Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022 by Tanner Young Publishing Group

Snapshot: Legends of Country Music

Tidewater Ranchers — Part 2 Ranching in the Extreme West

World Champion Breeding Bucking Horse Futurities

THE

Master Carver Jordan Straker

RED TAPE of Elk & Bison Ranching

DARING DIVAS Trick Riding

HOME GROWN

Start a Community Market!

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JUNE/JULY 2022 • $6.95

of the most exciting equine events in Alberta! The 93rd Canadian Derby - Saturday, August 20 at Century Mile & The WPCA World Finals - August 24-28 at Century Downs

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In This Issue

JUNE/JULY 2022 | VOLUME 26, NO.1

PRCI — WORLD CHAMPION BREEDING

Canada is famous for bucking horses, but now it’s a whole new game

Features 18

HORSE SENSE

Ontario vet Garth Henry on Standardbreds, hooves and common sense

Plains Bison herds plummeted from an estimated 60 million head to near-extirpation due to wholesale slaughter. The animals were literally saved by Canada's Sir Wilfred Laurier's government when they bought the last known herd, the PabloAllard herd, and brought them to Canada. This bison was photographed in the West Block of Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography.

JORDAN STRAKER

DARING DIVAS TRICK RIDING

HOME GROWN

33 36

@cowboycountrymag

His legendary carvings take the art collector’s world by storm They’re fearless, love their sport — and coming to an arena near you Community markets offer fresh produce from local gardeners and ranchers TIDEWATER RANCHERS — PART 2

The continued history of cattle ranching in the extreme West JAY SILVERHEELS “TONTO”

The legend of this Multi-Hall of Famer Canadian lives on

@CowboyCntryMag

TRAINING CATTLE

Tired of 4H project frustrations? Here’s a few tips to control the beast WHAT WORKS FOR US — ELK & BISON

The majesty and red tape of ranching ungulates in Canada

SNAPSHOT LEGENDS OF COUNTRY MUSIC

A glance at some of the folks that created today’s country music

On the Cover

Departments 5

My Point of View

In the Corral

Spirit of the West

Wheel to Wheel

Reflections

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

Road to the CFR

Clownin’ Around

Cowboy Poetry

@CanadianCowboyCountry

June/July 2022 Vol. 26, No. 1

Proud Member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director: Shannon Swanson shannon@cowboycountrymagazine.com Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner circ @cowboycountrymagazine.com Accounting/Administrator Marie Tanner admin@cowboycountrymagazine Columnists Dylan Biggs, Tim Ellis, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville, Greg Shannon, Bryn Thiessen Contributors Hayley Bauer, Bill Borgwardt, CrAsh Cooper, Dr Daryl Drew, Tim Ellis, Andrew Exelby, Tim Lasiuta, Covy Moore, Bud McKague Tanner Young Publishing Group Box 13, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road Cooking Lake, AB T8E 1J1 Tel: 780-465-3362 | Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336 Website: cowboycountrymagazine.com E-mail: askus @cowboycountrymagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call Marie at 1-800-943-7336 1 Year: $29.00 incl. tax | 2 Years: $46.00 incl. tax Single Copy: $6.95 + tax

Charles M. Russell, High, Wide, and Handsome, 1919, watercolor, gouache, and pencil on paper, 16 x 12.5 in. (detail)

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 c/o Tanner Young Publishing Group Administration Office Box 13, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road Cooking Lake, AB T8E 1J1 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

MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US! Charles M. Russell, High, Wide, and Handsome, 1919, watercolor, gouache, and pencil on paper,

16 × 12 ½ inches, Private Collection of Glenn and Mindy Stearns (detail) EXHIBITION, AUCTIONS, AND ARTIST EXPO

Much more than a Western art exhibition and sale, The Russell is a Western art experience!

Join us at The Russell, the premier fundraiser for the C.M. Russell

Charles M. Museum. Russell and the 1919 Stampede The Russell offersVictory competitive bidding for works by highly acclaimed historic and contemporary Western artists, entertaining events, and an artist exposition featuring over 100 artists.

AT THE C.M. RUSSELL MUSEUM IN GREAT FALLS, MONTANA

Proudly Sponsored By: J U N E 7 S E PRemote T E Mbidding B E R options 2 9, 2will 019 be available for the auctions.

Marking the 100th anniversary of Charles M. Russell’s special 400 13th Street North Great Falls,will Montana AUGUST 18–20, exhibition2022 at the 1919 Victory Stampede, this |exhibition be | (406) 727–8787 | therussellsale.org the greatest assembly of Russell masterpieces in the last decade.

4 400 13 th Street North | Great Falls, Montana | (406) 7278787 | CMRussell.org

“This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.” «Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.»

MY POINT OF VIEW

Price’s Law I appreciate the insights offered by Canadian psychiatrist and lecturer Jordan Peterson. One of his Cambridge lectures that resonated was his talk on Price’s Law. Derek J. de Solla Price was a British physicist who discovered this law: “The square root of the number of people in a domain do 50 per cent of the work.” To explain it further, say you have a business with 10 employees; three of them do 1/2 the work. If you have 100 employees, you’ll find that 10 of them do 1/2 the work — the other 90 per cent are doing the other half. If your corporation has 10,000 employees 100 of them do 1/2 the work. When Price’s Law is reversed, we see companies in a “death spiral.” Say your company of 10,000 employees has poor performance over a couple quarters; the 100 talented people who have options, leave. They were doing half the work. Another round of layoffs comes, the next set of top performers leaves. The company is now in a death spiral. This law applies in every single realm where there is creative production, and it happens that quickly. Why am I writing about this? Because it has happened in startling rapidity with service clubs, most notably in small town Western Canada, and they were created by the Greatest Generation. Clubs

such as Kinsmen, Kinettes, Elks, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Lions, Rotary, Shriners — ad infinitum were staples in every small community and their charity work was legendary. Today, most of these clubs have quietly folded, and all that’s left are reminders of their works; cenotaphs, halls and of course, small town fundraisers such as rodeos, fall fairs and the like. Speaking for myself, I volunteer. A little bit. When it suits me. When I “have time.” At least that was my attitude before the dreaded “c” word. After two years of hypedup fear, suspicion, confusion, lockdowns and deprivations, I’m done with it, and I want to live out loud again. I realized that to “have time” I have to “make time.” So I’ve put down my phone, turned off Netflix and am giving back to this dusty little cowtown where I hang my hat. Was it Price’s Law that wiped out the service clubs? Perhaps — but after enduring a mere whiff of what our Greatest Generation weathered, I’m predicting a new interest in volunteerism, here in Canadian Cowboy Country.

PHOTO: PIXABAY

COWBOY ON SPOTIFY!

Download Spotify and join us, here in Canadian Cowboy Country … Radio!

cowboycountrymagazine.com

— Terri Mason, Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

Hayley Bauer Snapshot: History of Country Music, page 22 Hayley Bauer is a fourthgeneration Alberta born farm girl. She enjoys freelance writing and is an avid musician with several years of training from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Daryl Drew, PhD Tidewater Ranching — Part 2, page 33 Daryl taught high school history for 38 years in Saanich, B.C., and helped develop curriculum for First Nations studies. He worked with elder Dave Elliott and wrote the forward to the history book, Salt Water People.

Tim Lasiuta Candice Vetter Horse Doctor, page 18 Candice Vetter is a freelance writer and photographer who has written for over 30 publications. She grew up on a mixed beef/grain farm in Alberta and now writes from her 160-year-old farmhouse in rural Ontario.

Trailblazers, Jay Silverheels, page 36 Tim Lasiuta is a B-Western/film aficionado and is considered one of the preeminent Lone Ranger experts. He has authored over 50 articles on the Golden Age of Hollywood and the denizens of Gower Gulch from Dennis Weaver to Dale Evans.

November 2 -6, 2022 Sign up for ticket pre-sale at cfrreddeer.ca!

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

LETTERS

The West

Nicola Ranch Just sitting here reading the April/May issue. My favourite article is on the Nicola Ranch. I spent several years cowboying on the “half circle U “ ranch between the Nicola Ranch and the Douglas Lake Ranch. Five miles from the Nicola Ranch is where I roped a black bear off the back of my horse. So proud of it then, but remorseful now. Keep up the good work. Harry Nickel

When I received my latest issue of CCC magazine I noticed you have a playlist on Spotify. I checked it out, and you've got great tunes and artists on there. My wife and I were part of the Singing Hills gospel group for years and I think we may even have met you at an outdoor Cowboy Church concert in Maple Creek some years ago. We now travel around Western Canada with our kids playing Country/ Bluegrass/Gospel music. We have an album on Spotify under the band name Son Picked. There is a song called “The West” that I think would be a great fit for your playlist if you'd like to check that out. Anyhow, keep up the good work. I love your whole magazine and seeing the rich content from our fair country. I should also mention how much I appreciate Bryn's column. It's great to keep our feet on the ground and pointed in the right direction! Kevin Elias, Carstairs, Alta

Ben, Hansom & Lloyd Wanted to thank you very much for featuring our team, Ben & Hansom and Lloyd on your Dec cover. Lloyd was very excited to see it, and we are framing it for him to take home to Saskatchewan this spring. It was very much appreciated. The write up was also great. Please let us know if you are ever in the Lake Louise area, summer or winter, we’d love to host you if ever this way. Janet and Kevin Stanton, Brewster Adventures, Lake Louise, Alta.

SCAN TO VIEW OUR

2022 SPRING & SUMMER

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PHOTO: PIXABAY

Visit princessauto.com to view our Spring & Summer Farm Catalogue

cowboycountrymagazine.com

IN THE CORRAL NEWS, VIEWS & HAPPENINGS FROM ACROSS THE CANADIAN WEST

Awesome Poster

IMAGE COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE

The Calgary Stampede unveiled its 2022 poster featuring the First Nations Relay Races, and it’s stunning. The winning artwork was created by 19-year-old Kane Pendry of Edmonton from all of the entries received in the 2022 Calgary Stampede Foundation Youth Poster Competition. As the winning artist, Pendry receives the $10,000 Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation. Pendry is the fourth Alberta youth whose artwork has graced the Stampede Poster through the program. The invitational Relay Races are closely patterned on the extremely popular Indian Relay Races that are a grandstand-filling tradition at many of the major rodeos (such as Pendleton) in the U.S. At the Calgary Stampede, the Relay Races have been part of Stampede’s Evening Show since 2017. For 2022, the high-adrenaline competition is back on the Stampede track with ten skilled teams competing in two heats of races each night. The Calgary Stampede runs July 8-17, 2022. cowboycountrymagazine.com

IN THE CORRAL

Western Oasis

Paul Van Ginkel “Seven in Blue” 34" x 58” Commissioned Oil George Kush “Sharps" 16" x 20" Original oil

Karen Coe “Bodacious” 30" x 48" Acrylic on canvas

STOCKING THE HERD

Ridge Stewart Guenthner

Layton Wade James Bertram

Clyde Calvin Mastad

Congratulations to Scott and Becky Guenthner on the birth of their son, Ridge Stewart Guenthner, born December 12, 2021. He weighed in at 8 lbs 11.5 oz. and is a little brother to Quade. Scott is a rancher, the two-time CPRA Steer Wrestling Champion (2018 & 2019) and a four-time NFR qualifier. Becky works in the medical field.

Congratulations to Brady and JJ (Jimmie Jean) Bertram on the birth of their son, Layton Wade James Bertram on Feb 17 at 8 lbs, 9 oz. Layton is a little brother to his sister, Sawyer. Brady is a four-time Canadian Cowboys Association Bareback Champion (2015, ‘16, ‘19, ‘21). JJ is a former barrel racer. The couple ranch near Piapot, Sask.

Congratulations to Myla Mastad on the birth of her son, Clyde Calvin Mastad on April 22. He weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz. Myla is a cattle rancher, horse trainer, feedlot rider, community pasture cowboy, office manager of the South Country Vet Clinic and working cowgirl who makes her home deep in southern Saskatchewan in Rockglen. She is also a skookum roper in a branding pen.

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

PHOTO COURTESY MARG EPP, PHOTO BY JILL JENKINS

Far from the heat and noise of the midway and rodeo grounds is one of my favourite areas of the Stampede — the Western Oasis. This cool, people-friendly area is “the place” to relax, perhaps sip a glass of wine, visit the booths and displays of artists and even learn a few cooking tips. For 2022, over 100 artists are exhibiting in Artist Studios, the Art Gallery and Mini Masterpiece gallery. The Photography Exhibition is staging a retrospective of competition winners from 2010 through 2020, plus showing photography from camera clubs across Alberta. The Window on the West stage offers a full schedule of live musicians, and over in the Kitchen Theatre, meet local producers and wonderful chefs. Also popular is the Arts & Crafts competition; think “country fair” and you’ve got the picture. This exhibition preserves the traditional and the modern forms of creativity in textiles, wood, ceramics, paper and sugar. The entire Western Showcase is thousands of square feet of fabulousness and is located in Halls A, D and E of the BMO Centre on Stampede Park, July 8–17. You’ll love it.

IN THE CORRAL

EMPTY SADDLES

Ralph Vold

Ponoka, Alta. 1930 – 2022

Ralph Vold was an outstanding athlete who played minor pro hockey and baseball in his youth. He was one of the founding partners of Vold, Jones & Vold Auctions and he created Wolf Creek Golf Resort, one of the top 100 courses in the world. He was also a longtime supporter of the Ponoka Stampede and community. He earned many honours; he was made an Honorary Chief of the Four Bands – Chief Calf Child, he was the first person inducted into the Livestock Market Association Hall of Fame, (and is the reason that cattle are still sold by the pound and not kilograms), and for his participation as an athlete and builder, he was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a Multisport Honoree in 1991.

Wild Hogs In 2018, we brought the story of the feral pig invasion in Saskatchewan (The War on Boar) and now, this invasive species has shown up in large enough numbers in Alberta to ring alarm bells. Wildlife researchers call them Super Pigs — the invasive European swine that defied the odds and have thrived despite the savage winters of the prairies. They were first brought to Canada in the late 1980s, with the hopes of creating a new market for meat, as well as niche high-fence hunting opportunities. Some escaped and with sows capable of breeding twice a year and averaging six piglets per litter, their numbers have expanded at an alarming rate. Estimates have their numbers in the hundreds of thousands — possibly more — across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. These super pigs, cross-bred with domestics, often top the scales at 600 lbs and can easily destroy a yard, a pasture, an entire crop and when threatened, could easily kill a person. Alberta’s government has expanded the Wild Boar Control Program, (WBCP) which includes active surveillance and trapping plans, and a compensation payout for farmers who suffer damage by wild boars. The WBCP, in conjunction with existing trapping efforts, has also added two bounties; one is open to landowners and trappers, and the other is a one-year pilot open to hunters. Currently, both programs have an expiry date, but both could be extended.

CFCW — Since 1954…

PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABAY

It was a great night of Canadian country music, celebrating the artists, musicians and those who play their tunes. Congratulations to 840 CFCW Radio, Edmonton, the winner of the 11th Annual Country Music Alberta Award Radio Station of the Year (Large Market). CFCW is a longtime supporter of Canadian Cowboy Country, country music, musicians, rodeo and pretty much all things Western. The 11th Annual Country Music Alberta awards took place on March 20, 2022, in Red Deer, Alta. These awards are an annual tradition that celebrates artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals in Alberta, and it was one of the first live shows out of the postpandemic gate. The industry awards were hosted by Dan Davidson and the music awards were hosted by Canadian legends The Road Hammers. For the full list of winners, visit CountryMusicAlberta.com.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

IN THE CORRAL

–

reshol

Alberta

is Canadian Cowboy?

factor that limits the number of breeding pairs. Installing artificial nest poles can help to increase the number of nesting hawks. There are specific needs of these hawks, so for the best chances of attracting them check out the ACA website. For more info on nest poles, contact Brad Downey, Alberta Conservation Association Biologist at brad.downey@ab-conservation. com or 403-382-4364. He’s ranch-raised and very helpful.

Where in the World

Cl a

Sometimes it’s all about helping nature, but in the case of hawks, it’s often about helping yourself. Set up a nesting pole and invite one of these iconic Western raptors to move back to your homestead, and your gopher (ground squirrel) population will be decimated.

That’s right; one pair of nesting ferruginous hawks will consume up to 500 gophers in a single nesting season. Factor in the cost of .22 shells (not much), your time, and how much crop or pasture 500 gophers can consume in a season, and you will come out the winner. The officially Endangered Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) has experienced dramatic population declines and range contraction in Alberta. Nest sites are one

Elegant Gopher Solution

Endangered Ferruginous Hawk feeding its young

–

Nest pole, AltaLink

Cambridge Bay is a hamlet located on Victoria Island in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. It is the largest settlement on Victoria Island. Cambridge Bay is named for Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, while the traditional Inuinnaqtun name for the area is Ikaluktutiak (old orthography) or Iqaluktuttiaq (new orthography) meaning "good fishing place." In the 1920s, the RCMP and the Hudson’s Bay opened outposts here. At the height of the Cold War, the Distant Early Warning Line site was established in 1955. Cambridge Bay is also the location of the world-class research station, Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus, created by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2010. Cambridge Bay has a polar climate. Summers are typically cool and rainy, with chilly nights. Winters are cold, dark, and long. The sun is continuously below the horizon, (polar night), from approximately Nov 30 to Jan 11 and above the horizon, (midnight sun), May 19 to July 22. Cambridge Bay boasts one of the youngest populations in Canada. The hamlet has 1,760 residents, and the median age is 27. Two of the residents are subscribers; Marg Epp and her daughter, Cathryn, an avid sewist.

The two hardy souls went for a short ride on the Bay with Cowboy and took some pictures. “It was beautiful out at -24 with only a slight wind,” wrote Marg. “Such a welcome break from the long stretch of -37 with wind chills into the -50's.” Marg and Cathryn hold the record for our most northerly North American subscribers!

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

PHOTOS COURTESY BRAD DOWNEY

Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

GIDDY UP

WITH GREG SHANNON

Hall of Fame Duane When Duane Bjorklund was born in 1962, the nurse who slapped him to life said, “Oh my, what large vocal chords you have.”

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHELLE SPICE PHOTOGRAPHY | GREG SHANNON PHOTO CREDIT: JEN RUSH

Howdy, I’m Flores LaDue The Red Barn Books press release states that Howdy, I’m Flores LaDue is for “ages 7-10,” but I guarantee there is information in this treasure that most of the diehard rodeo fans didn’t know about the famous trick roper and co-founder of the Calgary Stampede! I was amazed at the depth of research recounting her real-life story and wholly impressed with the entire presentation, which at first glance is a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Hugh Rookwood and Keegan Starlight, but author Ayesha Clough also included a section in the back featuring photos from the Glenbow, a timeline of the legend’s life, and even a recipe. This book is the whole package. Buy it for the kids, but you’ll get even more out of it yourself. Howdy, I’m Flores LaDue is the second book in the Howdy Books biography series about Alberta’s western pioneers. Visit the website for more. Howdy, I’m Flores LaDue, Paperback, 44 pages, author Ayesha Clough, Publisher, Red Barn Books, RedBarnBooks.ca

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Duane’s hometown of Hines Creek, Alberta was tiny but, with a dozen people in his immediate family, he was surrounded by musical influences. His Mom, a great singer. His Dad loved filling the air with fiddle music and sister Audrey who bought Duane his first guitar at age 9. Then there was Aunty Joni. During every visit to her house, Duane made a bee-line to the record player and soaked up the scratchy sounds of Hank Snow, Wilf Carter, Jim Reeves & Johnny Horton. The first gig for his first band (made up of Duane and his cousins), was a Grade 12 fundraiser and Northern Sunrise had 10 songs down. They played them over and over that night. At 19, Duane and his pal Dave Milner started Rock N’ Horse. That band was a hit too, with a single nightly goal of making record high sales at the bar so they’d be asked back! After Rock N’ Horse, Duane scored a Nashville publishing deal and spent six years in Music City writing songs and singing demos on the side for whiskey money. In 1995 he went to the CCMA’s in Calgary and came home with a Mercury Records recording contract. Duane Bjorklund became Duane Steele with his major label debut “PO Box 423” after his actual post office box in Nashville. The record’s success, including the #1 smash “Anita Got Married”, had Duane sharing stages with the biggest names of the day. In 1999 he returned to Alberta and is now raising his son, Ryken, with his wife, Shauna, in Red Deer. Duane has constantly remained a relevant and vibrant member of the music community by attending the Berklee School of Music and becoming a record producer. He still loves live gigs and continues to share his gift as a writer. Duane Steele is now officially a member of the Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame. His ultimate goal is to write that one song that the whole world will sing one day.

Greg Shannon 840 CFCW Morning Show Co-Host Hear Greg Shannon & Co-Host Stella Stevens weekday mornings on 840 CFCW! Email Greg with column suggestions: greg@cfcw.com 13

SPIRIT OF THE WEST | HUGH MCLENNAN

Buster McLaury Texas Cowpuncher & Horseman

“I

f you went in there and come out drivin’ cattle, you had more going for you than a big hat and a pick-up truck.” These are the words of Buster McLaury as we had a visit during the Horseman’s Reunion in Paso Robles, California. Buster was one of a dozen horsemen hand-picked by Martin Black and Chris Cox for five days of colt starting. Buster grew up on the historic 6666 Ranch near Guthrie, Texas, where his dad was the wagon boss. “When I was ten years old, I never thought anything about seeing 150 horses held up in a corner for changing mounts or 400 cows in round up; that’s all I’d ever seen,” he said. “In those days, no one had heard of Ray Hunt, and just about every morning, there’d be four or five bronc Texas cowpuncher Buster McLaury at the Horseman's Reunion in Paso Robles, California in 2013

rides going on. Once those ponies lined out, we just went ahead and did a day’s work on them.” There, the roping style was 30-foot nylon ropes tied hard and fast. Buster said the only time he saw someone dally was at a branding when he was just a kid. A wild cow jumped over the fence, and

“Tying hard and fast was the only thing that suited our country.” the first guy to reach the horses jumped on, ran the cow and he managed to rope her. He tried to dally with that short rope and slick horn and she got away. Buster was sitting on the top rail watching, and his dad came over and shook his finger at him.

“I thought I was in some kind of trouble, but just looked at me and said, ‘See what that damn dally is good for!’ Tying hard and fast was the only thing that suited our country. I don’t know how many cows I roped, and by the time you got caught, she’d be out of sight in the brush on forty feet of rope.” He was five years old the first time he went out with the wagon, riding in the wagon from camp to camp. In just a few years, he was horseback with the rest of the crew. It’s still a long ways between fences in that rough, brushy country, and even the grass had thorns. “If you went in there and come out drivin’ cattle, you had more going for you than a big hat and a pick-up truck,” Buster stated. As far as the risks of roping tied on, Buster said, “Tying onto a 1,000-pound cow and a 1,000-pound saddle horse running flat out together, a lot of things can happen, not all of them good. That was always a big deal in our country, finding a horse that could and would take that jerk.” Buster says it’s serious business as far as gathering bulls in the fall. “You ride your best horse and be prepared for whatever might come along ’cause it might come along.” Buster is well-known as a cowboy poet and developed an appetite for reading poetry from masters like Bruce Kiskaddon, Gail Gardener and others. Buster and his wife Sheryl spend their days conducting clinics on everything from colt starting to ranch roping and cow work. Their website is BusterSherylMcLaury.com. c

A correction to my story about my mare, Lucky, in the last issue: I indicated that I had started Lucky. A good friend of mine, Russ Dreger, had done the early halter breaking and groundwork and worked with her before she arrived at our place.—HM 14

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

WHEEL TO WHEEL | BILLY MELVILLE

Social Media

Bill Greenwood

PHOTO COURTESY BILLY MELVILLE COLLECTION

hen chuckwagon legend Bill Greenwood was asked how the sport had changed from his day, his response was, “Not that much. It’s still four horses and a man in the seat.” Even the rules define the chuckwagons used for racing “must be traditional round-up wagons with wooden boxes and square corners. Wagon boxes are 38 inches wide, 24 inches high, and 11 feet, 4 inches long. A chuckwagon must weigh a minimum of 1,325 pounds with its driver and wagon equipment (stove rack, wagon tarp, etc.).” But one thing that has changed significantly is how the sport connects to its fans. The races themselves may not have changed, but society has, and convenience seems to be what drives today’s world. We live in a society that invented drivethrough lanes because fast food wasn’t convenient enough. Now drive-through cowboycountrymagazine.com

lanes don’t seem convenient enough, giving way to the emergence of Skip the Dishes or other mobile food ordering apps. Convenience is king. So how does a sport that has been nearly untouched by modern technology fit into this technology-driven world? The answer — social media. Although traditional newscasts on radio and television and reports in newspapers still exist and are still important, the world of social media is making a big impact on everything, including professional chuckwagon racing.

It’s still four horses and a man in the seat.” As WPCA Marketing Manager Bryan Henson states, “Social media has become a big part of what we do to keep our fans and sponsors informed, engaged and entertained. Most people have an electronic mobile device, and they want the information now. It takes a lot of people to coordinate our social media plan, but we’ve got a great team, and it’s working very well.”

Through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, the WPCA has an annual reach of six million people through news posts, videos, photographs, and webcasts. And according to Hebson, “I’d like to reach 10 million, and I think we can do it.” Regular contributors to the WPCA social media include Hebson himself, who films and produces the “Inside Track,” featuring insider stories on many WPCA drivers, plus writing regular news stories on wpca.com. Chuckwagon historian Billy Melville chips in with his interesting stories and fun facts on chuckwagon racing, both past and present. Former WPCA President Ed Wittchen writes his newsletter and stories on current happenings, and photographers Paul and Carol Easton, Shellie Scott and Fred Vidiuk’s still images stop time and provide a vivid image and insight into the sport and its people. The competing values of “tradition versus change” will always be prevalent in this world. It’s quite possible that chuckwagon racing has found a way to embrace these values and have them work together in harmony instead of being opposites. c 15

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ VICTORGROW

REFLECTIONS | BRYN THIESSEN

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

Fastest Thing in the World /// By the time you’re reading this and waiting for the next issue of Canadian Cowboy to arrive Bonny and I will have been married for 25 years. We will have six grandchildren and a barn full of memories. Some good, some bad, some just memorable. The years have gone by quickly, while some days have dragged on. I want to reach up into the hayloft and relive the day I spoke of the fastest thing in the world. Most folks know some of my story. In the words of Ron Anderson, ‘’Bryn’s so lazy he married a gal that already had three kids.’’ I was old enough that I should have been in a two-rein, but when it came to marriage, I was barely halter broke. To help me ease into life as a husband and father, Bonny got a job in town at the school. This served a double purpose; it got the kids to school, we live far enough back that the bus doesn’t come, and it gave me time to adjust to having someone around. It was in the early spring; Bonny had caught a bug and was feeling poorly. I offered her a shot of penicillin and some “home” cures, but she declined, so I had to take the kids to and from school for a couple of days. About the second day, I engaged the kids in a conversation about their day and observations of life. One of them, I don’t remember which, observed I didn’t drive as fast as their mother. Given the condition of her vehicle and the road she travelled, I’d suspected that. I also saw this as a teachable moment, so I asked them what they thought was the fastest thing in the world? Lane, the youngest, answered first. “The fastest thing in the world is electricity.” When I asked why he said, “When you flip the switch, the light comes on right away.” (He was too young to remember fluorescent bulbs.)

Orin answered next, showing his unique way of thinking. It’s ‘blinking,”’ he said. When I asked for an explanation, he grinned and said, “You ever see yourself blink?” I then asked Casey, and she replied with the wisdom of a 10-year-old girl. She gave me the look every father knows well and replied, “The fastest thing in the world is thinking.” This answer baffled me as much as a politician, so I asked her how she came up with that? She sighed and said, “You ever notice before you have a thought, it’s already there so you can think it?” (I’m still baffled.) Then all three looked at me and asked what I thought the fastest thing in the world was? I replied, ‘diarrhea.’ This brought the expected “Gross!” “Yuck!” and other replies. “But,” I said, “Think about it. The other night when Lane got sick, before he could blink, think or turn on the light, it was too late.” If we ride back into today and look for a lesson to take hold of, we learn this. We accumulate and store a lot of memories in the span of time, both good and bad. We have some of both with all we’ve been through in the last few years. Take the words of Philippians 4:8 to be a guiding star. “Reach back in the storehouse of your mind and think on that which is worthy, pure, uplifting and brings joy. If you’ve seen and learned good things from me and others, add them to the tack you saddle the horse with as you ride through life. (My words). Take time to look without blinking at the “light” around you and think about what’s worth it. The passing of time is maybe the fastest thing of all. 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.

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HORSE DOCTOR Dr Garth Henry, Equine Vet By CANDICE VETTER

Halloween Hanover and her foal

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

s the founder and original partner of Russell Equine and as an owner of Standardbred racehorses himself, Dr Garth Henry of North Russell, Ontario, knows his horseflesh. Dr Henry started as a large animal veterinarian, and his wife, Dr Ruth Irving, got him interested in Standardbred horses, which her father, also a vet, raised. “I was exposed to the breed through Ruth’s dad,” Garth said in a recent telephone interview. “Standardbreds were his passion.” Garth and Ruth hail from the Maritimes; he from Charlottetown, P.E.I. and she from Moncton, N.B. They met in 1979 at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, and then both attended Guelph University to finish their veterinary degrees. Ruth’s father had a large animal clinic with a small animal clinic on the side.

Veterinarians Dr Ruth Irving and Dr Garth Henry at their clinic

Garth chose large animals, and Ruth focused on pets, eventually opening the Village Veterinary Clinic, a separate small animal clinic in Russell, Ontario. (Author’s disclosure, my cats are taken there.) Garth found he liked large animals and soon realized he preferred equine medicine. “I’d rather work on horses,” he said. ”From an economic standpoint, people are more

willing to spend money on a horse.” With a laugh, he added, “Plus, they smell better than other large animals.” The Russell area is just outside Ottawa, and the racing style there is harness racing. “Because of where we are, there are not many Thoroughbreds raised,” Garth said. “Other than by a couple of breeders, so I mostly treat, and we breed Standardbreds.” “I had a Quebec license and an Ontario licence, and I developed a big practice in Montreal where there were higher quality horses,” he said. That practice was a couple of hours drive away. Garth would stay in Montreal for three days, work 16 to 18 hour days, then come home to Russell and work three more long shifts, often seeing 50 horses in a day. Garth developed a reputation for what he modestly describes as “competent diagnoses.” Eventually, he gave up the

Halloween Hanover and her foal with Quintessa

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4 1. The equine barns 2. Clinic sign mounted on a rock 3. Russell Equine Vet Clinic buildings 4. Lady be Great, Maplelea and Cumim First with their foals

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

Russell Equine Clinic’s buildings and barns

Montreal practice and focused on his own in Eastern Ontario. “We went from one man, one truck and a drugs closet,” he said, “to one of the largest equine practices in Eastern Canada.” His vet practice is solely dedicated to equine health and went from a small building behind the house to a large new clinic. His first partner was Dr J.D. Adams, and they soon brought in more vets and support staff. “I worked with J.D. for years,” he said. The practice now includes Dr Tiffany Richards and Dr Jenn Hodge and a few years ago merged with Dr Carole Michon’s of nearby Embrun, who still maintains her Quebec license. They have recently welcomed a new graduate, Dr Morgan McKay, and have five to six support staff and a couple of students each summer. Besides the veterinary practice, he also breeds Standardbreds. The first horse he bought specifically for breeding was a racehorse from Montreal. “She was a good horse but getting old, so we bred her.” Since then, he has continuously raised and sold horses for the racing circuit. Horses from his stable have raced in New York City, Lexington, Toronto, New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, cowboycountrymagazine.com

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“All horses have the same bones”

Quebec, and Ontario. In his vet practice, though, he treats all kinds of horses. “An equine foot is an equine foot,” he said. “All horses have the same bones.” However, some injuries are job-related. An injury specific to harness racing is a fractured coffin bone (the big bone in the hoof ) because they run at high speeds over a surface that is not soft. Western pleasure riding is also popular in Ontario. “The Quarter Horse is prone to navicular bone degeneration and lameness,” Garth said. “And barrel racers often suffer from soft tissue injuries.” The big horses, especially jumpers, develop back and neck conditions. Draft horses can suffer from ‘Monday Morning disease.’ Garth explained, “The draft horses are so explosive, so huge and powerful, and if they’re not worked, or have a lack of care after the pulling season and into winter, there’s a metabolic release of too much lactic acid.”

Draft horses also have a big foot making them prone to more abscesses. When asked what horse owners can do to help keep their stock healthy, he said, “Daily hoof care. Don’t keep them standing in their own manure in a stall. Especially the draft horses, with their back feet in manure — if the stall isn’t cleaned they get it in their feet. Pick out their feet daily, and clean the stall daily. Make it a routine.” He doesn’t race a lot of his own horses, but mostly breeds mares, using artificial insemination. “Breeding with semen in the clinic is easier than 10 to 20 trips to a farm.” As a result, besides his own mares and foals, and his patients, he has a number of transient boarders there to be bred. Sometimes he sees strange injuries, too, like the colt shot in the neck. Henry could pull a bandage right through the hole in the neck, yet the colt fully recovered. “If you didn’t lift his mane, you couldn’t see his scar,” said Henry. “He ended up racing a few times, earning about $10,000.” Both Ruth and Garth and their many partner practitioners are an integral part of their community, getting involved in local issues and knowing the local animals. It’s a busy life, but a good one, and they provide truly essential services in their rural community. c 21

SNAPSHOT

HISTORY OF COUNTRY MUSIC By HAYLEY BAUER

he tires kick up dust along the winding country road. Paul Brandt’s “My Heart Has a History” plays from the radio with only a hint of static. Country music tells everyday stories. Everyday stories of everyday people just like you and me. But what is the story of country music? It has a history, just like us. Country music stems largely from British folk ballads. That’s where some of its storytelling quality comes from. In the old days, a ballad wasn’t always a romantic love song like we think of ballads today. Sometimes it was just a story. Country music also has roots in southern gospel music and some African-American music. In the early 1900s, it picked up other influences such as blues, jazz, Mexican music, and even Hawaiian guitar. In the ‘30s and ‘40s, Gene Autry brought a decidedly Western vibe to the emerging country music genre. He is known as the original “singing cowboy.” One of the main ways that early country music reached the public was through the 1925 launch of the Grand Ole Opry radio program. Since then, the Grand Ole Opry has expanded into much more than the original broadcast. It is one of country’s most prestigious stages. Becoming a member of the Opry is a crowning achievement for country artists. The mid-1900s ushered in huge development for the rising country music genre. Hank Williams released his first big hit, “Move It On Over” in 1947, followed by Johnny Cash’s country sensation, “I Walk the Line” in the mid-’50s. In the early ‘60s, Patsy Cline released the classic song, “Crazy,” written by the now-legendary Willie Nelson.

Then came 1974. In ‘74, Dolly Parton released one of the most beloved songs the world has ever known. “I Will Always Love You” became a number one hit in the year of its release and again in 1982. Ten years later, it rose to number one for a third time with Whitney Houston’s rendition. The ‘80s brought an altogether new look for country music. For a time, the pop world seemed to be remodelling the country genre with a heavy dose of Hollywood glitter. But eventually, the fad lost some of its sparkle and a more traditional style of country music reemerged. Also during the ‘80s, names such as George Strait and Reba McEntire rose sky-high in the country music world. Artists like McEntire and Garth Brooks would popularize spectacular, hightech country concert experiences.

The ‘90s proved to be a prosperous decade for Canadian country artists. 1995 held the release of Shania Twain’s album The Woman in Me, which included her sassy, line dancing hit, “Any Man of Mine.” Also in ’95, Terri Clark was named Billboard Magazine’s Top New Female Country Artist. A few years later, Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1996, Paul Brandt landed his boots on the country music scene with some of his first hits, including the wedding classic, “I Do.” Today, Paul Brandt is one of Canada’s great artists and is known for using his celebrity platform to aid in various humanitarian causes. With the turn of the millennium, a new country star began to shine. His 2001 debut single, “Austin,” rocketed him to fame. Today, superstar Blake Shelton is a headline performer at the 2022 Calgary Stampede. Long-time country music fans know that the music has changed over the years. The sounds are modernized. The lyrics often have a very current vibe to them. Flashes of Hollywood glitter can still be seen. But in other ways, country music hasn’t changed much at all. It continues to thrive in the hands of today’s many talented artists — artists such as Tenille Townes, whose powerful single, “Somebody’s Daughter,” is a shining example of classic country storytelling. In the end, the roots of country music remain the same. It tells the everyday stories of everyday people. People like you and me. With the tears we cry, the laughter we share, and songs we sing, country music sings along with us. Country music will continue to tell our stories, as Randy Travis would put it — “Forever and Ever, Amen.” c

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

Tenille Townes

Blake Shelton

Dolly Parton

Garth Brooks

George Strait

Terri Clarke

Hank Williams

Paul Brandt

Reba McEntire

PORTRAIT

JORDAN STRAKER CARVING A LIFE By TERRI MASON

1 Jordan, who makes his home in the Okanagan Valley, obviously has incredible focus, attention to detail, and patience for his art. The top 40 collectors of Western art in the world are Straker fans, and one

even designed a Straker gallery in his new 28,000 sq.ft. home. Jordan’s work also has a permanent home in Dollywood, as Dolly Parton, herself a collector, commissioned Jordan to create a prototype of the collectible Christmas ornament, Coat of Many Colors, which sells out every year in minutes. Jordan’s works can be viewed on his website, but to fully experience his craft, you should see the pieces live — but good luck. He doesn’t show in galleries and he doesn’t go to shows anymore. He’s now a self-described “tennis bum” who creates what he wants, and his collectors, including Dolly Parton, can hardly wait. See Jordan’s works at JordanStraker.com. c

ALL IMAGES COURTESY JORDAN STRAKER

ordan Straker is out of his gourd. And he’s almost out of his paintings, and wood carvings, too. This is no surprise to anyone that has seen his works first-hand — they beg to be touched and are sold almost before the paints are dry. His relief carvings with paint highlights (sometimes done using a toothpick as a paintbrush) breathe in an energy that creates an otherworldly experience — How can this be wood when it’s clearly leather and beads? So realistic are his carvings that he has actually freaked out eBay who were convinced he was trying to sell illegal gunslinger pistols in leather holders. They are probably still talking about it.

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

3 1. Jordan Straker and his new painting of Highland cattle 2. Man O War — 52” x 36” long. Everything you see — everything — is carved from wood. Sold. 3. Herd # 728 Homeward Bound — That’s not leather, that is intricately carved and dyed Longhorn skull 4. Don't Mess with the Barmaid! — 17" x 13.5" gourd with original wood carving 5. Stand By Me — An original carving from dried gourd and wood by Jordan Straker. 21” x 14” with a 36” circumference. Purchase price $4500. All proceeds will go to the Dolyna Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Kelowna B.C. to be donated to newly settled families in need.

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THE DARING DIVAS Rising to the Occasion By BILL BORGWARDT

Khloe performing a One Foot Stand

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

ALL PHOTOS BY BILL BORGWARDT

he thrilling demonstration sport of trick riding has enthralled audiences for centuries. Roman gladiators used to ride around the coliseum astride two horses, the Russian Cossacks were known for their riding prowess, and trick riding was a staple of the Buffalo Bill and other Wild West shows. Canada's most famous trick rider was a female, Florence “Flores” LaDue (1883-1951), who, along with her husband, Guy Weadick, helped found the Calgary Stampede in 1912, where she won the World Trick Riding Championship. The sport continues today, and in Alberta, many rodeo fans have had the chance to witness the amazing harmony between horse and rider and the daring and athletic ability of a new pair of young trick riding ladies, the Daring Divas. During the past couple of summers, including 14 shows during the shortened 2021 season, fourteen-year-old Tavi Pickles of Castor, on her horse Flash, and recently turned fourteen-year-old Hardisty resident Kloe Holte on Pep, have amazed rodeo fans from St Paul, Alta., to Chilliwack, B.C., and all points in between. Kloe has been trick

Tavi performing a Shoulder Stand

Joining the Daring Divas in some of their shows is Brylee Harper and her horse, Molly. Brylee, photographed performing the classic Hippodrome Stand (Liberty Stand), is a budding young star from Provost, Alta. At eight years old, Brylee is already a four year veteran of trick riding. The Daring Divas Trick Riding Team; Khloe, (in red) Tavi (in pink) and Brylee, with Brylee’s horse, Molly

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SADDLES — GOOD ADVICE WADE ERTMAN, ERTMAN’S SADDLE SHOP, ONOWAY, ALTA. Wade Ertman is one of the few trick riding saddle makers in Canada.

JERRI DUCE, OKOTOKS, AB Canada’s most famous trick rider and instructor is multi-Hall of Fame horsewoman and Living Legend Jerri Duce. “There’s only a handful of quality trick riding saddlemakers in North America, so try some saddles before you buy. One thing to check is the size of the horn. It should be metal, but not too tall. It should be equal to one-and-a-half-palm widths — of your palm. Don’t get one with a horn that is too tall. The saddle itself, the pommel and cantle, should be quite flat and if you can, get a saddle with some padding. You’ll pay more, but you’ll be a lot more comfortable. Also, look at the crupper handholds; if they lay flat, they won’t work — they should be standing up. The breast collar is important as it helps hold the saddle in place. Check and make sure everything is in very good shape.” 28

Strength, balance, timing and a good grip are needed to perform this doublerider stunt while carrying a smoke flare Left: Custom trick riding saddle crafted by Wade Ertman of Onoway, Alta.

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riding since she was six, and Tavi began when she was eight. The girls are both members of the Canadian Trick Riding Association and train in Wainwright under Amber Miller, part of the well-known Graham Sisters trick riding team that entertained rodeo audiences for many years. Both girls have competed in various competitions, trading first and second place. It takes serious training and conditioning for both the riders and the horses to race around the arena with the rider hanging in various positions on the side of the horse. It starts with training the horse to run the course riderless. Once the horse knows what it's expected to do, it is not distracted by the rider's actions. The only thing the rider has to worry about is their gymnastics, although occasionally, they will speak to the horse to keep it focused. The sport also isn't without its casualties, though. Kloe has broken a leg, and Tavi has suffered a concussion, but it's all part of being a thrill rider. It's also hard on

the horses, dealing with weight transfers that would never occur in normal riding situations, but their muscles are kept supple with special therapy. Melissa Marshal of Good Vibrations Wellness provides Magna Wave PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) treatment during the performance season. Trick riding also requires special saddles. Wade Ertman of Onoway, Alta., custom builds the saddles used by both girls. The horses are also decked in colourful show masks, usually matching the colour of the rider's costumes. Technically, these masks serve no special purpose other than for show, but the horses know that it's time for a performance once the masks are put on. With the 2022 rodeo season back in full swing, the Daring Divas already have numerous bookings in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Watch for them at your local rodeo or check the schedule for the Daring Divas Trick Riding Team on Facebook. c

“It takes serious training and conditioning...”

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

PHOTO COURTESY ERTMAN'S SADDLE SHOP.

“Look for quality; not necessarily the cheapest price. Safety is everything. Buy the saddle to fit the rider. Don't try to buy one saddle for the rest of the kid’s life. Traditionally, kids started trick riding as a teenager, now they starting as young as four to six years old. Along with the specialized holds (horn, crupper) there's also about four straps (used to perform the Hippodrome, etc.) Usually, two of them are included with the saddle. The breast collar is also important; we tend to use the heavier type, and these have more attachment points to hold the saddle firmly in place; four breast collar straps (straps to the cinch ring and straps to the rigging ring on each side), plus a neck strap and the down strap. I won't put breast collar rigging rings in the saddles anymore; it’s a weak point so I eliminated it 10 years ago. Trick riding saddles are expensive; anywhere from $3,000–$5,000, and no matter who the reputable saddlemaker is, trick riding saddles hold their value. Usually when you're done with them, you pretty much get it back if you take care of the saddles.”

HOME GROWN

RURAL MARKETS

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS

By ANDREW EXELBY

ince 1995, the Communities in Bloom program has been an economic driver in communities across Canada. Communities in Bloom is a holistic community program where everyone wins. It is a citizen-led, community economic development program with a return on investment that is measurable, predictable and accountable. The local Communities in Bloom groups across rural Canada have a huge impact on the well-being of their communities. Farmers Markets, Rural Markets, Community Markets — whatever you call them, these markets are important and popular agri-tourism attractions across Western Canada. These markets provide an important and convenient option for local farmers and ranchers to sell their produce, meats and other consumer items directly to residents and tourists without having to travel to the ‘big city’. It is encouraging to see local producers being able to sell their products locally. This is great for the community, farmers, ranchers, and local residents alike! We’re proud to highlight four community markets from across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Each market is in a community that participates in Communities in Bloom. Be inspired! Start your own local farmer’s market, or visit one this summer!

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HOME GROWN

ABOUT THE MARKET St. Walburg’s Farmer’s Market is held from May long weekend to the end of September. The market features home-made, home-grown and home-sold products and priority is given to local producers if space is limited. The fee is $10, and there are also seasonal rates for regular vendors. A special edition of the market is also held during St. Walburg’s Wild Blueberry Festival. HOW DOES THIS MARKET BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? The Market provides fresh produce and locally made treats, and it also brings people to the community for the Market who then stay to shop in Town, eat at local restaurants, and enjoy all that the community has to offer. The direct and spin-off benefits are significant. WHEN AND WHERE? The market is held on Fridays from 3-6 pm at the local town campground. This location works well because it is on one of the main highways and also has access to public washrooms.

ADVICE FOR OTHER COMMUNITY MARKETS Be flexible with your location and time. There may be a need to move the market around. The market has been held at the campground, the Senior’s Centre or the high school parking lot based on the availability of spaces and weather conditions. As long as you promote the location changes, this flexibility has always worked for St. Walburg Market and ensures that the market can continue!. Also, prioritize your local vendors because these are truly the most reliable vendors that make the market an ongoing success!

Devon Market

Devon Lions Farmers Market, Devon, Alta ABOUT THE MARKET The Devon Lions Farmers Market has a 28-year history! The market has indoor and outdoor display space at rates of $20 per table. The market is volunteer-coordinated by the Lions Club. Vendors include everyone from produce and vegetable farmers, craftspeople, local meat providers, bakers, and more. This market is one of over 140 markets licensed by the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This guarantees that our

Devon Market

vendors sell some of the most local, fresh and healthy products. They are also recognized with the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program, their online promotions and their Sunnygirl logo seen on roadsides across the province.

HOW DOES THIS MARKET BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? The market provides a great local shopping opportunity and a local opportunity for vendors. Customers and vendors alike are attracted from the entire region. The market (through its table fees) is an important fundraiser for the Devon Lion’s Club and has resulted in a lot of investment back into the community over its 28-year history. WHEN AND WHERE? The market is held at the Devon Community Centre every Thursday afternoon from early June to early October. This is a great location because it includes access to washrooms, a small kitchen and a freezer.

St Walburg Market

ADVICE FOR OTHER COMMUNITY MARKETS Do your research to make sure you know what your consumer wants. Remain affordable to attract as many vendors as possible. Work with vendors to ensure that they understand any regulations that might apply to their products or goods. This is really important! Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

PHOTOS COURTESY COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM (6X)

St. Walburg’s Farmer’s Market, St. Walburg, Sask

HOME GROWN

Castlegar Craft and Farmers Market, Castlegar, B.C.

HOW DOES THIS MARKET BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? The market attracts local residents and residents from across the region and allows people to buy food and other goods locally. The market is a great opportunity for local farmers and ranchers to sell their produce and meats. Some vendors are with us throughout the year and offer everything from carrots to hamburger. The economic spin-off is recognized and is a valuable reason for coordinating the market.

ABOUT THE MARKET The Castlegar Craft and Farmers Market is open to everyone. We provide the space, and the vendor provides the table. We are a completely outdoor market except for a special edition Christmas market that we also host. We always have a lot of food vendors in addition to local artisans and other businesses. Local ranches are known for selling meat directly to the consumer. You can find everything from vegetables to pottery to meat to clothing and more at the market! HOW DOES THIS MARKET BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? The market attracts people to downtown Castlegar each Saturday. This benefits other local businesses with additional foot traffic. Many of our vendors rely on income generated at the market. The market is also a fundraiser for the Castlegar and District Heritage Society and is coordinated by the society’s staff. WHEN AND WHERE? The market is held every Saturday morning at the Station Museum in the summer season. ADVICE FOR OTHER COMMUNITY MARKETS Listen to your vendors and your walk-in traffic. Consumers can give you the best feedback on what needs to be improved and what is going well.

WHEN AND WHERE? The market is held on Thursday afternoons from early July to mid-September. Eastend Market

Eastend Garden Market, Eastend, Sask ABOUT THE MARKET The Eastend Garden Market started in the 1990s. It’s held at Town Square, a beautiful, outdoor space with sun shelters and public washrooms in the heart of Eastend’s downtown. Volunteers set up the tables for the market and town office staff help promote it through social media and posters. The market features regular vendors with local produce and meats as well as baked goods, crafts and more. A special edition Tradeshow and Market is also held during Eastend’s DINO Days. Castlegar Farmers Market

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ADVICE FOR OTHER COMMUNITY MARKETS Make use of outdoor spaces! Town Square is a great location in Eastend, and the market makes it a lively community hub each week. Also, be sure to promote early so that vendors and customers can plan ahead. We encourage you to check out one of these great markets next time you are in the area!

About Communities in Bloom Communities in Bloom (CiB) is a volunteer and partnership-driven charitable organization. For the past 27 years, CiB has helped participating communities develop civic pride, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, enhance green spaces, strengthen neighbourhoods, and increase investment opportunities and tourism. It is a comprehensive, proven approach to community development, and its positive benefits are felt immediately! Information in this article has been sourced from Communities in Bloom and Community Representatives across Western Canada. Information including pricing and market times is subject to change. Photos have been supplied by Community and Market Representatives. For more information about Communities in Bloom in your province, please visit: CommunitiesInBloom.ca/how-to-participate/ provincial-editions 31

HOME GROWN Specialty Meats One of the fastest rising niche markets is that of specialty meats. Choice, grass-fed bison, elk, and grass-fed beef are the staples of off-farm sales. There is plenty of information available on their merits from registered dieticians, among whom will tell you why grass-fed is worth the money, including: Grass-fed has healthy fats. Grass-fed beef provides 2-4 times more omega-3 and a more favourable (anti-inflammatory) ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats than grain-fed. Grass-fed beef also has 2-3 times more CLA, a type of fat that may protect against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. More vitamins; meat from grass-fed cows has 7 times more beta-carotene (a cousin of vitamin A) and 2 times more vitamin E than grain-fed. Both elk and bison are naturally low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in protein. Experience the taste difference of ranchraised meat. Try it — you’ll like it. c

Ranch-raised pork at the market in Eastend, Sask.

“Shaken Not Stirred” Ray Swirsky

PHOTO COURTESY COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM

JULY 8-17, 2022 HALLS E AND F BMO CENTRE, STAMPEDE PARK

RANCHING IN THE WEST Kingcome Inlet, B.C.

Tidewater

Ranchers

Part 2 of 2: Fjords and the Open Coast By DARYL DREW, PHD | HISTORIC PHOTOS COURTESY DARYL DREW

By chance, Ernest Halliday heard about the potential for cattle ranching in the area of Kingcome Inlet. Kingcome, a fjord shaped through millennia from the Homathko River and glacial ice, opens to the ocean as a great gash in the coastal mountains of B.C. The Homathko River delta, covered at times by seawater, supports lush, hardy grass. Although the mountains are snow-capped, the valley usually escapes harsh winters. cowboycountrymagazine.com

RANCHING IN THE WEST

HORSE LOGGERS Cedar poles being stacked by polecutters

This building was first used at Deerholme during the 1930s and hauled over the Malahat, out to Point No Point, by G.E. Bernard in 1939. Teamster and horse shared this home while out In the woods in polecutting work. Once a road or “grade” had been put through the forest, the polecutters were first on the scene, taking out the tall, slender poles and felling them carefully before the actual logging. Communications poles cut in this area were shipped throughout North America and beyond. This “Polemaker’s Shack” was donated by its most recent owners, the Ken Collins family, and represents the way of life for this woods operation before WWII.

This statue on Pender Island commemorates the pioneer life of tidewater rancher and horse logger Washington Grimmer, sitting sideways as he rode home on his logging horse. Notice that the tugs are simply crossed over the horse’s back for the trip home, and there is no britching on the harness. Horse loggers strip the harness down to the bare essentials, and britching, essentially the braking system, is unnecessary.

This is an example of how horse logging is still carried out in sensitive areas on the Islands, especially for thinning secondgrowth timber. Usually, horse loggers will either line the logs up on one side of a bush road or herringbone the timber along both sides of the trail so it’s easier for the trucker to load with their cherry picker. Note this harness; there is a crupper and tug hangers to keep the tugs elevated; the tug hangers help prevent the horse from stepping over the tug, which is annoying at least or can cause a big wreck at most.

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“… sightings of wild cattle continued up into the 1980s.” It was not Halliday’s original intention to settle in Kingcome. He had planned to homestead near Cape Scott on northern Vancouver Island with two brothers and a brother-in-law, but a late spring storm in 1893 forced him to take shelter in Alert Bay. While there, he heard that there was abundant grassland and fresh water at the head of Kingcome Inlet about 180 miles north of Vancouver. It was truly isolated and only accessible from the ocean, so he rowed a small boat 60 miles from Alert Bay to the homestead site. The next year he brought his wife Lilly to take a look, she liked what she saw, and together, they built a ranch that operated for over 65 years. That was their good fortune, for all homesteading attempts at Cape Scott eventually failed. However, there were glitches at Kingcome as well. Halliday had coaxed the captain of the steamship Coquitlam to drop off their belongings close to the homestead site. They didn’t get everything off the beach in time, and a tide of record height water damaged most of what they owned. On a positive note, their supply of matches stayed dry. The family built their house and outbuildings from hand-hewn logs on land surrounded by water at high tide. By 1908 they had hand-built dikes around 60 acres of fertile farmland. The market for their beef, which ranged through the surrounding bush, was Alert Bay. They could supplement their own needs with deer meat, but the beef had to be shipped out. The shipping improved when they opened a post office to serve local hand loggers and fishermen, and soon, some of their beef buyers started to come to them. The situation further improved in 1910 when Jack O’Brian brought his Powell River Logging Company to Kingcome, and the Hallidays became the main supplier of food to the 225 loggers in the camp. Until the camp closed in 1924, it bought all the meat and produce the ranch could raise. The resulting cash flow allowed the Hallidays to build a Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

RANCHING IN THE WEST

The Halliday ranch barn in the foreground and the house in the background with the Coast Mountains towering above

five-bedroom frame house in 1918. Families arrived with the camp, allowing a school to stay open from 1912 to 1939. Dairy cows were added to meet the demand for butter and milk as the beef herd increased to 125 head as the ranch expanded to 900 cleared acres. Winter was the roundup crew for the Hallidays. As the weather worsened and grazing got scarce, the cattle drifted down from the bush and onto the grass flats. The meat was grass-finished and popular among the loggers and was still being delivered by the usual rowboat method. Although the economic situation improved, medical attention was still far away. When Lilly was due to deliver her babies, she had to be rowed 100 miles to the hospital at Comox. Over the years, she gave birth to six children there, and the return trip was always the same 100 miles back in an open boat with a newborn baby.

Hesquiat Peninsula On the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, the ranchers were Catholic priests who also raised cattle on the Hesquiat Peninsula. Their missions were isolated and only accessible from the ocean. Father Brabant landed cattle from the sailing sloop Thornton in 1875 at the Hesquiat mission. The mission at Kakawis near Tofino suffered from a shortage of pasture, requiring cattle to be barged up the Bear River to graze all summer and then returned for the winter with many loads of handmade hay. Offloading cattle usually meant getting them into the very cold water with a teeter-totter board. Stout ropes made of braided cedar bark were then slung around their horns, and they were guided to shore by First Nations men in cedar dugout canoes. Keeping them moving up the beach was important

to avoid hypothermia. Calves being shipped were hogtied in the bottom of a large dugout canoe and hoisted by sling into an awaiting ship. The whole process, while laborious, produced a surplus of beef. That surplus supplied customers ranging from Dawley’s Hotel in Clayoquot to the lighthouse keepers at Estevan and even Pat Burns Meat Packing in Victoria bought from the mission ranchers. For local markets, beef was stored in brine, bottled or made into smoked sausages or sold as quarters and sides. By the time Father Charles took over management, the priests had become widely known for their beef. Over the years, some Highland and Short Horn-cross cattle escaped the mission, running wild in the bush from Pachista Bay to opposite Nootka. They were hunted like wild game, but hunting the bulls was not for the faint of heart. They had reputations for their size, aggressive temperament and were well-armed with horns. More than one hunter reported being charged by a wild bull looming out of the foggy forest. Long after the mission at Hesquiat had succumbed to disrepair, sightings of wild cattle continued up into the 1980s. Slowly they passed into legend as defiant, powerful spirits of the forest, appearing out of the damp ocean mists to a background of pounding surf, the topic of popular tales told around West Coast Trail campfires. Today, the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge located in the Bedwell River valley owns approximately 30 horses for their guests to access Vancouver Island’s mountain valleys. There are no roads into the lodge, so access for guests, all the feed, veterinarians and farriers must be brought in by boat or seaplane. In terms of isolation and the requirement of self-sufficiency, the spirit of the original tidewater ranchers lives on. c

PUBLISHERS NOTE: Father August J. Brabant (1845-1912) established the first Roman Catholic mission among the Nuu-chah-nulth on the Hesquiat Peninsula. Father Brabant was an advocate of residential schools and was instrumental in the Christie Indian Residential School (also known as Kakawis Indian Residential School) opening in 1900. Residential schools were created to assimilate Indigenous People into mainstream Canadian society and means to assimilate them was nothing short of cultural genocide. In the 1980’s the mission and school at Kawkawis were closed. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (www.nctr.ca) provides many great resources.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

TRAILBLAZERS

PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST

Jay Silverheels Indigenous Ambassador By TIM LASIUTA

He was born Harold Jay Smith on May 26, 1912, on the Six Nations Reservation in Brantford, Ontario. His father was a Chief of the Mohawk Nation. As a young man, Smith excelled at lacrosse and boxing. His success in boxing included an early Golden Glove ranking and an opportunity to play with the Canadian Lacrosse Team in Los Angeles in 1938. His athleticism had earned him the nickname Silverheel, and his prowess led actor Joe E. Brown to encourage Smith to do a screen test. His ability earned him work as a stunt man under his name, Harry Smith. Later, producers felt his name should reflect his heritage and Jay Silverheels was born. Roles in Make A Wish (1937), Sea Hawk (1940), Perils of Nyoka (1943), Charlie Chan’s Feathered Serpent (1948), Key Largo with Bogart and Bacall as one of the Osceolo Brothers (1948) and future co-star Clayton Moore in Cowboy and the Indians (1949) led to his most productive acting years. 36

Moore wrote in his biography of the first time he officially met Silverheels. “He was tall and handsome, looking every bit as regal as the son of a Mohawk chief should. Fran Striker said to me, ‘This is Jay Silverheels. He is going to be your Tonto.’ As we shook hands for the first time, I felt as if I had known Jay Silverheels for a long time… we would remain close friends for the next 30 years.” With the Lone Ranger premiering on TV in 1949, Silverheels portrayed Tonto in more than 200 episodes with Clayton Moore and John Hart (1 season) and two full-colour movies with Moore. While appearing as Tonto, he simultaneously worked on Broken Arrow (1950) and Battle At Apache Pass (1952) as Geronimo. Other major productions featuring Silverheels included Saskatchewan (1954) with Allan Ladd and Shelley Winters (filmed in Banff ), The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing (1974) with the legendary Chief Dan

George and Santee (1973) alongside exRanger John Hart. With the end of the Lone Ranger TV series and last film, The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold in 1958, he began to advocate for better roles for Indigenous actors and became a spokesperson for a more accurate portrayal of Indigenous peoples throughout all media. While Jay’s portrayal of Tonto seemed to be a demeaning role, he was able to step out of its way and realize that he had the opportunity to be a strong role model. In an interview with Dawn Moore, Clayton Moore’s daughter, Mary Silverheels spoke of Jay’s struggle. "Jay knew this was a character and changed what he could and didn't dwell on what he couldn't," noted Mary. “No, he didn't like the dialogue, but he overcame that with his acting." Furthering the advocacy of his Mohawk ancestry, Silverheels toured the United States with a travelling show that presented Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

TIM LASIUTA COLLECTION

ay Silverheels was a true trailblazer. He defined Tonto for all generations in the classic Lone Ranger TV show; he mentored a generation of Indigenous actors in Hollywood; founded the Indian Actors Workshop; and is credited with appearances in over 100 films and TV shows.

TIM LASIUTA COLLECTION

Jay Silverheels portrayed famous Chiricahua Apache leader and medicine man, Geronimo, in Battle at Apache Pass, 1952

western-style entertainment alongside indigenous cultural education exhibits and demonstrations. Silverheels, in addition to his acting workshop and career in films, taught high school physical education in Los Angeles in the late 1960s, appeared on talk shows such as Johnny Carson, competed as a harness racer and performed his own poetry before suffering a stroke in 1975 that left him partially paralyzed. Silverheels, by now, was becoming recognized by many organizations in his lifetime. On July 17, 1979, he was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with his friends and supporters around him. He was inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1997 and was honoured by the Jay Silverheels Achievement Award presented by the National Centre for American Indian Enterprise Development. He is an inductee in the First Americans in the Arts Hall of Honor and in the Hall of Great Western Performers in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 2003, he was inducted into the Walk of Fame in Brantford. Perhaps cowboycountrymagazine.com

his most significant industry award was his 1990 Golden Boot Award in recognition of his contribution to the western film industry. On his passing after another stroke, Moore wrote about his friend in his biogra-

“He was tall and handsome, looking every bit as regal as the son of a Mohawk chief should.” phy, I Was That Masked Man, “I could only hope that Jay, wherever he was, knew how much I love and respected him and how much of an impact he had on my life and on so many others.” That is the mark of a trailblazer. On March 5, 1980, Jay Silverheels passed away in Los Angeles. His ashes were scattered on his family homestead on the Six Nations Indian Reserve. c

Clayton Moore (The Long Ranger) and Jay Silverheels (Tonto) on their horses, 17hh Thoroughbred-cross stallion, Silver and 15hh paint gelding, Scout respectively. Moore’s silver-mounted saddle was created by famed saddlemaker to the stars, R. H. Bohlin.

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

COWBOY WAY

PECKING ORDER? Where Are You in the By DYLAN BIGGS

n the social world of cattle or horses, there is always a leader — a boss bull or cow or lead mare. The social hierarchy is dynamic, everyone is ranked, and the process is continual. Rank isn’t simply given; it is earned. Top rank gives physical dominance or control of time and space to feed, water, shade and mating in multi-sire bull batteries or stallions. The hierarchy benefits the herd in many ways, which we won’t go into here. What we are going to discuss today is the importance of acknowledging this social reality and understanding how we, as livestock handlers fit into this social fabric. I have realized over the decades the folly of those who assume that cattle, horses, and dogs, for that matter, will join us, as opposed to us joining them. It may sound like a semantic argument, but cattle, horses and dogs are not humans, and they can’t engage with us in a human capacity. Not that we don’t share certain characteristics regarding wants, needs and behaviours, but they don’t and never will share all human traits, regardless of how desperate some folks are to treat their animals like people. What I am saying seems obvious, but there is a blurring of the differences and boundaries. Some folks treat their cattle, horses and or dogs as pets and begin ascribing human characteristics and intellectual capacity to them that they simply don’t possess. Some folks are just cowboycountrymagazine.com

desperate to believe if they just love a dog enough, they can control its behaviour entirely or even remedy dangerously aggressive behaviour. Or if they are nice enough or talk sweet enough, their horse will do what they want, or if they sing the right song or use just the right tone of voice, the cattle will do as they please. I also hear, “Oh, so and so would never do that.” I could ignore this wishful thinking if it was harmless, but it is ill-advised because it results in people getting hurt and, sadly, on occasion, killed. What we are talking about is leadership. The boss mare or boss cow is in a leadership role. People also assume leadership roles with animals when developing effective working relationships. We need to engage with them socially in their capacity, in their world, so to speak. That requires learning their social structure and their social language if we are going to be communicating effectively and be successful in our leadership role. The boss bull or lead horse can drive subordinate animals away. They can drive them in any direction, at the speed and distance they choose. Subordinate bulls yield space to the boss bull; they stay away at the indicated distance and for the time they are told. Subordinate horses also do the same thing; they are not the master of how close, when, or for how long they are in the sphere of the 39

COWBOY WAY

“

“cattle, horses and dogs are not humans”

John Bear’s Horses – 1971 – Allen Sapp

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lead horse. With single sire breeding groups, there are bulls that control the movement of the whole herd of heifers. I am sure many of you have tried to move a herd and had the bull up at the front, stopping and turning the herd back on top of you. He essentially refuses to let you be the boss of the herd. If you want to remedy that, you need to be a better herder than him, and with very committed bulls, you need to single him out and drive him away from the herd until he goes without resistance, i.e., until he yields to you. The ability of the boss animals to drive individuals or the whole herd where and when they choose or your ability to drive the herding bull where you choose is a testament of leadership. The ability to control the movement of an individual or a herd by driving them will demonstrate the effectiveness of your leadership. In my experience, getting animals to yield to my position and movement on command is the foundation for success with all other aspects of cattle work. The interesting thing is that being to drive animals when approached in a calm, confident manner will ease their fear and or nervousness and replace it with enough trust that you can walk them where you want. The other scenario at the opposite end of the spectrum is the cattle that trust you but don’t respect you, and they ignore any of your requests to be driven — milk cows, 4-H steers or heifers and cattle in general that are docile. Folks may have even worked to make pets of them. These cattle can be very dangerous precisely because they are calm and docile. People end up taking them for granted, never giving a second thought to what their steer could do to them one day when he decides you need to be bunted out of the way so he can go where he wants. The reality is that when working with animals, there is always the risk of injury. In my experience, if you conduct yourself in a calm, controlled, confident manner and put yourself in a leadership position by teaching the nervous and the docile cattle to drive, you can reduce your risk of injury. c Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

WHAT WORKS FOR US

Majesty & Red Tape By TERRI MASON

“W

— ROBERT BOOS

e have found through the years that weaning too early in our country up here in northern Alberta is a bit hard on elk calves, so we follow the natural breeding/birthing cycle. So our elk calves are born from May 18-June 30.

Bob Boos feeding treats to a bison calf

cowboycountrymagazine.com

WHAT WORKS FOR US

3 1. Whispering Winds (Monarch) Bull Elk, known as King Adam; This bull is valued at $25,000 2. Large Elk antlers have regal descriptors; antlers with six tines on each side (6x6) are called Royal, Imperial is seven tines (7x7) and Monarch is eight (8x8). Bob Boos with a new of their sheds. Only male elk grow antlers, and each spring the bull’s rack literally fall off (shed) naturally due to a loss of testosterone. Typically, they are shed in March through April and often can weigh up to 40 lbs apiece. Antler sheds are for trophy sales, decorative furniture, health food products and dog chews 3. Elks cows feeding on hay on a frosty winter morning

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY WHISPERING WINDS RANCH

WHAT WORKS FOR US It’s exceptionally rare that we ever have to help an elk cow give birth. Most of it is cow herd management. Our cows are in prime condition by fall and we want the elk to lose some weight by spring calving season. We found this to be our best management practice. It goes back to the natural rhythm of nature. The elk (and bison) cow has to lose some weight because elk, like so many other cervids (moose, deer, etc.,) put their fat in the birth canal and around the kidneys, and a lot of fat inside the ribcage, not like the beef cow whose fat marbles their meat. Fat cows can lead to dead calves and elk cow problems such as internal damage from birthing difficulties. Our feed management program is spring, summer of mixed grass pastures under a rotational grazing program to get our cows in peak, prime condition by the end of August so we have them ready for the fall breeding season which starts September 15. Before we run out of pasture, we’re feeding round bales, and we start early to make sure the cows are in prime condition. In winter, the calves and yearlings get the best feed, and the cows are closely monitored to make sure they don’t get too fat. We don’t wean our calves until the end of October/beginning of November — when we pull our breeding bulls. Then we put our elk calves in with the yearling elk heifers. It’s not a hard wean. The calves go in a pasture right beside their mothers in a pasture with some yearlings, so they’ve got company and their mothers are just across the fence so they can see and smell their mom. If you put too much distance between the elk cow and calf then the calves are stressed and they're running back and forth along the fence. We're on the edge of the Boreal forest and in the river valley, so we have a lot of natural predators. We always have trouble with coyote kills and scaring the herd. The young calves are easily scared so they'll hit the fence. But the calves are in with their buddies that are a year older so that gives them confidence. How did we learn this? We’ve been doing this for over 36 years and we as humans are always thinking we know everything but we’ve learned by observing them, they’re individual characteristics, their needs and what is best and safest for them (and us.) For handling the elk we do all sorting, and health care in our facility, and we keep the handling to a minimum. We have a highly efficient facility and pasture layout. We use 8-eight-way vaccines, deworm, and tag them; everything's registered and certified. cowboycountrymagazine.com

Bison Ranch: Whispering Winds Ranch Ltd. Owners: Robert & Anita Boos (pronounced bows, like violin bows) Nearest town: Manning, Alberta Established: 1987 Elevation: 465M (1,530 feet) Annual Precipitation: 441mm /17 inches Land: 17 quarters (river valley to flat land) Breeds: Bison and Elk Herd Size: Bison: 200; Elk: 350–500

6 4. Bob out with a herd of his elk cows 5. Two of their bison cows and their calves 6. One of their bison bulls

Mainly, it's a four-part business. It's breeding stock, meat, trophy antlers, and antler velvet. We're in a pretty pristine area with a varied landscape, so it's a great thing for the elk and bison to be comfortable — comfortable, content and healthy.

Now with bison: we do a hard wean on the bison calves when they go through the facility. On our ranch, we typically wean at the end of November, beginning of December. All depending on my logging season. We've been weaning bison for a long time, and I find the calves adjust really well to the way we wean them at the end of November/December because they're very healthy and robust. They are still attached to their mother but not like early in the fall. When we wean them, that is also the day we process them through the facility. We do the tagging and vaccinations and then we usually put them in with some yearlings so they have older, experienced bison. I might even put a few cows, it just depends. But we keep the handling to a minimum. They adjust really well. Bison have their own unique call, and there's a bit of calling after weaning so with the bison, we move the cows further away from their calves. The herds are always separate, we don’t run the bison with the elk; too much of a herd management issue. To check them, 90 per cent of all our work, because we’re covering a lot of acres, is with our Polaris Ranger 6X6. We run the same machines all the time for familiarity. We have found that they don’t like noisy vehicles, people, or bright clothing. I like my animals to know that when Bob shows up, they're gonna get something — they get to move or get to do something, like getting fed. Not a fear, not a chase. It’s about confidence and trust. Our bison aren’t dangerous. The only thing dangerous around here is people. As for water, it’s available in each pasture. They don’t go down to the Hotchkiss River and they stay behind the game fence. The ranch is completely fenced with game farm netting and electric high tensile. That fence is our security and insurance. We put all our investments behind the wire, so we make sure our perimeters are top-notch. As for the future for Whispering Winds, we’d love any of our kids to take it over and continue on, but ranches like ours have issues with the Alberta government and the Federal government — we have a huge problem with over regulations and restrictions. They’re killing our industry’s ability to do commerce. We run a large, diversified elk and bison operation and we’ve got so many 43

COWBOY WAY

Boos Family; L to R back row; Clint and Chantelle Boos, Jessica, Jeremy, Heather Boos, Kyle Caldwell (Heather) Front row; L to R; Bob, Anita, Eli (on Bob’s knee) Rayelle, (middle) Kendelle (on Anita’s knee)

rules and regulations. We can't sell to our fellow neighbours or people that want to start up or export. And it's all because of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and overregulation by people that don’t understand the elk industry. They haven’t got anything invested in it — they’ve got no skin in the game. CWD is not a problem for us as producers, nor is it a problem for wild animals; it’s a problem of misinformation, misunderstanding and misconception. CWD poses no threat to human health. The Federal CWD program has needlessly destroyed thousands of elk on our farms and it’s destroying our industry, the family farm and the communities. It’s become a political nightmare for us, destroying our ability to do commerce. Yet, raising elk is still very rewarding. Not everybody can do it, but once you're an elk rancher, it's easy to see why they're so easily liked. Nothing compares to the majesty of these animals — nothing. And that’s why we’re still here, still raising elk and bison and still fighting for survival. That’s what works for us.” c

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Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

Pro Rodeo

CANADA

INSIDER

CPRA ladies barrel racer Lisa Zachoda. The CFR qualifier is enjoying an early season lead courtesy of placings at the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals (Agribition), Medicine Hat, Dawson Creek and a win at Kananaskis Pro Rodeo in Coleman. Photo by CovyMoore.com/Covy Moore.

RODEOCANADA.COM cowboycountrymagazine.com

CANADIAN COWBOY COUNTRY JUNE/JULY 2022 45

C.P.R.A.

2022 CPRA Schedule JUNE

Strong Season Ahead for Pro Rodeo Canada We’re enjoying a great start to the CPRA season. Entries are strong, ticket sales are up and excitement is high as we move into summer. Thank you to our committees and volunteers for working hard to bring back such a strong line-up of events. And welcome to a number of new additions to our roster, among them Dawson Creek Spring Rodeo, Lethbridge Pro Rodeo, Raymond Stampede, Rockyford Rodeo, Gleichen and Langley special events and Buck Lake Rodeo. And we’re pleased to announce a new partnership involving the CPRA and 2022 Pro Tour sponsor, SMS Equipment Inc. The support from this international equipment dealership will be invaluable for our Association and our Tour Rodeos. We’d like to extend a special thank you to the Jasper Heritage Rodeo committee. The event — which ran for 97 years and had the distinction of being the only rodeo situated inside a National Park — recently made the difficult decision to shut down permanently. Fans from across the world enjoyed a unique western lifestyle experience at this event and we’re sorry to see it come to an end. Welcome aboard Denny Phipps who will be joining the organization as Assistant GM. Denny brings to the role a rodeo background that includes 21 years as a bareback rider highlighted by three CFR appearances. He also served on the CPRA Board of Directors for four years. Additional changes to CPRA administration include the arrival of two new Board Directors. Steer wrestler-tie down roper, Morgan Grant, will serve as timed event rep while bronc rider, Sam Kelts, steps in as saddle bronc rep. Thank you Alwin Bouchard and Dustin Flundra for their service on the Board over the last few years. Wishing everyone a great rodeo season!

Terry Cooke, President, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association cowboycountrymagazine.com

Leduc, AB.......................................................Jun 2–5 Bonnyville, AB............................................. Jun 3–4 Hand Hills, AB............................................. Jun 4–5 Brooks, AB................................................ Jun 10–11 Rocky Mountain House, AB...............Jun 10–12 Lea Park, AB.............................................Jun 10–12 Gleichen, AB *(SB)........................................ Jun 15 Stavely, AB................................................ Jun 17–19 Innisfail, AB............................................... Jun 17–19 Wildwood, AB................................................ Jun 18 Wainwright, AB ......................Jun 24–26 Sundre, AB...............................................Jun 24–26 High River, AB.........................................Jun 24–25 Ponoka, AB ............................ Jun 27–Jul 3 Williams Lake, BC ..............Jun 30–Jul 3

JULY

Airdrie, AB.......................................................Jul 1–2 Raymond, AB..................................................Jul 1–2 Coronation, AB.............................................Jul 8–9 Benalto, AB..................................................Jul 8–10 Teepee Creek, AB .....................................Jul 15–17 Bowden, AB .............................................. Jul 15–16 Morris, MB ................................. Jul 22–24 Rockyford, AB.......................................... Jul 23–24 Kennedy, SK............................................. Jul 23–24 High Prairie, AB.......................................Jul 25–26 Medicine Hat, AB .....................Jul 28–30 Strathmore, AB ................... Jul 29–Aug 1 Pollockville, AB *(SB).................................... Jul 30 Bruce, AB...........................................................Jul 31

AUGUST

High Prairie, AB..........................................Aug 2–3 Grimshaw, AB.............................................Aug 6–7 Regina, SK ......................................Aug 6–7 La Crete, AB.............................................. Aug 9–10 Dawson Creek, BC .................. Aug 12–14 Cranbrook, BC.........................................Aug 19–21 Pincher Creek, AB..................................Aug 19–21 Buck Lake, AB...............................................Aug 20 Smithers, BC ** (BB)...................................Aug 25 Lethbridge, AB ........................Aug 25–27 Okotoks, AB........................................... Aug 26–28 Taber, AB..................................................Aug 27–28 Armstrong, BC ...............Aug 31–Sep 2-3

*BB—Bareback **SB—Saddle Bronc SMS Equipment Pro Tour Rodeos are broadcast on FloRodeo.com 47

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider Francis Rodeo Stock horses are raised in the beautiful Qu'Appelle Valley of Saskatchewan

BRONC FUTURITIES NEXT-GEN WINNERS BY TIM ELLIS

T MAY BE CONSIDERED A HOBBY BY SOME. FOR OTHERS, IT’S AN INVESTMENT WITH LITTLE RETURN. AND FOR MANY, IT’S A PASSION. WE’LL CALL IT

AN EXPENSIVE, PASSIONATE HOBBY.

Shawn (Shawn-Boy) and his father, Art Francis of Francis Rodeo Stock. In the chute is one of their young bucking horses with the “dummy” strapped onto its wither and above the flank.

“The end goal for us is to sell our bucking horses,” says Shawn Francis, who, along with his dad, Art and sister, Marnie, operate a stock contracting outfit on the Piapot First Nation, north of Regina, Sask. “We’re competing in futurities with the hope of getting those horses to the National Finals Rodeo.” “Just before COVID, rodeos were in decline with rising costs and a lack of volunteers, so a lot of our contracting jobs were going away. We still have the infrastructure to raise these bucking horses, so it makes sense for us.” Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

C.P.R.A.

Cooper Clan horses in the pasture

Cooper Clan Buckin’ Horse Company up-and-comers on the homeplace near Senlac, Sask.

Frank Wyzykoski put his money into his breeding program while he was still working in hopes of helping with his semi-retirement. “I wasn’t in it to make it a full-time job,” confirms Wyzykoski, who still has a halfdozen horses left on his operation near Eckville, Alta. “I don’t have the land base to be a contractor, so the futurities are a great way to find out where your breeding program is at.” “It gets to be like a job, but it’s something I really enjoy. Sometimes you do a little horse-trading, and everybody improves their herd. It kind of gets to be a way of life.” Travis Reay began raising bucking horses while he was still riding them in the rodeo arena. And the 2013 Canadian Pro cowboycountrymagazine.com

Rodeo All-Around champion has built his herd up to over 100 horses. “I started out raising bulls, but they’re hard on fence,” chuckles Reay, who just last season won the Wildrose Rodeo Association steer wrestling championship at the age of 42. “Rodeo has been my life, and I want to carry it on after I’m done competing.” “When I was six years old, my mom timed at all the Howard Thompson rodeos. Howard would take me to help him sort. Guess he put the bug in me way back then. And now it’s been twenty-some years I’ve been doing this.” For several years, Ash Cooper has been heavily involved in rodeo as a clown and barrel man. He’s now in the bucking horse business for a different reason.

Above: Frank Wyzykowski’s mare, 571 Rodeo Code was purchased by Western Rodeo of Idaho. The mare is being dummy bucked — the “dummy” is the apparatus strapped over her flank and wither. When about eight seconds are up, the riggings are tripped to open, and the dummy is bucked off.

“My dad and brother, Cam, started the operation,” begins Cooper. “I took over when my brothers died in a plane crash about 11 years ago.” “I was raising bucking bulls at the time. I sold all of them to take over for the family. I thought my dad and brother put in too much sweat equity and there was too much sentimental value to have it not continue.” Cooper believes raising bucking horses is more difficult than raising bulls. 49

Pro Rodeo Canada Insider Buck Peters of Ponoka, Alta.

“I’ve always said raising bulls is like checkers, and raising horses is like chess,” laughs the Senlac, Sask., native. “It takes longer to find out what you have with a horse than a bull. And as I got older, the near-death experiences with bulls became less attractive.” But, finding a futurity to get exposure and put some money in your pocket can prove more difficult for horse breeders than bull breeders. Buck Peters of Ponoka, Alta., is trying to change that. “We were starting to get stacked up on horses when COVID hit,” reveals Peters, who has been raising bucking horses with his father for over 30 years. “And when the World Futurity Association folded in Canada, there was really no place to take our horses anymore.” Enter Canadian Made Bucking Horses which brought together 16 producers to buck over 400 horses during nine sanctioned “dummy” (2-3 year-olds, no riders) and riders (4-7 year-olds with riders) futurities in 2021, culminating in a finale and sale during the week of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in November. “We’ve got start-up producers who are buying the bloodlines and learning the system, and we’ve also got second or thirdgeneration producers who already have established bloodlines,” says Peters. “We’re trying to bring the buyers from the U.S. up here. Not everyone can get to the big sales in Las Vegas.” 50

But if you can get to Benny Binion’s World Famous Bucking Horse Sale in Vegas during the NFR, that’s where a payday could await. “I’d always wanted to take some horses down there, but I waited until I knew I had something good,” offers Billy Richards, a CFR bronc rider and stock contractor who sold a five-year-old bay mare called Uptuck for $47,000 at the Stace Smith World Futurity Bronc Finale last December. David and Laurie McDonald are also no strangers to selling a horse for big money. “We sold a bay mare for $40,000 U.S. one spring,” confirms McDonald from his MX Bar Ranch near Lac La Biche, Alta. “But it’s so nice to see when some of your horses make it from your ranch to buck at the NFR. They get to be like your kids; you like to see them do well.” “Of course, you want every one of your horses to be the best,” agrees Francis. “But you have to be realistic. Not every horse will turn out the way you want. That’s just the nature of the business.” McDonald may be the best person to ask about the realistic future of bronc riding

“CANADA IS KNOWN FOR BUCKING HORSES, AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE RODEO AND A MARKET FOR HORSES” futurities in this country. He was not only on the board of the United Bucking Horse Association but was also a founder of the World Futurity Association. “Canada is known for bucking horses, and there will always be rodeo and a market for horses,” believes McDonald. “As long as someone is willing to do the work, and it’s a lot of work, there will be futurities.” “If we can show producers that we have the ability to market and move our own horses, I think we can grow it to something big in Canada,” asserts Peters. “There’s no reason in my mind we can’t do the same with growing bucking horse futurities as they’ve done with the bull futurities. That’s my goal.” c

Dave and Laurie McDonald of MX Bar Ranch near Lac La Biche, Alta. Behind them is a portion of their Wall of Fame — framed photos of the stars of their bucking horse program

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

C.P.R.A.

ROAD TO THE CFR

MATT RICHARDSON IT’S GAME SEVEN By TIM ELLIS

Matt Richardson competing in Round One of the 2021 Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alta. CPRA photo by Covy Moore/ CovyMoore.com

ATT RICHARDSON DID NOT TAKE THE TRADITIONAL ROAD TO THE CFR AND

HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR A DECISION MADE AS A YOUNG HOCKEY PLAYER, HE MAY NOT HAVE EVEN ENTERED THE RODEO ARENA.

“Looking back now, I may have missed the opportunity to continue with a hockey career,” suggests Richardson, who played over 60 games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. “But I probably wouldn’t be rodeoing if I hadn’t made the decision I did.” “When I was 17, I went to play for the Oil Barons in Fort McMurray. The scout who brought me there took the GM job in Drumheller, and I took the option to follow him there. I think I probably had a better opportunity in Fort McMurray.” Two years after finishing his AJHL career with his hometown, Olds Grizzlys, Richardson headed to Olds College. cowboycountrymagazine.com

“That’s when I started in rodeo,” declares Richardson. “I actually started with team roping, but I thought the steer wrestling was more my pace.” He hit the ground running, winning the Canadian college bulldogging championship in 2012. From there, it was on to the amateur trail, where he captured a Chinook Rodeo Association title and competed in the finals of the Foothills Cowboys and Canadian Cowboys Associations. “I took out my permit, so we could go to both the amateur and pro rodeos,” offers the 32-year-old. “We were trying to learn from the top guys and get some experience.” At 26, Richardson took out his Pro Rodeo Canada card and qualified for his first Canadian Finals Rodeo seven years later. “I felt like it was a long time coming,” says Richardson of his CFR qualification last season. “I’d been close a couple of years, but it always stings when you don’t make it. The CFR is the ultimate goal. It made it even sweeter to make it on my own horse. And I only live half an hour away from Red

Deer, so lots of family and friends in the seats every night. It was a great experience.” His horse may be the key to getting back to Red Deer for a second consecutive time. “She’s a 14-year-old mare I call Fox,” reveals Richardson. “She’s still getting seasoned, but she’s come a long way.” “When my good horse, Worm, got hurt, I needed something to practise on. I got her from (two-time Canadian champion) Scott Guenthner. She was so good. I finally bugged him enough that he took my cheque.” Another key to his success is his team in the truck. “I’m travelling with Jonny Webb, Ty Miller and Brock Butterfield,” begins Richardson. “Jonny played in the Western Hockey League. Like a hockey team, we keep each accountable but pick each other up when we need to.” And to use a final hockey analogy, Richardson may be facing a game seven in his rodeo career. “I’m at a point where it’s Do-or-Die. I’m getting to an age where the next few years will be my prime. It’ll be over before you know it — just like hockey was.” c 51

The

is a

LISTINGS

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Golden Farmers’ Market June 15, 2022 – September 28, 2022

South Cariboo Farmers’ Market May 6, 2022 – October 7, 2022 Lillooet Farmers’ Market May 6, 2022 – October 7, 2022 Two Rivers Farmers’ Market June 10, 2022 – October 28, 2022 McLeese Lake Farmers’ Market July 3, 2022 – September 11, 2022 Quesnel Farmers’ Market May 7, 2022 – October 15, 2022 Cariboo Direct Farm Market in Williams Lake May 6, 2022 – October 7, 2022

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Cranbrook Farmers' Market May 7, 2022 – October 29, 2022

New Denver Friday Market June 10, 2022 – September 30, 2022

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HERE 54

Chase Farm and Craft Market May 20, 2022 – October 7, 2022 Clearwater Farmers’ Market May 7, 2022 – October 8, 2022 Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market April 23, 2022 – October 29, 2022

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NORTH WEST ALBERTA Alberta Beach Farmers’ Market May 1, 2022 to September 11, 2022 Carvel Station Farmers’ Market February 12 – December 4, 2022 Drayton Valley Farmers’ Market Mar 16, 2022 – Dec 21, 2022

Kweseltken Farmers’ and Artisan Market June 26, 2022 – September 25, 2022

Evansburg & District Farmers’ Market May 7, 2022 – Sep 24, 2022

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Naramata Community Farmers’ Market June 1, 2022 – September 28, 2022

Onoway Farmers' Market May 2022 – Oct 2022

Osoyoos Farmers’ Market On Main May 7, 2022 – October 1, 2022

Westlock Thursday Nite Community Farmers’ Market Apr 7, 2022 – Dec 22, 2022

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Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

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Stettler Farmers’ Market May 3 – October 4, 2022

Sylvan Lake Farmers’ Market May 20 to September 30, 2022 Three Hills Farmers’ Market May 17 to September 20 2022 Wetaskiwin Farmers’ Market May 4 - Dec 21

SOUTHERN ALBERTA

Hanna Farmers’ Market Jun 1, 2022 – Sep 14, 2022

Brooks Farmers’ Market May 26, 2022 – Oct 6, 2022

Heritage Farmers' Market Cremona May 22 – September 4, 2022

Claresholm Farmers’ Market Jul 6, 2022 – Sep 21, 2022

Pincher Creek Farmers’ Market June 22 – September 7, 2022

Lacombe Farmers' Market May 12, 2022 – Oct 6, 2022

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Regina Farmers' Market May 7 - Oct 8 2022

Olds Farmers’ Market Jun 9, 2022 – Sep 22, 2022

Saskatoon Farmers' Market Year Round

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Red Deer Downtown Farmers’ Market May 25, 2022 – Oct 5, 2022 Rocky Mountain House Town & Country Farmers’ Market January 8, 2022 – Dec 17, 2022 cowboycountrymagazine.com

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COWBOY CHURCHES 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, south of Rocky Mtn House, Alta., 403-845-5351 Community Cowboy Church Every Tue., 7-8 p.m. Niton Community Hall, Main St., Niton Junction, Alta., 780-728-9088 Cowboy Trail Church Every Tue., 7 p.m. Cochrane Ranche House, 101 Ranchehouse Rd., Cochrane, Alta., 403‑638‑4254 Heartland Cowboy Church 1st and 3rd Tue. of every month, 7 p.m. The Hub @ Stettler Rec Centre 6202 – 44 Avenue, Stettler, 403-743-0229 James River Cowboy Church Every Wed., 7 p.m. James River Community Hall, 2.5 km S of James River store or 11.5 km N of Sundre on RR 53, Alta., 403‑638‑6439

Specializing in Rodeo, Ranch & Humourous Fine Artworks!

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 St. Albert Cowboy Church Every Fri., 7:30 p.m. 60 Liberton Dr., St. Albert, Alta., 780-459-2222 The Cowboy Church Every Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sherwood Park Presbyterian Church, 265 Fir St., 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. 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

“

It is not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”

Diamond C Cowboy Church Every Tue., 7:30 p.m. 208 Sidney St., Maple Creek, Sask., 306-662-0911 Cowboy Valley Church 4054 PR 432 Morden, Man., 204-822-9909

Check our Facebook page to see where Ash will be next: Follow Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery 56

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

PHOTOS COURTESY TKTKTKKTKT

Battlefords Cowboy Church 1st and 3rd Thur. of every month, 7 p.m. Legion Hall, 22 St., Battleford, Sask.

CLOWNIN’ CLOWNIN’AROUND AROUND || CRASH CRASHCOOPER COOPER

Ash AshCooper CooperArt Artand andRanch RanchGallery Gallery

“Sure was windy this year”

Caption

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Horse Loggin’, Okanagan By BUD MCKAGUE (1935-2002)

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ MIKE

In the winter Okanagan In the old days of horse loggin’, When the skid teams come a 'foggin’, I can hear their tug chains still. And the faller, was a bawler, And you should of heard him holler, “Timber!” down the mountain; You could hear it at the mill. And the bucker, that old sucker, Well, he was a real limb chucker, But sometimes he’d get to cussin’, And it’s like I hear him still. On a cool and frosty mornin’ When them beads of sweat is formin’, But you’re workin’ to a rhythm, That’s how loggin’ used to be. With the old cross-cut a singin’, And the fallers’ wedges ringin’, And the sounds of snappin’ branches; They are sounds that used to be… “Horse Loggin’, Okanagan” was excerpted from The Silent Partner (& Other Cowboy Poetry) by Bud McKague. Bud was a skookum bronc rider in his time, and a celebrated cowboy poet. In 2001, he was inducted into the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

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SEPTEMBER 9-18, 2022

Canadian Cowboy Country June/July 2022

Articles inside

Fasting in the World

Bronc Futurities

PECKING ORDER? Where Are You in the

Horse Doctor