolute lifesaver. They’re common in stores nowadays, but I found some great deals on Amazon Canada.
We’ll call it a wildlife camera, but install it anywhere you want. Use this to monitor cattle behaviour, foaling mares or use to identify predators (and trespassers). Now you can get this Bushnell Trophy Cam HD with its own sim card, and you can set it to send you photos at programmed intervals, allowing you to remotely monitor the home place from your phone! I found this on Amazon.ca
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
WeatherBeeta ComfiTec Essential Heavy Hi Neck Blankets Feature a 1200D Ripstop outer shell that is both waterproof and breathable with a 360g polyfill. With adjustable buckle front closure and removable web leg straps, this WeatherBeeta High Neck blanket offers classic style at a great price.
was
now
$22995
$12999
High Neck Blanket, Style 711005
BRONZES BY It is not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.
McDougall cohoe
Peace of Mind
Specializing in Rodeo, Ranch & Humourous Fine Artworks! Now showing at our new gallery in Senlac, Saskatchewan Open Sundays from 1 – 5 pm See us at CFR in Red Deer October 30 - November 4, 2018 Follow Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery cowboycountrymagazine.com
Contact
Jean Minchau: 403.653.4769 bronzesbygina@gmail.com
www.bronzesbygina.com 31
COWBOY WAY
PART 6 OF SIX
HORSE TRAINING
Starting Your Next Great Horse Part 6: The Essential Drills By J.P. FORGET
N
ow that our colt is comfortable and relaxed at the walk, trot and lope, we are ready to build into him the responses fundamental to his future as a performance, rodeo, or ranch horse. These responses are established through six essential drills designed to give the rider the body control necessary to developing the specific maneuvers the horse will need to perform his work later on. All horses should be proficient at each of these drills. The drills are: roundness, crossovers, shoulder-up, back-up-and-turn, leg-yield, and neck-reining on the circle and straight lines.
correctly to both your right and left individually, then you can ask for roundness using both legs at once, and the horse will respond with complete roundness. I do not believe in any sort of “tying the head to the saddle” or running the reins between the front legs, or see-sawing, or using draw reins or martingales, or any of these methods to create roundness. These approaches only build dependency in the horse and never fully engage his hindquarters, putting too much emphasis on the head and neck and not driving the hindquarters underneath for proper balance.
Roundness
Crossovers
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lifting his back and his shoulder, he lowers his neck and gives to my hands. This is the beginning of roundness response. By asking for roundness with your inside leg only, you are making it as simple as possible for the horse to learn the proper response. Once he has learned to give
The purpose of this drill is to develop the horse’s response to the neck rein and outside leg by moving his shoulders into the direction of desired travel. Since control of the direction of travel comes from controlling the shoulders, it is
PHOTOS BY TARA MCKENZIE
Roundness is when a horse gives to the touch of the hands and pressure from the legs by lifting his back, softening his neck and poll, and travelling with his hind feet deeper under his body every stride, thereby carrying a larger portion of his weight over his hindquarters or hind feet. It is a necessary response to the rider’s hands and legs if a horse is to perform to the best of his abilities. Roundness training ensures that the horse will fold his body and get on his hocks and be better prepared to stop and turn at the rider’s request, any time, at any speed. We have already initiated roundness training when we first did the bridling drills detailed in Part Four of the series, including the driving with long lines. To further develop roundness at this stage of training, I jog the horse, make contact on his mouth with both hands, and press the inside leg, pushing the horse’s rib cage and shoulder up and away from my leg. As the horse learns to give to my leg by
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
OPPOSITE PAGE: The purpose of roundness training is always not to get the horse to carry his head and neck low and flexed at all times, but rather to condition the horse to give to the hands and the legs every time the rider makes contact and cues the horse. In this response, the horse can be helped into an athletic body position and perform to the best of his ability. THIS PAGE: In the crossovers, be sure to keep the horse’s neck straight. This emphasizes the need to respond by moving the shoulders into the turn.
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COWBOY WAY
important that the rider be able to direct the horse’s shoulders using one hand and the neck rein. After all, a finished western horse is a horse that can be directed with one hand. To work on the crossovers, trot or jog the horse in a circle of a size he is comfortable travelling. Draw your outside hand to your outside hip. Open your inside hand wide and away from the horse. Apply the touch of the outside leg or spur at the front cinch. By applying pressure with both hands and the outside leg, the horse should move his shoulders in the direction of the turn. When you feel a slight response, release the pressure of both hands and leg. It is important to keep the horse’s neck straight to emphasize moving the shoulders. This is not a drill on bending. This is a drill on moving the shoulders away from the outside rein and outside leg. If you allow the horse to bend, you are taking the emphasis away from this response.
In the Shoulder-up drill, reward the horse by lowering the hand when he bends and flexes at the withers and at the poll
Shoulder-Up The purpose of the Shoulder-up drill is to train the horse to bend to inside rein contact on his mouth, without dropping the shoulders and rib cage into the turn. A horse that drops the shoulders into the turn has a hard time performing to the best of his ability because this fault keeps him from being able to engage his inside hind leg and balancing himself for a sharp turn. To develop the shoulder-up drill and prevent this mistake, trot the horse in a circle of comfortable size. Lift your inside hand straight up towards the sky, and make contact with his mouth. Keep a loose outside rein, and use the both legs only as much as you need to keep the horse at the trot. Your goal is to have the horse bend and drop his neck and head while maintaining the same size circle. If the horse tries to travel into a smaller circle as you pick your hand up and make contact, then you know he is dropping the shoulder. A horse that responds properly to the Shoulder up drill will bend and drop his neck while maintaining the same size circle. Be sure to develop both the left and the right side.
Back-Up-And-Turn The purpose of the back-up-and-turn drill is to train the horse to shift his weight over his hocks and move his shoulders into a turn, away from the outside rein and outside leg. 34
In most applications, a western horse needs to shift his weight over his hocks to turn effectively and perform properly. This drill establishes this response. To develop the back-up-and-turn drill, draw your outside hand to your outside hip. Open your inside hand wide. Pull with both hands asking the horse to bend in the direction of the turn and back up one step. Once the horse has backed up one step, apply pressure at the cinch with the outside spur — notice “apply pressure,” not “kick.” When you feel the horse initiate a step into the direction of the bend, release the pressure from the hands and the spur/leg. Repeat several times every ride until the horse gives you several turning steps on his
own, on a loose rein, and staying over his hocks, every time you ask for the initial step.
Leg Yield After we have developed all the previous drills to a proficient level, our colt is ready for the leg yield. The leg yield combines the responses learned in each of the other drills. It further develops roundness, response to the hands and legs. The leg yield is one of the basic body control exercises, which opens the door for better performance at turning, lead departures, flying lead changes and all other more advanced body control drills. To develop the leg yield, make steady contact with both hands, and apply pressure with your inside leg. When you feel the horse’s hindquarters move laterally to
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
TOP: In the Back-upAnd-Turn drill, release the pressure from the hands and the outside leg just as soon as the horse begins to take a step into the turn
the outside of the circle, release the pressure from both hands and leg. Trot or jog a few strides of circle and then repeat. Be sure the horse is moving the hindquarters out of the circle rather than simply dropping the shoulders to the outside. To prevent the shoulders from dropping to the outside and ensure the horse moves the hindquarters, bring both hands towards the inside of the circle — in other words, away from the direction of the leg yield. Simply put, your inside leg pushes the hindquarters out of the circle while your hands bring the shoulders into the circle. Release to reward the horse when he flexes at the poll and withers, gives to your hands and moves his hindquarters out of the circle.
INSET: While executing a leg yield, the horse travel forward at the trot and crosses his inside hind leg in front of the outside one as he moves his hindquarters to the outside of the circle
Neck Reining Neck reining is critical to the western performance horse. Even in such events as barrel racing and cattle penning, where one is allowed to ride with both hands, neck reining is an important way of bringing the horse’s shoulders into the turn. Developing neck rein response started when you began working the horse on crossovers, as described above. We then go on turning the horse as we did in the crossover drill every time we need to turn, whether it be at the walk, trot or lope. Loping circles for instance, open the inside hand, draw the outside hand to your outside hip just to the outside of the horn, and apply pressure with the outside leg/spur at the front cinch. Be sure to keep the horse’s neck straight by regulating how much pressure you put on each rein. Release the pressure to reward the horse as soon as you feel the shoulders move over slightly. Keeping the horse’s neck straight is important. This is how you ensure the horse learns to move his shoulders away from the reins and the outside leg, rather than bending into the turn and pushing his shoulders out of the circle. Follow this method, and in no time at all you will have a horse that neck reins and responds to one hand guiding at the trot, walk and lope.
end result. Be sure you work on every drill to the finish, and reject the temptation to skip a step along the way in order to save time. Each drill is designed to save training time down the road and to make sure your horse develops into your next great horse.
BOTTOM: As a result of neck rein training, the horse can be ridden one handed at the lope on the circle
Special thanks to: Forever Pine Quarter Horses, Foreverpine.com, for the use of the filly in the first four articles; Eileen Willoughby for the use of the gelding in Parts Five and Six; Spur West Event Center, spurwest.com, for the use of their facilities. All photographs by Tara McKenzie — taramckenziefotos.com. c
Summary Every part of this program builds on to the previous part. Every part is essential to the cowboycountrymagazine.com
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lest we forget
Bob Carry The Squarest Shooter That Ever Lived By BERT SHEPPARD | Condensed by TERRI MASON
B
Bob was born on a farm at Morden, Man., in 1894. Two years later his father died, and in1903, his mother came to Alberta bringing her five children; Lilly, Slim, Bob, Jim and Minnie. Mrs. Carry took up a homestead about 25 miles east of Nanton. It was necessary for some of the children to get out and shift for themselves at an early age, so in the spring of 1908, Bob, at 14, was herding horses for ranchers Oldenburg and Charlie Dawson down the Little Bow River. Due to homesteaders fencing up the range, Dawson decided to move to Manyberries. In the spring of 1909 he pointed his trail herd east. To quote from Bob’s memoirs: “I sure put in the hours. Being the kid of the Outfit, I was kept going a little more than the rest of the gang. If I came in early or late for grub, I was met at the door by the cook with two big water buckets. I believe that was what made me bow-legged — packing water for that cook. “Part of my job was to jingle the horses in the morning and have them in before daylight. The foreman, Dave Wilson, used to catch a horse every day for me to use the next morning. It just seemed he would just catch anything that was handy, and most of the time I never got a look at the horse till I pulled my saddle off after corralling the ponies. They were always gentle until one morning that fall when it was cold and pitch 36
dark, I had a quite a time to get my rope on the horse that was there for me. If he had not snorted I never would have got him. I had to throw at the noise. “He had an awful hump in his back, but I finally got my saddle on him. He acted so snakey that I got on him in the corral with the gate shut. That is, I started to get on him, but just found a hard spot in the corral, I think I went right over him. He bucked me off five times and the next time just walked off like an old horse. Just sick of it, I guess. Anyway, when I brought the horses in the foreman asked how the horse went. I told him he went fine. He said, ‘don’t turn him loose, I believe I’ll ride him myself today.’ When we came out after breakfast he threw his saddle on him and climbed up and came down again, bucked off right on his head. It sure did me good, and the boys kidded him about getting bucked off the kid’s jingle horse.” The New Year found Carry working on a small outfit at Eight Mile Lake north of Coaldale. The following spring, he broke horses and that fall he and George Campbell trailed a bunch of their horses to the Athabasca River, 125 miles north-west of Edmonton, where they spent the winter trapping. Riding back south in the spring, he broke a few horses around Aldersyde and then went to work for Specky Anderson at Millarville. Pat Burns, who had purchased the Quirk Ranch near High River in 1910, bought the Specky Anderson cattle Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO COURTESY GLENBOW ARCHIVES PA 1599-477-30
ob Carry was described as a man of sterling qualities, a “Cowboy” in the true sense of the word — a working cowboy, who throughout his life exemplified “mind over matter” to the very highest degree, and the squarest shooter that ever lived.
Bob Carry, the first chief rider of the association, riding his Appaloosa at the South Sheep Creek Livestock Association round-up, near Turner Valley, Alta., Dec. 1956
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RIGHT: In 1926, WWI veteran Bob Carry was asked to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, located at Old City Hall, Toronto, Ont., a decade after losing his left leg at the Somme. Carry and a troupe of cowboys were in the city staging the Toronto Stampede.
in the spring of 1913. Bob went along with the cattle and worked for Jack Dempsey, who was running the outfit. Bob stayed with Dempsey till the fall of 1915, when he enlisted with the 89th Battalion in Calgary and spent the winter training as a member of the “Nonpareils.” The next spring, Albert Nimmons staged the Veterans Stampede in Calgary as a benefit. Held on Good Friday in 1916, Bob Carry won first place money on a bronc called Boxer. During the latter part of May, the Battalion left for England. After leaving Salisbury Plain as a member of the 31st, Bob took part in the Battle of the Somme. He was seriously wounded the first time ‘Over the Top’ [out of the trenches] when he was hit above the knee on his left leg by the nose cap of a big shell. Making a tourniquet out of his puttee twisted up with his bayonet, he stopped the bleeding — and then cut off his shattered leg with his knife. Bob remained conscious for 25 hours until he was picked up, and he then passed out. After three days in France, he was moved to a hospital in England. Gangrene had set in, and he had 17 amputations before the gangrene was stopped, leaving him with barely four inches of bone from the hip joint. While convalescing in the hospital, Bob figured out how he could ride with his artificial leg. He arrived back in Calgary in September of 1917. To quote again from Bob’s memoirs: “The day after I got home, Dempsey held my ol’ top horse, Rags, until I got up, and I sure had one hell of a time getting there. The old horse seemed to know that I was not much good anymore, for he stood like a rock, and that was something he had never done before. 38
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO COURTESY GLENBOW ARCHIVES NA 5553-6, NA 5564-22
TOP: Bob Carry, 31st Battalion, 1914–1918
It was not long before I could get along pretty well with a horse again. I rode for Dempsey till the spring of 1919 when I started to work for the Sheep Creek Stock Association, running their cattle on the Forest Reserve. I had homesteaded in 1912 right against the Reserve, so I stayed home and worked for the Association for 10 years. I worked into a little bunch of horses and cattle of my own and used to break a few horses for myself.” Buck George, who worked for Bob, said he was a horse-lover and a real horseman who liked to ride big horses, ones that were good walkers. On the Association horse round-ups, he was always well-mounted, and few could follow him. He had a wonderful sense of rating his horse to get the most out of him. Riding through the poplars at breakneck speed, he saved his good leg as much as possible and let his wooden leg, resting in the hobbled stirrup, hit the trees. The hair on his chaps was worn off more on the left leg. After a day’s ride, his underwear would be soaked with blood where the socket of his artificial leg had gouged into the remnants of his thigh, but he never complained. To brand his colts, he would rope a colt by the neck, take a wrap on a corral rail, work his way up to the colt, grab it around the neck, drop his rope and dog it down. He would then take the rope off the colt’s neck and hog-tie it. Pat Nichols recollects him buying two carloads of cows in the Calgary yards. Approaching Carry’s place, he saw something going on in the corral. He stayed back and watched Bob neck a cow, back his horse into a corner, mount a second horse, heel the cow, stretch her out, and then dismount and dehorn her. It was getting toward noon, and most of the cows had been worked over that morning. On one of the occasions when he wrecked his wooden leg, Bob was a little late for a friend’s wedding. That was due to the fact he had to whittle out a new foot before he could leave home. In 1926, Bob and Pat Nicols formed a partnership to run the Black Diamond Stampede, which carried on for 20 years. The summers of 1926 and 1927 he was hired by Peter Welsh, who ran the Alberta Stampede Company, to act as one of the judges. He then started judging the bucking horse riding at the Calgary Stampede in 1929, and continued to for nearly 20 years. Sheppard was told, “No fairer judge ever marked a card.” In 1940 Bob married Eileen Thom, and they had two daughters. In 1941, he was elected Councillor to the Municipality of Stockland and became a Councillor in the M.D. of Turner Valley when the two were amalgamated in 1944. He served the Foothills District in like capacity for about 10 years, until his retirement. Quoting from his memoirs: “While at the Quirk Ranch I believe was the best part of my life, everything seemed to go so smoothly. Lots of work but a good bunch to work with and lots of fun branding and weaning calves, always some snakey cow to put the bunch on foot on the fence. Good horses to ride and lots of them, and enough colts to break to keep a man in practice.” Bob Carry, after living a full and useful life, passed away June 15, 1966. He was buried at Millarville by a host of cowboys congregated to pay their respects to one who served his country well and a man they all believed to be “the squarest shooter that ever lived.” Rags, his ol’ top horse of World War I days, lived to be 33 years old. c
INTERESTING PLACES
PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN LOVIG
By TERRI MASON
Most buildings on Brian Lovig's 11-acre Pioneer Town have a wood-burning stove
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INTERESTING PLACES
RIGHT: The obligatory Boot Hill — complete with a tombstone for “John Dough” BELOW: The two-storey cigar lounge and saloon
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY BRIAN LOVIG
hat do you do when you are rich, creative and a self-described radical? Build a town where no one lives. Pioneer Town is the brainchild of Brian Lovig, who transformed his 11 acres near Kelowna, B.C., into his western paradise. It is also a retreat for rightwing sessions, meetings and seminars. And make no mistake — it is private. It’s not open or even visible to the public. “If anyone sees it, I plant another tree,” he says. One carpenter did all the work. There are 30 buildings, most with wood stoves, and all are used for their intended purpose. The sweatshop is a working gym, the saloon is for “boozers,” the cigar lounge is for smokers — you get the drift. “I also have a huge gun collection, a couple of civil war cannons and my business offices on-site.” Weekends are busy as Lovig purposely built a section of his town for high-risk teens to spend the weekends. “I also provide a roping practice area, horses and a gun range; don't be shocked, it really helps them,” he adds. Lovig also donated the use of a building for daily meetings of a local AA group. “They get to smoke cigars and cut firewood.” Says the former auctioneer, “When I started the town, I was rich, so I was eccentric. Then I became poor, so I was crazy. Now I’m rich again — so it’s all good,” he laughs. c
TOP TO BOTTOM: There are 30 buildings on site at Pioneer Town — all built by the same carpenter; Brian Lovig and his cannon; and the Bird Cage Theatre and Pavilion RIGHT: One of the wagons on display
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By TERRI MASON
COMPETE!
CAROUSING!
Of course, the reason you flew to Vegas on a plane jammed with other cowboy-hatted Canadians is to watch our boys compete on the World Championship stage, but there’s also plenty of other exciting events on the go in Sin City! The NFR runs all perfs in the smallest arena you can imagine — the basketball court of the Thomas & Mack — and it’s fast! Man, oh man — you’ve never seen a pro rodeo played out so fast in your life. It’s super-fast, super-exciting and gets you back to the other forms of entertainment super-quick. Every hotel has entertainment of some sort — from gaming to strippers to singers to rodeo parties — the choice is yours, and here are a few suggestions to get you started. There are also plenty of rooms to rent, but sleep, schmeep — it’s Vegas, baby! c
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Dec 6–15 Thomas & Mack Center 4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Reba, Brooks & Dunn Together In Vegas Dec 5, 7, 8, 12 Caesar’s Palace 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd.
All In Barrel Racing Dec 6–16 Orleans Hotel & Casino Arena 4500 W Tropicana Ave. lvbarrelrace.com
B Entertained in Roxy’s Lounge! Dec 6–15 Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall 5111 Boulder Hwy. boydgamingevents.com
PRCA Permit Challenge Dec 7 South Point Arena & Equestrian Centre 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Family Friendly NFR Viewing Parties Dec 6–15 Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall 5111 Boulder Hwy. boydgamingevents.com
Ariat World Series of Team Roping Dec 9–15 South Point Arena & Equestrian Centre 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd.
BLING & CA-CHING! Cowboy Christmas Dec 6–15 Las Vegas Convention Center 3150 Paradise Road Roper Cowboy Marketplace Dec 6–15 Mandalay Bay 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd Cinch Western Gift Show Dec 6–16 South Point Hotel Casino & Spa 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd. Stetson Country Christmas Dec 6–16 Sands Expo & Convention Center 201 Sands Ave
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National Finals Tonight! Dec 6–15 The Orleans 4500 W Tropicana Ave. boydgamingevents.com George Strait Dec 7–8 T-Mobile Arena, 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd. Jo Dee Messina Dec 6 Tanya Tucker Dec 7 John M Montgomery Dec 8 Charlie Daniels Band Dec 9 Tracy Lawrence Dec 10 Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan Dec 11 Lonestar Dec 12 Colt Ford Dec 13 Jamey Johnson Dec 14 Golden Nugget, 129 East Fremont St. John Prine Dec 13 Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 3000 Paradise Rd. Buckin’ Bash — NFR After Party Dec 6–15 The Orleans Hotel & Casino 4500 West Tropicana Ave. boydgamingevents.com
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK/BRAD PICT AND TETTYGREEN
Benny Binion’s Bucking Horse & Bull Sale Dec 7–8 South Point Arena & Equestrian Centre 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd.
New Home of CFR! Red Deer & Area Highlights By KAREN KITCHEN
Rodeo and Red Deer has been a common pairing over the years, and the city has long established itself as an eager host. From the old days of the Silver Buckle Rodeo to our current annual rodeo hosting of the Foothills Cowboy Association, Glencross Invitational Rodeo Charity Roughstock Event, to our new Rising Stars Junior Canadian Finals Rodeo Wild Card, it makes sense that we are now able to embrace the pinnacle of Canadian rodeo — the 45th annual Canadian Finals.
As a seasoned hosting destination, the organizers understand the integral role we play when it comes to creating positive experiences for those making Red Deer a temporary home during an event. The entire community comes together to create “moments” — memories that will last well past eight seconds. Red Deer was built around Western and agricultural roots, and becoming the new home to CFR45 allows us to showcase our comfortability within the rodeo
community. You don’t step into this kind of commitment without valuing what has been built and understanding how to respectfully adjust a rodeo chapter into its new home. While planning to attend CFR45, be sure to come early and stay late. Fall is beautiful in our city, and outside of the championship Canadian Finals Rodeo that attracts the best in rodeo fans, we also offer additional experiences that are mere steps from any of our hotels.
PHOTOS COURTESY TOURISM RED DEER; TRAVEL ALBERTA/CHRIS AMAT; UNSPLASH/GREGOIRE BERTAUD
EAT
Locally-brewed craft beer is proving popular at many local eateries
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To start, the culinary scene has grown extensively in our area, and if you are looking for unique places and spaces, then you are in for some expansive palate experiences. All of our independent restaurateurs are known to draw on our local producers to source ingredients to create their own personalized, one-of-a-kind flavours. Great food only gets better when you join it with some local craft beer and beverages. Our crafters at Belly Hop Brewing, Drummond Brewing, Troubled Monk and soon-to-be-open Sawback Brewery have been pioneering combinations to awaken anyone’s love for beer. Our brewers love to share the stories of their product, so swing by and say “Hi” over a pint. Now, most Red Deerians will tell you that the best place to close out any evening — if you live for a country beat — is the one and only Billy Bob's, the longest living Western bar in Red Deer. Adorned with Canadian championship saddles hanging from the rooftops and staffed with people who know how to take care of you, Billy Bob's has attracted an upbeat Western clientele for decades. 43
SHOP Now if you going to be riding in a Championship rodeo, you need to shine — and we have got you covered there, too! So, leave the luggage at home, and swing into our longest-running Western clothing business, WEI’s Western Wear, located in the heart of downtown. Or, for all your tack needs, visit KC Saddlery, located along Gasoline Alley. If you can only be a stock trailer’s length from the rodeo, walk on over to Jones Boys, and should you get roped into one of our malls, Bower Place or Parkland, you can also get into your country gear at Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack.
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Another destination tidbit is that we have just over 120 km worth of trails weaving throughout our city. Our local trails and attractions wind past some notable sites, including the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Heritage Ranch, Sunnybrook Farm, Combat Archery Adventures, Lockdown, Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery, and Bower Ponds. If you would rather blow the dust off the truck, then let me suggest our fastest-paced trail, the QEII. By taking a short 30–45-minute drive, north or south, you will get to explore some great communities. Sylvan Lake offers you the chance to toss some axes at the Wood Shed or enjoy some local craft at Snake Lake Brewing. Brought your pet along? Then you will want to check out the Bark Park in Blackfalds. Head north to Lacombe; home to some great architecture, culinary experiences, the Blindman Brewery and the Flatiron Museum and Interpretive Centre. Travel further north on the QE11, and you will soon be embraced by the town of Ponoka — home to one of our very best summer stampedes and the open yearround Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Travel south to Innisfail where residents will be waiting with friendly smiles. Want to catch a movie? Check out their Mayfield Cinema. It was built in 1925 and has been providing movie experiences for the past 93 years. Don’t miss these chances to enjoy any of these easy excursions that will have you back in time for all the rodeo action. Red Deer can’t wait to give the ‘cowboy nod’ to rodeo fans across our country, showcasing that we are ready to be the new home of CFR for years to come. Welcome! c
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY TOURISM RED DEER; TRAVEL ALBERTA/CURTIS COMEAU
Sylvan Lake is a popular tourist destination, receiving over 1.5 million visitors each year
Pro Rodeo
PHOTO BY ROUGHSTOCK STUDIO/BILLIE-JEAN DUFF
CANADA
INSIDER
ELLIOTT WINS HARDGRASS BRONC MATCH Clay Elliott, now of Nanton, Alta., scored a wellearned 92 pts on Calgary Stampede’s S-83 Special Delivery at the Hardgrass Bronc Match held “in the middle of nowhere” in front of thousands of diehard bronc riding fans just outside of the city limits of Pollockville, Alta. That’s multi-Hall of Fame pick up man, Gary Rempel, grinning in the background.
RODEOCANADA.COM
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CINCHJEANS.COM
CADE SWOR
7X NFR QUALIFIER 46
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
C.P.R.A.
2018 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Schedule SEPTEMBER Brooks, AB...................................................... Sep 21–22 Hanna, AB........................................................ Sep 28–30 Calgary, AB ..................................................... Sep 27–28
OCTOBER Canadian Finals Rodeo Red Deer, AB................................................... Oct 30–Nov 4
NOVEMBER
President's Message
PHOTO COURTESY CPRA
We’ve just come through one of the busiest seasons to date at Pro Rodeo Canada — a season marked by spectacular rides and runs, as well as change and growth within our organization. I’m excited to say, we’ve just signed another agreement with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). A new element to this partnership is the introduction of the Maple Leaf Circuit, which will begin in 2019. The champions of this Circuit — two in each event — will qualify for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., starting in 2020. Look for details over the next few weeks, including designated circuit rodeos, location of the Circuit Finals, contestant criteria and more. The September Labour Day weekend saw the Finning Pro Rodeo Tour wrap up with the ninth event on the tour and the tour final — both hosted by the IPE and Stampede in Armstrong, B.C. Congratulations to Armstrong for another great weekend of rodeo, thank you to our title tour sponsor, Finning Canada, and ‘well done’ Tour Champions! Rodeo fans, sponsors and competitors also enjoyed the fifth Grass Roots Final September 27–28. Held at the Nutrien Western Event Centre in Stampede Park, it gives qualifiers a last opportunity to earn a CFR qualification. And we’re less than a month from our biggest event of the season — the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The excitement is building as we head to the new home of the CFR — Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alta. Westerner Park welcomed rodeo youth to a Rising Stars Junior event Aug 25, which served as a qualifier for the Rising Stars Junior Canadian Finals Rodeo set for the afternoon of Nov 3 during the CFR. The CFR organizers also rolled out CFR45 branding, welcomed several new sponsors onboard and announced that seven-time Canadian Announcer of the Year, Brett Gardner, would be the official CFR Announcer for the next five years. Look for further details about the Finals at rodeocanada.com Best of luck to the 2018 CFR competitors! — Terry Cook, President, CPRA
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Official Start of 2019 Rodeo Season Regina, SK....................................................... Nov 21–24 Dates are subject to change. Please visit rodeocanada.com for updated information, including rodeo standings, results, stock draws and press releases.
Be sure to visit the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association booth at Westerner Park during CFR45! Speak with the pros about membership information and check out the pro rodeo souvenirs. For more, visit rodeocanada.com
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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider
The Short Round
By TERRI MASON
The storied Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame is located on the second floor of the massive Calnash Trucking Ag Event Centre on Hwy 2A leading into Ponoka
While in Red Deer for CFR45, take a drive north up QEII to Ponoka, and pay a visit to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Calnash Trucking Ag Event Centre at 3611 AB-2A. The Hall is filled with memory-evoking souvenirs, rodeo photos, championship saddles and halters, plus gear from the competitors themselves — ranging from chaps to hats to back numbers. Anything you’ve ever needed to know about professional rodeo and the athletes that graced the chutes and the out gates can be found here in this masterfully curated treasure trove of rodeo glory,
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including the stories on the 2018 Inductees: Fred Duke — Canadian Champion Tie-Down Roper in 1966; Wayde Joyal — Canadian Champion Bull Rider in 1993 and 1994; Doug (Shakey) Russell — Four-time Canadian Finals Rodeo selected bullfighter, and in the Livestock category, Rodeo News — Saddle bronc from Kesler Rodeo, that was so infamous, two-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, Mel Hyland, wrote a song about the great horse. For more on the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, including their hours during the Canadian Finals Rodeo, visit them at their new website canadianprorodeohalloffame.org. – T.M.
ON THE COVER The Hardgrass Bronc Match, held July 28, saw 30 of the top bronc riders and thousands of bronc-riding fans gather literally “in the middle of nowhere” to cheer on the cowboys who rode for a piece of $30,000. Pollockville, which has a massive, modern community hall, is difficult to find on a map, but fans made the effort and welcomed the hometown hero, Clay Elliott, (whose late mother, Mona, was raised within 50 miles of the perfectly groomed arena) as he won the whole shebang with an 89 on Calgary Stampede’s CS U-7 Umber Bubbles in Round One, and advanced to the Short Round where he also kicked it into high gear again to take the round with a well-earned 92 pts on Calgary Stampede’s S-83 Special Delivery. (For full results, visit rodeocanada.com.) At the Hardgrass, the 30 cowboys made 15 teams, who were then auctioned off in a continuous wild card calcutta. For the short round, the eight highest-scoring contestants chose their horse from an incredibly well-matched pen of broncs, and then each one was auctioned off — again in a wild card calcutta. The stock contractors were Big Stone Rodeo and Calgary Stampede, both neighbours of the event. How successful was it? All told, the calcuttas raised around $500,000, of which the charities of choice, STARS Air Ambulance and HALO Rescue, shared around $90,000. – T.M.
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO COURTESY CALNASH TRUCKING AG EVENT CENTRE
CANADIAN PRO RODEO HALL OF FAME
C.P.R.A.
MIKE COPEMAN
Participants in regalia parading on the beach of the South China Sea near Jima
PHOTOS COURTESY CHINA: KATIE GARTHWAITE, CHINAPLUS; COPEMAN: CHRIS BOLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
WAYFARING COWGIRL Riders from around the world, including B.C. cowgirls Katie Garthwaite and Mariah Mannering, made Canada somewhat proud as they competed on the beach of the South China Sea during the China Jimo International Cowboy Festival / ZWU World Cup Barrel Racing Championships in Jimo, Shandong Province, China. “It’s a lot different than home,” texted Katie from China. “You have to draw a number, and that decides which horses you ride, so it is really luck of the draw.” Over 500 cowboys and 200 horses took part in the festival, which celebrated its fifth year. When asked how “Canada” placed, she answered: “Canada didn’t do that well. I hit barrels every time, but my partner finished 13th overall. My last run — I would have been the fastest time and won $3,000, but I hit barrels.” Katie and her husband have been in Qingdao, China since early spring, training horses for a $500-million Chinese movie project, Feng Shen. The CPRA member was invited to take part in the massive barrel racing competition, which also included riders from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, United Kingdom, Uruguay and China. Katie, a multi-time CFR qualifier in barrel racing, is the owner of Frenchie, voted the 2013 Barrel Racing Horse with the Most Heart. – T.M.
Katie Garthwaite and Mariah Mannering carrying the colours at the International Cowboy Festival in China
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I caught up with renowned rodeo photographer, Mike Copeman, and asked him about his recent absence from the rodeo arena. He had recently been “doctoring” to fix an issue with his hand. The physicians were able to clear that up, and with all the tests they were running, they found what could have been a more serious issue, and Mike is currently undergoing treatment. “I appreciate everybody’s thoughts and prayers during my therapy,” says Mike. The multi-award-winning professional shooter is a triple threat with a camera by specializing in commercial, architectural and rodeo photography. Mike was voted as the 2004 PRCA Photographer of the Year, has been the official photographer of most every major professional rodeo in Canada including the Canadian Finals, and the official photographer of the National Finals Rodeo. His extensive and notable rodeo archives go back to 1989. We all wish Mike the best as he concentrates his full efforts on improving his health. – T.M.
Multi-award-winning photographer, Mike Copeman
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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider 2019 Miss Rodeo Canada
CONTENDERS
Each year we see the exciting competition as young women, already rodeo queens, vie for the ultimate crown in rodeo — Miss Rodeo Canada. Six contestants will be judged in many areas, including horsemanship, public speaking, and rodeo knowledge. Miss Rodeo Canada 2019 will make over 400 personal appearances across the country.
Kaylee Billyboy, Williams Lake, B.C. Williams Lake Stampede Queen A fourth-generation cowgirl, Kaylee has always cherished rodeo. She has finished her third year in the Bachelor of Arts program in hopes of becoming a teacher.
Brittany Doyle, Kennedy, Sask. Miss Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo Queen
Alicia Erickson, Trochu, Alta. Miss Ponoka Stampede Alicia has a passion for volunteerism and education. She earned her Youth Justice studies diploma and is working towards a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Jaden Holle, Claresholm, Alta. Chad Besplug Invitational Bull Riding Queen Jaden speaks three languages, is studying for a Bachelor of Education, was 2017 Calgary Stampede Princess and was crowned the first Queen of the Chad Besplug Invitational. Ashley Hygaard, Airdrie, Alta. Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess College grad Ashley Hygaard earned a diploma in both Agribusiness and Animal Science. She works for the Calgary Stampede in Western Events and Agriculture. Sage Nelson, Youngstown, Alta. Hanna Pro Rodeo Queen Sage is a fifth-generation cattle rancher and has been selected as one of the top eight artists for the 2019 Calgary Stampede Poster.
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2018 Miss Rodeo Canada
Brittney Chomistek What a journey my year as Miss Rodeo Canada 2018 has been! As I sit back and reflect on this past year, I realize how fortunate I have been, and I am so grateful to many people who have helped me along the way. A special thanks is needed for the Miss Rodeo Canada Board of Directors who provided me with unconditional support and spent countless volunteer hours to ensure I had the most amazing year! I would also like to recognize the many sponsors, CPRA, rodeo committees, cowboys and cowgirls for allowing me to represent your organization and professional rodeo in Canada. Each of you has played a special role in my year, made me feel so welcomed and part of your rodeo family. I would also like to thank my own family for your unwavering support and for believing in the dreams I wanted to pursue. My trips home this year were often only brief enough to wash clothes and repack my suitcase, but I always looked forward to seeing you. To the MRC 2019 Contestants, I wish each of you the best of luck and encourage you to enjoy the process, believe in yourself, pursue your dreams and passions, and inspire others. This year was like living a fairy tale; however, I look forward to what my future has to offer, and I will continue to promote the great sport of rodeo. Forever Grateful, Brittney Chomistek Miss Rodeo Canada 2018
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY MISS RODEO CANADA
A registered nurse and accomplished horsewoman, Brittany has earned three International High-Point Championships, and twice was a top-ten finalist at the ApHC Youth World Championships.
PROUD TO BE IN OUR COMMUNITY
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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider
CPRA STANDINGS TOP TEN AS OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 Including IPE & Stampede, Finning Pro Tour Finals, Merritt-Nicola Valley. For up-to-date standings, visit rodeocanada.com
SADDLE BRONC Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name CDN Rodeo Count Clay Elliott 15 Zeke Thurston 15 Jake Watson 26 Dawson Hay 24 Dusty Hausauer 32 Jim Berry 38 Tyrel Larsen 17 Cort Scheer 17 Layton Green 23 Sam Kelts 33
LADIES BARREL RACING Address Nanton, AB Big Valley, AB Hudsons Hope, BC Wildwood, AB Dickinson, ND Rocky Mtn House, AB Inglis, MB Elsmere, NE Meeting Creek, AB Stavely, AB
Earnings $39,904.18 $33,630.38 $25,332.70 $20,508.70 $20,458.55 $20,184.83 $17,417.09 $17,398.92 $17,064.89 $16,503.38
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Address Dublin, TX Airdrie, AB Bowden, AB Regina, SK Inglis, MB Carbon, AB Tremonton, UT Cadogan, AB Eastend, SK Kamloops, BC
Earnings $41,133.98 $33,747.91 $30,991.27 $28,260.26 $22,490.49 $20,173.57 $19,964.64 $18,424.88 $17,715.15 $16,521.94
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Address Calgary, AB Dewinton, AB Ponoka, AB Meeting Creek, AB Maple Creek, SK Meadow Lake, SK Strathmore, AB Ponoka, AB Cadogan, AB Elrose, SK
Earnings $32,078.70 $29,071.61 $28,938.40 $28,758.73 $28,598.74 $24,926.12 $22,942.36 $21,204.05 $20,891.59 $19,065.83
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BAREBACK Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name CDN Rodeo Count Richmond Champion 18 Jake Vold 18 Ky Marshall 34 Ty Taypotat 18 Orin Larsen 15 Cole Goodine 34 Caleb Bennett 15 Clint Laye 15 Dantan Bertsch 32 Gavin Derose 28
Name CDN Rodeo Count Jordan Hansen 17 Brock Radford 12 Zane Lambert 17 Garrett Green 21 Jared Parsonage 21 Cody Lee Coverchuk 19 Scott Schiffner 20 Wacey Finkbeiner 30 Lonnie West 14 JB Moen 34
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Name CDN Rodeo Count Scott Guenthner 28 Stephen Culling 34 Tanner Milan 28 Craig Weisgerber 38 Cody Cassidy 37 Bridger Chambers 23 Kody Dollery 33 Clayton Moore 31 Brendan Laye 36 Harley Cole 32
Name CDN Rodeo Count Tristin Woolsey 35 Devin Wigemyr 39 Brady Minor 15 Chase Tryan 15 Brett McCarroll 36 Riley Warren 39 Tyrel Flewelling 35 Tyce McLeod 35 Trent Tunke 38 Rocky Dallyn 20
Address Nanton, AB Brooks, AB Ellensburg, WA Helena, MT Camrose, AB Stettler, AB Lacombe, AB Waldeck, SK Medicine Hat, AB Nanton, AB
Earnings $29,830.15 $24,047.19 $18,133.69 $16,827.43 $14,762.63 $14,371.60 $13,040.46 $12,598.78 $11,315.77 $10,463.70
Address Strathmore, AB Vulcan, AB Ellensburg, WA Jay, OK Camrose, AB Waldeck, SK Two Hills, AB Crossfield, AB Huntley, MT Ponoka, AB
Earnings $26,823.12 $22,854.56 $18,133.67 $16,827.43 $14,762.61 $14,685.63 $14,325.28 $13,485.69 $11,980.01 $11,493.73
Address Scandia, AB Stettler, AB Sulphur, LA Didsbury, AB Carstairs, AB Sexsmith, AB Wood Mountain, SK Donalda, AB Childress, TX Nanton, AB
Earnings $23,331.17 $21,859.95 $20,923.34 $20,480.91 $20,395.71 $15,990.49 $15,253.19 $13,460.01 $13,294.42 $13,290.55
TEAM ROPING HEADER Name CDN Rodeo Count Denver Johnson 34 Roland McFadden 38 Riley Minor 15 Brenten Hall 16 Justin McCarroll 36 Tuftin McLeod 38 Clay Ullery 38 Grady Quam 31 Brady Tryan 27 Levi Simpson 33
TIE-DOWN ROPING
STEER WRESTLING Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Address Earnings Savona, BC $44,078.74 Yellowhead County, AB $30,525.20 Ponoka, AB $23,987.12 Dickinson, ND $22,239.08 Hermiston, OR $20,902.88 Hudson Bay, SK $19,927.09 Dalhart, TX $19,718.74 Abilene, TX $17,903.36 Longview, AB $15,959.98 Big Valley, AB $14,426.35
TEAM ROPING HEELER
BULL RIDING Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name CDN Rodeo Count Carman Pozzobon 35 Taylor Manning 39 Shayna Weir 37 Nikki Hansen 18 Callahan Crossley 26 Bertina Olafson 31 Shelby Spielman 25 Angela Ganter 34 Kylie Whiteside 35 Diane Skocdopole 33
Address Provost, AB Fort St. John, BC Cochrane, AB Ponoka, AB Donalda, AB Stevensville, MT Caldwell, TX Pouce Coupe, BC Consort, AB Okotoks, AB
Earnings $36,772.99 $23,580.82 $22,948.87 $20,712.24 $20,074.10 $19,318.35 $18,097.90 $17,762.01 $16,597.48 $16,596.45
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name CDN Rodeo Count Alwin Bouchard 37 Riley Warren 40 Shane Hanchey 15 Morgan Grant 38 Kyle Lucas 35 Lee Rombough 39 Jesse Popescul 41 Curtis Cassidy 36 Stetson Vest 21 Logan Bird 40
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
C.P.R.A.
FINNING PRO TOUR WRAPS UP IN ARMSTRONG By BARB POULSEN/TERRI MASON
Kyle Lucas making his winning 8.5-second run at the Shoot Out
PHOTO BY JEREMY WOMBOLD
T
HE FINAL WEEKEND FOR THE FINNING PRO TOUR CAME TO A DRAMATIC CONCLUSION IN FRONT OF RECORD CROWDS AT THE IPE EXHIBITION & STAMPEDE IN ARMSTRONG, BC ON THE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND.
The overall tour champions, declared once final points were tabulated, included Ty Taypotat (bareback), Zeke Thurston (saddle bronc), Cody Lee Coverchuk (bull riding), Kyle Lucas (tie-down roping), Stephen Culling (steer wrestling), Carman Pozzobon (barrel racing), Denver Johnson (team roping header) and Tristin Woolsey (team roping heeler). The lucrative Finning Pro Tour, which includes CPRA rodeos with $8,000 or more in prize money, kicked off in June at the Wainwright Stampede, and included eight additional stops through the season in the Alberta towns of Ponoka, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Strathmore; Morris, Man., and B.C., communities, Williams Lake, Dawson Creek and Armstrong. A key component of the Rodeo Canada schedule, the Tour, attracts many top names in rodeo from both sides of the 49th parallel. Tour winners in rough stock events, tie-down and steer wrestling receive invites to the 2019 Calgary Stampede. Second-generation roper, Kyle Lucas, the son of four-time Canadian Champion, “Smokin’ Joe” Lucas, was among those cowboycountrymagazine.com
whose Armstrong performance clinched his win and ticket to Calgary. Lucas made an 8.1 second run — good for a 2-3 split — that set the stage for his Sept 2 Shoot-Out win where his 8.5 second run topped the field. The combined Armstrong successes garnered Lucas the Pro Tour title. “It was a really good weekend for sure,” said the tall Carstairs, Alta., roper. “But I was pretty nervous in the Shoot Out rodeo. I had the benefit of going last, and some guys had some bad luck, so I knew I just had to be solid. But sometimes, when it’s wide open like that, you can over-think it and mess up. I just tried to make sure I was okay at the barrier, then I ran the calf out a bit further and tried to be good on the ground.” A three-time CFR qualifier, Lucas was especially happy that the weekend clinched a second appearance at the Calgary Stampede. “I was there last year for the first time. It’s such a cool rodeo; it’s great to be going back.” Congratulations to the Armstrong IPE & Stampede winners, the Shoot-Out winners and the 2019 Finning Pro Tour Champions! c
2018 Finning Pro Tour
Champions Saddle Bronc Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, AB Bareback Ty Taypotat, Regina, SK Bull Riding Cody Lee Coverchuk Meadow Lake, SK Tie-Down Roping Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, AB Steer Wrestling Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, BC Ladies Barrel Racing Carman Pozzobon, Savona, BC Team Roping Heeler Tristin Woolsey, Nanton, AB Team Roping Header Denver Johnson, Strathmore, AB
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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider
MANNING TWINS MAKE HISTORY By BARB POULSEN
F
OR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS 45-YEAR HISTORY, THE CANADIAN FINALS RODEO WILL SEE A SET OF TWINS IN COMPETITION. FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD TAYLOR MANNING WILL MAKE HER SECOND CONSECUTIVE CFR APPEARANCE IN THE LADIES BARREL RACING EVENT, WHILE BROTHER, TRISTEN, WILL ENJOY HIS FIRST CFR
“I’m super excited I get to be at CFR again,” Taylor enthused, “and it’ll be great to be there with my brother. And I think Red Deer (the new home for the CFR) will do an amazing job; they’re trying really hard to make this rodeo happen.” The Manning twins are second-generation competitors. Dad, Jay, won the Canadian bull riding title in 1996; Mom, Shelly, is a seasoned barrel horse trainer and competitor, and big sister, Paige, has earned her share of barrel racing accolades at the semi-pro and pro levels. The twins, both in Grade 9, are also skilled competitors with careers that started early on in the semi-pro ranks. Taylor’s rides a ten-year-old gelding by As Good As Nick Gets out of Fols Dream Of Cash. Good Little Nick (aka: Matlock) came out of the Grant and Rayel Little Program, and was trained and campaigned as a futurity horse by four-time Canadian champion, Rayel Little. Taylor and Matlock burst onto the pro scene in 2017 — finishing the year in third place with two CFR go-round wins and $49,000 in earnings. She (and Matlock) are sitting second in Canada heading into CFR ’45. “My horse is my best friend,” Taylor explains. “He was my mom’s first, and I’ve been competing on him for a couple of years. I try to do my homework so I’m ready to compete. School, sports and rodeo pretty much take up my time. In the winter, we get up at 5:30 (a.m.) a few times a week and haul into the arena in town to ride before school. And I’m also a point guard on my basketball team.” Tristen started getting on practice cattle at home when he was nine, rode the first animal he climbed on at a local 4-H rodeo, then quickly moved into semi-pro competition. The young talent qualified for the Wild Rose and Lakeland Rodeo Finals when he was 12 — finishing third in both associations that year. In 2017–18, in addition to success at CPRA and semi-pro rodeos, 54
Tristen enjoyed appearances at the Calgary Stampede. “I won the Calgary Stampede Tier Two Steer Riding Event when I was 13, and I have one more year to ride in the semi-pro and pro associations,” he says. “At the beginning of this season, I was pretty confident with myself — riding nice cattle I knew from last year. Then it didn’t go so good for a while, and I asked my Dad if I could get on some practice steers at home. Starting with Innisfail (Pro Rodeo), it started clicking pretty good. I keep track in my head, which cow or steer does what and which ones I’ve ridden before.” For the Mannings, rodeo is a family affair — even though most weekends see two rigs heading in separate directions. While Shelly hauls Taylor on the pro circuit, Jay crisscrosses Western Canada with Tristen who competes at both CPRA and FCA events. “It’s a lot of fun to have my dad beside me teaching me and driving me and helping me get on,” Tristen notes. “We talk a bit about everything on the road, but mostly steer riding.” When he’s not rodeoing, Tristen stays active with basketball, volleyball and hockey. Future plans include riding bulls. Parents, Shelly and Jay, give a lot of credit to the twins, “They both work hard,” Shelly smiles. “And it’s up to them. They have to get up on their own, do chores and practice.” Jay adds. “Making CFR is great. We’re proud of what they’ve done. You can show them and give them knowledge of what you’ve learned and retained, but you can’t make them do it.” And Tristen, who, like his sister, is heading to Red Deer with confidence sums it all up, “I’m pretty happy to have both Taylor and I make the CFR. Hopefully both of us can win it!” c Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
TAYLOR PHOTO BY MIKE COPEMAN; TRISTEN PHOTO BY BILLIE-JEAN DUFF
OUTING IN THE STEER RIDING.
C.P.R.A.
Tristen Manning competing at 2017 Strathmore Stampede
Taylor Manning and Matlock competing at 2017 Canadian Finals Rodeo
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Pro Rodeo Canada Insider Gavin DeRose riding C5 Rodeo’s splashy P38 Pilsner Power to a score of 83 pts at K-Days Rodeo in Edmonton
GAVIN DEROSE BREAKTHROUGH By TIM ELLIS
I
N THE PRO HOCKEY WORLD, GAVIN DEROSE COULD BE CONSIDERED A ‘JOURNEYMAN’ FORWARD, LOOKING FOR HIS
BREAK IN THE NHL. IN THE RODEO WORLD, HE’S A PROFESSIONAL BAREBACK RIDER ON THE VERGE OF A BREAKTHROUGH CANADIAN FINALS RODEO QUALIFICATION.
“It would be a dream come true for sure; I’ve been trying to get there for a quite a few years now,” says DeRose. “Last year I tried to make a run, but I was battling injuries and wasn’t riding that 56
great in the summer. It was probably the hardest I’ve ever gone, and this year, I’ve gone to over double the number of rodeos. Everything that could go right went right, so I rode that high.” The 27-year-old’s breakout season began in earnest in mid-July with a $2,153 payday from the K-Days Rodeo in Edmonton. His hot streak continued for another month through the Dawson Creek Stampede, a period in which he won over $10,000 and moved to ninth in the Pro Rodeo Canada bareback standings. The largest, single cheque came from the Bowden Bareback Challenge, where DeRose won both rounds and the aggregate title. “I lucked out and drew a couple of riderfriendly horses of Rod Hay’s that me let me show off my spur ride,” suggests the Kamloops, B.C., cowboy. “Things were going really well, everything fell together. It was a lot of fun.” Having fun — along with a new awareness of the mental aspect of his craft and a commitment to a more rigorous off-season conditioning program — all played a part in a season in which, by September, DeRose had won close to triple his 2017 earnings. “This winter I did a lot more exercising and rode the spur board more; I read some
sports psychology books too, to kind of get my mind right,” says DeRose. “I’m not over-thinking things — not trying to do everything at once. Dumbing it down and going back to the basics, finishing rides, nothing extravagant — just the basics. They say the mental part is 90 per cent of your riding. I think it’s all that. If you’re down in the dumps and hating on yourself, it’s going to reflect in your riding,” he says. “As long as you keep your head on right and surround yourself with a good crew of travelling partners and stay positive, it’s going to go a long way in this game.” Experience is also part of the equation. “Now that I’ve been around for as long as I have, it’s easier to block everything out,” reveals DeRose. “I can focus on what I need to focus on and be calm and relaxed.” And while qualifying for the CFR would be a career highlight, a ride in Cody, WY, during Cowboy Christmas serves as DeRose’s season highlight. “I’m still smiling,” quips DeRose when describing the 86-point ride that paid him over $10,000 U.S. “All I thought was battle, battle, battle and finish the ride. I’d never won that much in a whole season.” c
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO BY MIKE COPEMAN
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
CLOWNIN’ AROUND | CRASH COOPER
Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery
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Don’t worry about open tanks freezing this winter.
COWBOY CHURCHES Nechako Valley Cowboy Church Last Sun. of every month, 7 p.m., Nechako Community Church Building, Hwy 16 E, Vanderhoof, B.C., 250‑567‑4960 Open Valley Cowboy Church Every Sun., 6:30 p.m., Head of the Lake Hall, past the O’Keefe Ranch on Hwy 97, Vernon, B.C., 250‑503‑0707 Boomtown Trail Cowboy Church 2nd and last Wed. of every month, 7 p.m., Elnora Drop‑In Centre, Elnora, Alta., 403‑749‑2047 Clearwater Cowboy Church Every Thur., 7 p.m., Dovercourt Hall, Hwy 22, north of Caroline, Alta., 403-844-6641 Community Cowboy Church Every Tue., 7-8 p.m., Niton Community Hall, Main St., Niton, Alta., 780-795-2326
WaterPro™2 Solid foam insulation and included immersion heater to resist freezing
Cowboy Trail Church Every Tue., 7 p.m., Cochrane Ranche House, 101 Ranchehouse Rd., Cochrane, Alta., 403‑638‑4254
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Heartland Cowboy Church 1st and 3rd Tue. of every month, 7 p.m., Stettler Agriplex, 4516‑52 St., Stettler, Alta., 403‑742‑4273
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James River Cowboy Church Every Wed., 7 p.m., James River Community Hall, 2.5km S of James River store or 11.5km N of Sundre on RR 53, Alta., 403‑638‑6439
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Millarville Cowboy Church 2nd and 4th Thur. of every month, 7:30 p.m., South of Calgary at Hwy 22 and Hwy 549 east near the racetrack turn off, Millarville, Alta., 403‑931‑1618 Pipestone Cowboy — Cowgirl Church 2nd Mon. of every month, 7 p.m., Pipestone Café, Hwy 795, 11 km north from junction Hwy 13 and 795, Pipestone, Alta., 780-312-8653 Ranchman’s Cowboy Church Every Sun., 10 a.m. Ranchman’s Restaurant, 9615 MacLeod Tr. SW, Calgary, Alta., 403‑882‑3239 St. Albert Cowboy Church Every Fri., 7 p.m., 60 Liberton Dr., St. Albert, Alta., 780-459-2222 The Cowboy Church Every Fri., 7:30 p.m., Centre Park Church, 52 Peacock Dr., Sherwood Park, Alta., 780‑918‑5530 Viking Cowboy Church Last Fri. of every month, 7:30 p.m., Viking Auction Market, junction of Hwy 26 and 36, Viking, Alta., 780‑384‑2114 Willow Valley Cowboy Church 2nd Sun. of every month 10:00 a.m., 26016 Hwy 595, 15 km east of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Alta., 403-347-0206
Celebrating 26 Years Hear it on your favorite Radio Station or on demand at Hugh-McLennan.com 60
Battlefords Cowboy Church 1st and 3rd Thur. of every month, 7 p.m., Legion Hall, 22 St., Battleford, Sask., 306-937-2733 Diamond C Cowboy Church Every Tue., 7:30 p.m., 208 Sidney St., Maple Creek, Sask., 306‑662‑3431 Cowboy Valley Church 4054 PR 432 Morden, Man., 204-822-9909
Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
RED DEER’S BEST-KEPT SECRET!
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Parksville Lioness Xmas Craft Fair
Nov 3 Parksville Community and Conference Centre 132 E. Jensen Ave., Parksville, BC
West Coast Christmas Show & Artisan Marketplace Nov 16–18 TRADEX, 1190 Cornell Street Abbotsford, BC
Kamloops SPCA Christmas Craft Fair Nov 25 Thompson Rivers University, 900 McGill Road Kamloops, BC
Alberta CFR Western Trade Show Oct 30–Nov 4 Westerner Park 4847A 19 St Red Deer, AB
PHOTO BY UNSPLASH/SHARON MCCUTCHEON
Peace by Piece Christmas Market Nov 3 903 75 Ave SW Calgary, AB
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COWBOY POETRY
By DAVID ALLISON FLEMING SERGEANT, REG. NO. 6095
For this is the trend and you’ll follow the course. You twist the old crank till it spurts fire and rattles, And smells worse than a thousand trail worn cattle. You ride down the trail well booted with spur, To hurdle the culverts like any Ben Hur. You see your old horse and feel full of sin, To think you’ve rebuked him for a great hunk of tin. No friendly companion, no clopping of feet, You just sit there steering on leatherette seat. You can’t smell the sage or mown hay as you pass, For that stinking odor of burnt oil and gas. They tell you get mounted and fall into line, So I’ll pack my old bedroll and ask for my time. No use staying here, you’ve replaced my good friend, So I’ll bid you “So Long” and this is the end.
Sgt. Fleming (1894–1966) was born in Aldershot, England, and joined the RNWMP Sept. 4, 1914 at Macleod, Alta. All told, he served for 26 years, and his tenure included riding horse patrol in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. His poem was excerpted from the southern Saskatchewan history book, From Sage to Timber. Pictured is a Royal Northwest Mounted Police trooper (not Sgt. Fleming).
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2018
PHOTO COURTESY PROVINCIAL ARCHIVES OF ALBERTA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Farewell to the Horse of the rnwmp, 1918
They’ve issued us motors and cut out the horse,
Tim Ellis & the CFR Broadcast Crew will provide exciting coverage of the Canadian Finals Rodeo at the Enmax Centrium in Red Deer’s Westerner Park October 30th - November 4th
This life looks good on you Calgary • Cochrane • Edmonton • Fort Saskatchewan • Spruce Grove • Red Deer • Lethbridge • Banff • Camrose Medicine Hat • Lloydminster • Olds • Strathmore • West Kelowna • Kamloops • Prince Albert • Regina • Saskatoon