NEW SEASON!

It feels like we just wrapped up our 2022 rodeo season and the 2023 season is already right around the corner — and what a 2022 it was!

We had a full slate of rodeos with packed grandstands. Our committees, sponsors, stock contractors, contract personnel and athletes delivered on every level. And there were so many amazing moments.

We saw a new world record in the bronc riding (Logan Hay, 95.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies, Hardgrass Bronc Match) and a new Canadian record in the team roping (Tate and Kagen Schmidt, Maple Leaf Circuit Finals). And to top it off, the new CFR record (set by Zeke Thurston and Kole Ashbacher) stood only 48 hours before Zeke Thurston matched up with his old friend Macza Rodeo’s OLS Tubs Get Smart to establish 93.25 points as the new CFR mark.

Speaking of Zeke Thurston, congratulations to this amazing bronc rider on winning a third World Championship. The entire Canadian rodeo family is very proud of what he accomplished. And that pride extends not just to Zeke, but to the nine cowboys and breakaway roper, Shelby Boisjoli, who represented Canada in Las Vegas as well as all of the CPRA athletes from both sides of ’49 who did such a great job. Our stock contractors and our Canadian stock were also outstanding all ten days of the Finals.

There have been some changes in our office personnel and I want to congratulate Denny Phipps as our new General Manager. Jeff Robson will be staying involved to assist with CFR. Special thanks also to Randa Nugent who is leaving us after six years of dedication and service as the CPRA Rodeo Administrator. As well, we wish CRES Manager, Dakota Schultz, all the best as she embarks on maternity leave. And welcome to Crystal Cyrankiewicz who is joining the CPRA team as interim CRES Manager.

And finally to all of you, thank you for your continued support and get ready — the 2023 rodeo season is almost here.