Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023 by Tanner Young Publishing Group

COWBOY CANADIAN

COUNTRY

GUITAR LEGEND

Lindsay Ell plus

VIVID ART

of Brett Heidi

SILVER SCREEN LEGACY

Roy, Rex, Dale & Trigger

CANADIAN HERO

“Stompin’ Tom” Connors

PM# 40070720

AUG/SEPT 2023 • $6.95

CONTENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 27, NO.2

FEATURES

17 A RTS & CULTURE

Young artist Brett Heidi creates stunning art with hefty chunks of crisp, vivid colours

34 R CMP 150TH CELEBRATION — PART 3 OF 3

The RCMP Livestock Investigators: policing the range with guns and lariats

38 T RAILBLAZERS “STOMPIN’ TOM” CONNORS

Honouring the incomparable singer and songwriter who celebrated Canada

40 C ROSS-BORDER ROUND-UP (PART 2 OF 2)

A recounting of the 71-day gather that ranged from Malta, Montana, to the Cypress Hills

53 W HAT WORKS FOR US

"Pearl" Hammond is single-handedly carving out her own ranch on the plains

DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER: Page 30 Canadian singer/songwriter Lindsay Ell is considered one of the best guitarists in country music. Photo by Bill Borgwardt.

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MY POINT OF VIEW IN THE CORRAL BOOK REVIEW GIDDY UP SPIRIT OF THE WEST WHEEL TO WHEEL REFLECTIONS COUNTRY COOKING WESTERN COLLECTOR PRO RODEO CANADA INSIDER ROAD TO THE CFR CLOWNIN’ AROUND COWBOY WAY COWBOY POETRY

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August/September 2023 Vol. 27, No. 2

Proud Member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Field Editor Craig Coulliard craig@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director Shannon Swanson shannon@cowboycountrymagazine.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner circ @cowboycountrymagazine.com Accounting/Administrator Marie Tanner admin@cowboycountrymagazine Columnists Tim Ellis, Fred Hauck, Malcolm MacLean, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville, Greg Shannon, Bryn Thiessen Contributors Bill Borgwardt, CrAsh Cooper, Tim Lasiuta, Harry Otterson, Keith Pengelly, Barb & Dave Poulsen, Tom Reardon, Phyllis Rathwell, Jill Richards 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 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

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

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

MY POINT OF VIEW

Trust in God, But Brand Your Cattle

've heard from a few folks that the ripple effects of the lockdowns have put some cattle producers livelihoods in jeopardy. How? Across the West, many were forced to forego branding their calves because they couldn’t bring in help — the lifeblood of a branding. In some areas, the brandings haven’t started up again, which means there is a potential free-for-all in cattle rustling. Enter the RCMP Livestock Investigators — namely, the cow cops. Each professional investigator who deals with cases ranging from a few head to millions of dollars of stolen cattle is adamant about this important investigative tool, and that is this: Brand Your Cattle. It’s the only way ownership can be proved. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the top cops of Canada’s billion-dollar cattle industry. One person who for sure brands her cattle and watches over the branded cattle of her patrons is Taneille “Pearl” Hammond. This working cowgirl is carving out her own ranch from the wide-open plains and undulating hills of southern Saskatchewan. How she got here and what it is taking to pull off this monumental one-woman show is the subject of What Works For Us. Another talented woman blazing a trail is singer and guitar wizard Lindsay Ell. The

Canadian singer/songwriter (who is currently the opening act for superstar Shania Twain) earned one of the most highly coveted spots on the list of the best guitarists in the world. And yet another trailblazer is our actual Trailblazer, the great Canadian-touting singer/songwriter “Stompin’ Tom” Connors. I ask you, what true Canadian music lover doesn’t know the opening line of "Sudbury Saturday Night?" More happy trails in this issue lead to the legends of the silver screen, the Saturday serials — the men and woman who righted the wrongs, were good to women and children, chased the bad guys through Gower Gulch, and had the fanciest saddles in the world — Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Tex Ritter and more. And to bring it all home, the greatest trail of all — the conclusion of the CrossBorder Round-Up, complete with the gracious use of yet another Russell painting from Montana, and the Esplanade of Medicine Hat’s renowned generosity of sharing heritage photography. All this, and the bright, beautiful, inspiring paintings of relative newcomer Brett Heidi. This gal will be a superstar in the Western art world — depicting life in Canadian Cowboy Country.

— Terri Mason, Editor

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CONTRIBUTORS

MALCOLM MACLEAN

BILL BORGWARDT

TIM LASIUTA

Cowboy, singer, inventor, and organizer Malcolm MacLean has spent his life working for grazing co-ops, large ranches and feedlots. Along with his wife, veterinarian Dr Jenny Soucy, they put on the Ultimate Stockmanship School & Challenge.

Multi-award-winning photographer, writer and Hall of Famer Bill Borgwardt has been a part of the country music scene in Canada and the U.S. since 1966. He covers well over a hundred country music events each year.

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.

Cowboy Way — Ranch Hacks, page 60

Arts & Culture —Lindsay Ell, page 30

Silver Screen Legacy, page 20

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

IN THE CORRAL

PHOTO BY /SLIDIN U PHOTOGRAPHY / KIM TAYLOR

//// EVENTS & HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE WEST ////

CANADIAN BRIDLE HORSE Elevating horsemanship skills is a lifelong quest. The nuanced riding and stockmanship skills of the vaquero have made their way North, and now there is an opportunity to see and participate in the art of developing the fine bridled stock horse. Pictured, Master horseman, Miles Kingdon. Visit canadianbridlehorse.com.

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FEATURED EVENT

GETTING TO THE HEART OF HEART OF THE HORSE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HORSE AND THE PEOPLE WHO BRING OUT THEIR BEST

LEGENDARY TRAINER, LIBERTY and stunt rider Niki Flundra has spent her life doing the seemingly impossible with equines from her early days as a trick rider. She trained her own horses, and now, she is considered one of the very top Liberty and stunt riders/trainers around. After all those years, she knows talent, and she knows how to put together a good show. Her show is Heart of the Horse — considered the top equine training event in southern Alberta. The festival-type atmosphere begins early on Thursday, Aug 24, as the Heart of the Horse opens with clinics with the horsemen in the colt starting challenge; Albertans Greg

Garvie, Dustin Sippola and Wade Black of Idaho. Trainer Jim Anderson, the multi-time winner of the Cowboy Up Challenge at the Calgary Stampede, will be demonstrating many of his skills. All told this is four days of non-stop talent and learning opportunities — plus a jaw-dropping evening show on Saturday night! And while the colt starting competition is the big draw, perhaps the most emotional draw is the guest speaker, JR Vezain. For those who don’t know his story, JR is the 2012 Canadian Bareback Champion and a 6X NFR qualifier in bareback riding who had several vertebrae broken in a rodeo wreck

and has now battled back with an amazing tale of grit and try. Also, a unique draw is the preacher at Cowboy Church on Sunday morning, one of the trainers, Wade Black, who, along with his wife, Amaia, runs their family horse training business, Training for the Cross, and their discipleship ministry where they use horse parables to help people grow in their faith. So order your tickets online (or get them at the door) and head for Brooks Aug 24–27 — you’ll be glad you did! Niki Flundra’s 2023 Heart of the Horse, Aug 24–27, Silver Sage Indoor Arena, Brooks, Alta. For more, visit theheartofthehorse.ca.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PHOTO ROD SINCLAIR

Heart of the Horse Champion, Dustin Sippola.

IN THE CORRAL

MAKING HISTORY

VIRGIL’S SELFIE BOOTH

PHOTO COURTESY MACKENZIE SKEELS

Vern MacDonald, owner of C5 Rodeo, 2023 Miss Rodeo Canada Mackenzie Skeels and superstar bareback bronc F-13 Virgil at the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement Rodeo

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY of Canada (NCC) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) are working together to conserve one of the largest remaining tracts of intact Prairie grasslands and wetlands in Canada. McIntyre Ranch, located south of Lethbridge, will be conserved through an agreement (conservation easement) between the landowners and the two organizations. This 130-year-old ranch is one of the largest private landholdings in Canada and spans over 54,000 acres (over 84 sections) — an area more than a quarter the size of Calgary. Upon completion, this monumental undertaking will represent the largest private land conservation project achieved to date across the Canadian Prairies and the largest conservation agreement in Canadian history. The NCC has launched a campaign to raise the remaining $3 million needed to complete the project.

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The Thrall family, owners of the ranch, have worked closely with NCC and DUC to set in place provisions to protect the natural integrity of McIntyre’s grasslands and wetlands. This will ensure McIntyre Ranch stays a breathtaking and vital landscape in perpetuity while remaining a working cattle ranch owned by the Thralls. Grasslands are one of the most threatened and least protected ecosystems worldwide. Canada’s iconic grasslands continue to disappear due to land conversion, with nearly 60,000 hectares lost every year, including an estimated 10,000 hectares annually in Alberta. Today, only about 26 per cent of native prairie grasslands remain in Alberta. As a result of this massive alteration on the land, grassland species are some of the most imperiled in Canada, and many are rapidly declining. For more, visit conservemcintyreranch.ca.

THE BIG GRAY, F13 Virgil, who has dominated cowboys, TV screen time, and headlines, is on the star string of C5 Rodeo’s impressive stock list, and to keep the crowds under control and out of the back pens, the C5 Rodeo crew built a “selfie” booth for the two-time World Champion Bareback horse. “We had to keep the crowds out of the pens in the back,” explained MacDonald. “So we came up with the Selfie Pen. We always like to do something different.” Needless to say, an endless stream of people posed to be photographed with the big gray — including Vern and our own Miss Rodeo Canada, Mackenzie Skeels. C5 Rodeo, with a ranch near Lac La Biche and another in Montana, was the stock contractor for the first-time rodeo in this tiny Metis settlement. This rodeo’s importance shot up when it was named one of SMS Equipment’s Tour Rodeos, which also includes such notable rodeos as the Ponoka Stampede, Williams Lake Stampede and Armstrong’s IPE & Stampede. Said Vern, “We try to think out of the box, and this Selfie Pen idea worked well.”

IN THE CORRAL

OH, THOSE COWGIRLS!

Judy MacKenzie (in orange), and tucked away (in turquoise) is her twin sister Jill Richards, two of the founders of this fun outfit, on stage with the Calgary Firefighters as an impromptu not-so-silent auction for their T-shirts broke out

THE ANNUAL COWGIRL Cattle Company Rendezvous was held in Madden, Alta, in May, and as usual, the Calgary firefighters got a few things off their chest — literally. The Cowgirls are a group of ranch women and women who are cowgirls at heart, who gather annually for a fabulous visit and fundraiser. The monies raised by this bunch of firebrands have benefitted numerous charities over the last 24 years, especially the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society. A relatively new treat for the Cowgirls is the Calgary Firefighters, who not only prepare the feast but also serve, clean up and then literally give the shirt off their backs to auction off for

the fundraiser. Judging from the photos, the bar wasn’t the only place to find six-packs! Mark your calendar as May 4, 2024, is the next Rendezvous of this group of great gals who are actively recruiting Cowgirls and Cowgirls at Heart to be a part of their new venture, the Cowgirl Cattle Company Almanac, celebrating the women whose experience make a ranch a home. The Almanac will feature ranch histories, ranch tips, wonderful ranch stories and legends, plus a few recipes. If you are a Cowgirl (or a Cowgirl at heart!) visit Cowgirl Cattle Company on Facebook or Instagram for more information on how to be a part of this historic Almanac!

WEDDING BELLS! CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO of the best ropers in the world, breakaway roper Shelby Boisjoli and 2019 World Champion Tie-Down Roper and NFR Average Winner Haven Meged. The couple met through rodeo, and they tied the knot May 13th. The ceremony took place on the beautiful Diamond A Ranch near Lipan, Texas. Shelby was raised at Langdon, Alta, east of Calgary, and turned pro in the WPRA in 2020, qualifying for the first-ever National Finals Rodeo Breakaway Roping Championship in 2020 in Vegas. Haven hails from Miles City, Montana, and with the addition of his 2023 Grande Prairie Stompede win, his PRCA career earnings are zooming close to $1M. Haven has (so far) qualified four straight times for the NFR.

“

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

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

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PHOTO COURTESY JILL RICHARDS ; PHOTO BY JANZEN TEW

Specializing in Rodeo, Ranch & Humourous Fine Artworks!

IN THE CORRAL

FAST TALKERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEAN Edge of Rimbey, Alta, on winning the Reserve Championship at the 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer competition. Edge, who raps his gavel for Vold, Jones & Vold Auction in central Alberta, is no stranger to the event as he has competed on and off since 2002. Brennin Jack, of Jack Auction Group in Prince Albert, Sask., earned Top 10 honours at the tongue-twisting contest. Only one Canadian so far has been able to win the coveted gold buckle, and that was in

Listen to

2004 when another Rimbey resident, Dan Skeels, swept the competition. The 2023 champion named is Jacob Massey from Petersburg, Tenn. The championship, now in its 59th year, was held at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia, Fla., and presented by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). The 2024 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship will be held June 12-15, 2024, at Oklahoma National Stockyard in Oklahoma City.

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO!

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY of the National High School Finals Rodeo was celebrated in Gillette, WY, July 16–23, 2023. This elite seven days of rodeo performances contributed an economic impact of over $11,000,000 for the Campbell County area. The NHSFR is the world's largest rodeo, and the 75th Anniversary of the NHSFR featured more than 1,700 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian provinces, plus Australia, Mexico and New Zealand. The payoff includes over $150,000 in prizes and over $150,000 in added money. The NHSFR contestants also competed for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the NHSFR World Championships.

THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST “Radio Program” Ride through the Rangeland of the West every week

Celebrating over 30 YEARS

of Stories Great Western Music Horse Training Advice And much more

with Hugh McLennan

Hear it on your favourite radio station or on demand at Hugh-McLennan.com Check out the new Spirit of the West Facebook page too!

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ust/Sept

ON THE RODEO TRAIL MISS RODEO CANADA MACKENZIE SKEELS

er 2 0

b em

–A

IN THE CORRAL

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CANADIAN COWBOY?

Shediac, New Brunswick SHEDIAC IS A heavily Acadian town in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. Acadians first arrived at Shediac in 1751 as a result of the Acadian Exodus from peninsular Nova Scotia. After the French and Indian War, (1754–1763), the Acadians returned to the region. It is believed that chiac, an Acadian French patois spoken mostly in southeastern New Brunswick, was named after Shediac. Shediac is famous as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” and to celebrate this, the town boasts a 90-ton sculpture called The World’s Largest Lobster. Dorothy Connors of Salisbury, NB visited the famous statue and took along the digital edition of Canadian Cowboy Country!

THIS SUMMER HAS been packed with so many fun-filled events. From pancake breakfasts to school visits and rodeo performances, my travels have taken me far and wide! As rodeo season comes into full swing, attending the Grande Prairie Stompede again as Miss Rodeo Canada was a privilege! This was one of my highlight rodeos from last year as Miss Ponoka Stampede, and it was an honour to return once again. I was reunited with some familiar faces and got to help in the “Classroom In The Dirt” program once again. This unique program allows schools in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas to come to the rodeo grounds and learn first-hand what it takes to be a rodeo athlete, get

a behind-the-chutes tour, and watch some of the rodeo slack performance. My favourite part is that the kids enjoy a wagon ride that tours the chuckwagon barns. As I continue down the rodeo trail and go to new places this August, you can find me at Pile O’ Bones in Regina, Strathmore Stampede, Dawson Creek Exhibition, Cranbrook Pro Rodeo, Whoop-Up Days in Lethbridge, Okotoks Pro Rodeo and the IPE in Armstrong. At the beginning of September, I’m excited to say that my travels will take me international once again as I will be attending the Pendleton Round-Up, then when I get back home, I get to attend the very fun Oldstoberfest. If you see me on my trails, be sure to stop in for a visit!

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY PEGGY CONNORS, MRC

Mackenzie and Miss Ponoka Stampede 2023 Kaylee Shantz INSET: 2023 Miss Rodeo Canada Mackenzie Skeels

GIDDY UP WITH GREG SHANNON

A RISING STAR IN THE LONE STAR STATE WOMAN IN SCARLET

RYAN LINDSAY PHOTO CREDIT: MEGAN CLARKE | GREG SHANNON PHOTO CREDIT: JEN RUSH

AUTHOR KAREN L. ADAMS

As I read author Karen Adams’ book about her personal and professional experiences as one of the first 32 women trained as RCMP officers in 1974 (Troop 17), it’s hard to imagine how difficult entry into an allmale paramilitary outfit was. Her account was positive for the most part — except for the creepy cop who was a sexual predator — but it also delved a bit into how unprepared the RCMP was for the inclusion of women. Not in a mean way (I’m getting really tired of cop bashing) but in a matter-of-fact and sometimes humorous retelling. Her book is a chronological journey of her 28-year career with a strong focus on this being a recount of her life, not just her life in the Force, so the reader isn’t constantly barraged with a series of runins with (as she describes it) the Sad, Mad and the Dead. I confess that I read her book in one sitting because it was good, and like all good writers, she ended most chapters with a gripping clue to draw you further into her story. I enjoyed this book, and it turned out to be the most blessed of things — fascinating — and worth the read. Woman in Scarlet | Author Karen L. Adams | Softcover | 256 pages | Adams Enterprise | karenladams.com

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Wainwright, Alberta's Ryan Lindsay has a love for the outdoors and deep respect for traditional country music. A degree in Outdoor Education helped Ryan make the Rocky Mountains his front porch as a backcountry guide. His resumé also boasts navigating the pristine waters of the Mackenzie River, plus a stint guiding on the spectacular island of Greenland — a part of Denmark’s realm more than three times the size of Texas! Some of Ryan’s favourite guiding moments came from intimate singalongs around the campfire, and a few years ago, he traded his hiking boots and axe for cowboy boots and a guitar to focus on building a new career as a singer/songwriter. The decision was a good one. This past spring, hours after his Album of the Year win at the Country Music Alberta Awards, Ryan was back on the road for a return visit to Texas to play those award-winning songs for live audiences and radio DJs. His single "Rich Folks" cracked the Top 40 on radio across the Lone Star state, and Ryan told me that his passions for exploring,

playing music, and winning new fans are always met by the music scene down there. “With most radio stations being independently owned, you experience all kinds of really interesting places on tour,” he said. In Mason, pop. 2200, Ryan met Kaycee Ingleby, whose love of country music led her to purchase the town’s mortuary and transform it into the Heavenly Home of Lone Star 102.5FM. “It's pretty cool, actually. She even hung a few casket lids on the wall to embrace its history. Talk about deadening the room," Ryan laughs. “Kaycee’s a huge voice in her town and is turning the other side of the building into a live music venue.” Ryan plans to return to christen the new venue when it’s ready. The reaction to his live shows and immediate connection with people has been gratifying, and Ryan feels that his take on the traditional country and folk music he grew up with really hits home with fans of the Texas music scene. On Instagram, Ryan welcomes “Rich (and poor) Folks” to follow his continuing adventures, @ryanlindsay.

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

SPIRIT OF THE WEST

Horse Trainers Canada's Got Talent BY HUGH MCLENNAN horses lifted his tail and left a deposit on the floor just as they entered the studio. A crew member made a radio call, and someone with a full set of hazmat pads came running out and used all the toxic spill protocols to clean it up. There was no time for anxiety. The charismatic couple were being interviewed and filmed constantly before airtime. When a director said, “By the way, you're on stage in two minutes,” the horses were still back in the trailer and not even tacked up.

ight after the Red Deer Horse Expo Canada's Trainer's showdown, where Dustin Sippola, Wylene Wilson and Jason Irwin raised the bar for the science of colt starting, I cornered Jason because I wanted to know what it was like taking two horses onto a national TV network show in front of a loud, enthusiastic audience. Jason and his wife, Bronwyn, were invited along with their horses, Chief and Kate. to audition for Canada's Got Talent. It aired on April 17 on City TV. The filming was done at the Falls View Casino in Niagara Falls, and the set was

brand new. This was the first time horses had set foot (hoof ) onto that stage. Jason said that in preparing Chief and Kate, they had to be aware of a fine line in liberty training. Too much practice is as bad as not enough. As it turned out, they got it pretty close to right. Jason said the set directors and stagehands did an awesome job making the horses as comfortable as possible. Despite all the lighting effects and an audience of 5,000, the footing was their biggest concern, but the two solid equines had no problem. One of the moments Jason and Bronwyn will remember was when one of the

With the help of some of the friends who accompanied them, Chief and Kate made a flawless entrance and did a heartwarming demonstration of incredible trust and connection. "Did you and Bronwyn get to meet the celebrity judges?" I wondered. Jason said they met all of them, and host Lindsay Ell, Trish Status and Lilly Singh left their seats behind the judge’s table to meet and pat the Chief and Kate. They were celebrities but “super nice,” according to Jason. I've watched Jason start colts for a long time, and I've often said he could make a top hand on any ranch in the West. Jason and his family own and operate North Star Livestock, a high-quality breeding and training operation raising outstanding colts with a strong Hancock influence. Jason and Bronwyn also host and produce The Horse Trainers, seen weekly on the Cowboy Channel and RFD TV Canada. For more, visit northstarlivestock.com or thehorsetrainers.com. c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PHOTO COURTESY JASON IRWIN

“...I've often said he could make a top hand on any ranch in the West.”

WHEEL TO WHEEL

Giving Himself a Chanse BY BILLY MELVILLE

2023 Grande Prairie Stompede Champions Sundown Oilfield Services Ltd. Outfit. From left, Grande Prairie Stompede Association’s Dan Boorse presenting, Outriders Ethan Motowylo and Rory Armstrong, Brie Vigen, Driver Chanse Vigen, Grande Prairie Stompede Association President Trevor Denis presenting, D.J. DeSutter, crew member. Missing: Outrider Ryan MacNeill. Photo By Shellie Scott.

PHOTO SHELLIE SCOTT

n some sports, handicapping is a method of offsetting competitors' varying abilities or characteristics to equalize their chances of winning. You often see this in sports like golf and horse racing to attract larger fields in a particular race. But in the world of professional sports, handicapping is thrown out the window, as the competitions are set so that whoever is the best on a particular day or over the duration of an event will ultimately prevail. In golf, the golfer with a lower handicap is required to give strokes to his opponent. In a horse race, the higher the handicap rating, the more weight a horse is required to carry. In a chuckwagon race, the only time a handicap can be given is by the driver or an outrider in the form of a penalty, or some think the barrel positions themselves are a built-in handicap — barrel # 1 being the

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most advantageous, with barrel # 4 having the biggest disadvantage. So imagine being in a championship final heat in the opening event of the year; you are starting from barrel position # 4 with the three other fastest wagons at that particular event all drawn on the inside of you, those wagons all driven by three champion chuckwagon drivers who had all won shows the previous season, and you have a two-second penalty hanging over you before the race has even started. It might not be considered just a handicap but rather a recipe for going home and saving yourself the trouble of running a race you couldn’t possibly win. That was the scenario for Chanse Vigen at the season opener at the Grande Prairie Stompede. Pitted against Kurt Bensmiller, Rae Croteau Jr. and Ross Knight, and with a two-second penalty for creating a false start,

Chanse Vigen was staring down the impossible. But impossible is not a word in the vocabulary of chuckwagon driver Chanse Vigen. Says Vigen, “When you get into the barrels, you always have a chance.” As insurmountable as it might have seemed at the time, Vigen overcame the near impossible and captured the 2023 Grande Prairie Stompede from barrel # 4 with a two-second penalty. Vigen’s run in the Championship Final was more than two full seconds (an eternity in wagon racing) faster than his nearest competitor’s running time, making it arguably the most dominating single run ever made in a Championship Final Heat in chuckwagon racing’s 100-year history. Overcoming adversity is a common trait among champions, demonstrating that Vigen took the challenge head-on. And all he had to do was give himself a Chanse. c

REFLECTIONS

Maybe I Shouldn’t Have Said That…

I’m writing these words while most of the country waits for rain. Fires are burning across the country, and the grass has greened up but not grown much. Some cattle are turned out on summer range. Some are still being fed, and some have gone to town to save some potential forage for the rest. Prices are still up, both going out and coming in, and there is still some optimism and the promise of next year. Looking ahead sometimes means looking back and figuring out how you got here. I’m down in numbers of stock, energy and ability, so I spend more time with my mind/mouth than I do mounted on a horse and moving stock. As I’m prone to do, my time is often spent with people, this last season with funerals and in the upcoming with weddings. Here’s a look back at a few times I might have thought, “I maybe shouldn’t have done that.” I performed my first wedding 26 years ago and a liner load since, One of my favourite “I shouldn’t have said that” was a couple I’d known for a while. They’d jumped the fence, and she was about three months along. As I had them repeating their vows (they wanted some traditional wordings), I said, ‘Do you ____ take ____ to be your lawfully bedded wife? They were nervous enough that they didn’t notice, and I kept a straight face as good as any politician and carried on. About eight years back, I did a wedding for a sister of a gal whose marriage I’d performed a couple of years earlier. The older sister had a unique name, so I named a horse with it. When I performed the younger sisters’ wedding, I was running a little late and didn’t take time to write down their names and sure enough, I called

her by her sister’s name. Not just once but three times. I apologized each time and pronounced them correctly. I’m not sure what they thought, but their dad laughed and still does whenever I run across him. It’s not just weddings. On many occasions when I’m preaching, I find myself with a clean foot from inserting it into my mouth. The one time I caught myself in time, I was telling the story of the Norwegian coyote caught in a trap but stopped before the punchline. (He chewed off two legs before he got the right one.) Maybe I shouldn’t have printed that, but we’ll let Miss Terri decide. Even at funerals, I’ve had the occasional gaff. A while back I did a graveside for an old rancher. As I stepped up beside the casket to speak, my leg gave out, and I almost ended up with the casket, and Gary, in the grave. All I could think of was, knowing him, he’d have said, “If you really want in here, I’m getting out; it’s a little too cozy!” The Bible is full of stories of folks who have said/ done things they shouldn’t have. One of the most wellknown is Peter. He was a fisherman called by Jesus to follow him. For three years, he travelled and learned from Jesus. It was the night before Jesus’s crucifixion; Peter was zealous enough to cut off a man’s ear to protect Jesus, to denying he even knew him a few hours later. John 18:10-27 It’s in John 21:15-19 that we learn of Peters’ reinstatement by the sea of Galilee. If you trot back in your life, what things have you said/done you maybe shouldn’t have? Maybe the best place to start is where Peter got restored — near Jesus. 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.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

ILLUSTRATION: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ CANICULA

BY BRYN THIESSEN

ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

MEET BRETT HEIDI COLOUR YOUR WORLD BY CRAIG COUILLARD

Evening Chill 16" x 12" Acrylic on canvas

cowboycountrymagazine.com

ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

Escape 30" x 48" Acrylic on canvas

Proud of It 24" x 30" Acrylic on canvas

on’t overmix your colours or overbrush your strokes — keep it fresh and vivid.” That advice given to artist Brett Heidi by her father many years ago continues to inspire her colourful paintings today. Since 2014 Heidi has developed an individual style identified by its loose, large brushstrokes and the use of undermixed luminous colour.    “My work could be considered somewhat abstract, which I love as it leaves it open to many interpretations,” said Heidi. “My current technique evolved when I attempted my first large-scale acrylic painting in 2015. Something I loved about watercolour was the freedom of pure juicy colour spreading across a simple white textured paper, planned but uninhibited. There is a sense of simplicity yet a vivid brilliance to it. The techniques I learned in oil also influence how I paint in acrylic. I am fascinated by how the perception of colour is affected or even created by light, therefore driving my choice of pigment." She’s inspired by her immediate surroundings — nature, animals, and people of

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT the land. She attempts to discover the story in a subject or the feeling of an occasion and convey it visually. "From the beginning stages of planning and composition to the very last touch of paint, I have a story in my mind for each piece. This will dictate how much I might focus on an animal's eyes or some other feature, amount of detail, movement, mood, or colour intensity. Although I have my own story behind each piece, I hope each viewer may be evoked to have their own story or recall a treasured memory." Like many Western artists, Heidi is basically self-taught. “I grew up around art as my father was a part-time artist,” she explained. “He was more of a realist painter, but much of his work and lessons influence my style.” She’s had a variety of administrative jobs that left her feeling unfilled. “One company I worked for gave me an office with a window. Everybody said that it was a perk, but it had the opposite effect on me. It just made me want to be outside more.” Heidi spent six years off and on in Mexico, where she did some home-based consulting work and continued to hone her craft. “The colours in Mexico are so bright and vivid and have had a big influence on my art.” Mexico not only brought colour to her life but also brought her a husband, Jose (Pepe). A carpenter by trade, Heidi points out how much support he provides. “He makes all my frames from maple. He comes to all my shows, helps me set up, and works the booth with me. And he’s always there to pick me up when I feel anxious or insecure about my work.” It is a common thread among artists that there was one big breakthrough moment in their careers. And like many, that moment for Heidi was the art show at the Calgary Stampede. “I had been to several small Western art shows, but being invited to show at the Calgary Stampede in 2018 put me on the big stage. I was inspired by all of the artists in the show, and there were a lot of eyeballs on my work over that 10 days. It affirmed that I could become a professional full-time artist,” explained Heidi. She will also be the first featured artist at Diony Distillery, a new distillery and gallery opening this fall in Red Deer, Alta. To view more of her work, go to brettheidi.com. c

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Heart like a Truck 16" x 12" Acrylic on canvas

The artist, Brett Heidi

The Hills are Calling 36" x 48" Acrylic on canvas

ARTS & CULTURE

ALL IMAGES COURTESY TIM LASIUTA COLLECTION

SILVER SCREEN

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

ARTS & CULTURE

SILVER SCREEN

LEGACY OF THE

Silver Screen Cowboys BY TIM LASIUTA

“Whatever happened to Randolph Scott, Riding the trails alone? Whatever happened to Gene and Tex and Roy and Rex, the Durango Kid?” The Statler Brothers asked these questions in song in 1973, and since then, fans of the silver screen cowboys have asked the same question. Where did all the silver screen cowboys go? Our heroes may have come from Gower Gulch and all points West, but with the decline of Westerns in theatres, stars found themselves in unfamiliar territory, and they reinvented themselves. The fledgling TV medium brought many into guest star status, or if they were headliners, lead star roles, or character shows like The Cisco Kid, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and The Lone Ranger. Licensing kept their names (and incomes up) in the spotlight, and Roy Rogers and The Lone Ranger appeared on millions of cereal boxes! A new venue for their films started up, the lucrative conventions and film festivals. Stars like Don “Red” Barry, Lash Larue, Col Tim McCoy, Clayton Moore, John Hart, Linda Stirling, William Witney and Monte Hale regaled fans with their life and film experience. Often, biographies were released that told their story (or at least what they wanted to tell) to their fans.

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CHAMPION STILL RIDES

Ready for a new generation

Industry-wise, the nostalgia video market grew with VHS, then later BETA and DVD releases of classic serials and well-regarded “oaters.” Today, streaming video and website downloads serve new fans. Old Time Radio sites promote the best of the industry, now cleaned up better than new. Young folks aren’t forgotten either, the “Toy Story” franchise breathed life into an ‘old’ cowboy doll, Woody, in three films. The question remains: how can we recognize the influence of the original silver screen cowboys today, and where can it be found?

In Central Alberta, the unlikely town of Olds holds a sacred relic of more innocent times. Earlier this year, in 2023, the staff of Home Hardware in the prairie town discovered a treasure in their warehouse. During a clean-up, they discovered a well-used Champion kid’s ride. “There is a strong interest in rodeo in the area,” said retail operations manager Tasha Bieber. “One of our PRO desk associates, Ian and his wife lovingly restored the ride.” Bieber added that while most of the ride is original, the 72-year-old artifact has some repairs and a new stirrup. “We kept the price low; what used to be ten cents is now a quarter, but the funds raised go to local charities,” said Bieber. “Many of our customers used to ride Champ as kids, and now their children and grandchildren can do the same.”

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTRES During the 1960s, Gene Autry, Tom Mix, William S. Hart, Hopalong Cassidy, Will Rogers, Fred Harman (Red Ryder), Billy the Kid and Rex Allen Sr. museums were opened to protect, preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage.

ARTS & CULTURE

SILVER SCREEN

black. The Truth always won. It is time we went back to that.”

ROY & DALE The legacy of Roy Rogers spans ten decades; his influence is everywhere, and the Roy Rogers Museum welcomed fans for 42 years. Despite his universal recognition, Roy “Dusty” Rogers Jr. wants to share the story of his parents with the modern generation and their fans worldwide. Now they will with the new musical, Happy Trails. “I am excited to be able to introduce Roy Rogers to a new generation and to reintroduce him to his older fans,” wrote Oscar and Tony Award-winning author/writer Marshall Brickman of the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans musical “Happy Trails.’ The creative team also includes Oscar and 13-time Grammy Award-winning composer T Bone Burnett and multiple Tony and Olivier Award-winning director Des McAnuff. According to the show’s producer Jeff Kramer, Happy Trails is the remarkable true story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, two American heroes who earned their unlikely success through hard work, faith and a willingness to dream. “This has been a long time in the works,” said Kramer. “This production will tell a story that people of all ages and backgrounds can identify with. It is a love story about two people I considered family who impacted countless people around the world.

SONS OF THE PIONEERS

Rex Allen on Koko

On a larger scale, the Autry Museum, National Cowboy Museum, Glenbow Museum and parts of the Smithsonian incorporated silver screen cowboy artifacts and displays. The Autry Museum has expanded its focus to include more than just film stars to remain viable long term. Many focused centres reimagined themselves with the passing of their namesakes, i.e. the Roy Rogers Museum with his death in 1998. “The Rex Allen Museum is one of the last standing,” said Rex Allen Jr. “It has been central to Willcox and Rex Allen Days for more than 60 years.” He added that the Museum is starting a Rex Allen Legacy Project that will focus on

the values instilled by the early Westerns in generations of fans. “Dad always said that what goes around, comes around, and he felt that other generations would rediscover what made those films special,” said Allen. He added, “When Tom Brokaw of NBC News retired, he wrote a book called “The Greatest Generation.” It was a book about the women and men who fought in World War II. What he missed was where three generations of American men and women got their morality. It was from the films of Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Rex Allen. They were only in black and white; good guys wore white hats, and bad guys wore

With Roy Rogers returning to the public eye, his group, the Sons of the Pioneers, are close to celebrating 90 years of continuous music. Their storied history includes 42 different members, radio and movie appearances from 1934 to 1999 (with Roy Rogers and Charles Starrett), two Grammys, memberships in numerous Halls of Fame, and a star on the Walk of Fame. They have been described as a ‘living legend’ by the Western Music Association. “There is talk of a 90th-anniversary tour of Western Canada,” said Trail Boss Tommy Nallie. “We have been performing to packed houses throughout the United States, and band historian John Fullerton recently established a Son of the Pioneers YouTube Channel.”

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

ARTS & CULTURE

SILVER SCREEN

While the impact of the silver screen cowboys is not the same as it was in decades past, with Front Row Kids clad in cowboy gear from boot to hats watching larger-thanlife hero’s right wrongs, it still is. We still instinctively know right from wrong, and we cheer for the underdog and the good guys. Rex Allen Jr. put it best in the 1985 movie, “Rustlers Rhapsody,” which featured Rex Jr. and Sr., and Roy Rogers. He wrote: But memories don’t die And we're still ridin’ high We’re the last of the silver screen cowboys… Ride easy, partners, we’ll be waiting. For more, visit Gene Autry Museum: Museum Store | Autry Museum of the American West (theautry.org); Rex Allen Museum, Willcox, AZ rexallenmuseum.org; Roy Rogers, royrogers.com; Sons of the Pioneers Official YouTube Page Sons of the Pioneers — YouTube c

Rex Allen Roman riding on a matched pair

Nov 1-5, 2023

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

Bringing you the Cowboy lifestyle Experience the adrenaline filled action of Pro Rodeos, including the 2023 SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour, The Canadian Finals Rodeo, and Maple Leaf Circuit Finals. All live and airing on The Cowboy Channel Canada.

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Your place for rural lifestyle news and entertainment RFD-TV Caters to agribusiness, equine, and rural lifestyles, which includes six hours live agri-news Mon - Fri Be sure to watch Frontline Farming Canada hosted by the legendary Dianne Finstad as she brings us the latest and best innovations on the Canadian agricultural and ranching landscape.

Contact your cable/satellite provider to subscribe!

Conservation success is rooted in Canada’s ranchland For 85 years, Ducks Unlimited Canada has been partnering with ranchers to steward important habitats like wetlands and grasslands. These places are essential for supporting our herds, our wildlife and our way of life. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s wide range of on-farm programs offer solutions that support the needs of Canada’s working landscapes.

Find out how we can help your unique ranching operation with habitat protection and restoration programs at ag.ducks.ca

Historic project preserves grasslands and wetlands Ducks Unlimited Canada has partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and an Alberta ranch family to conserve one of the largest uninterrupted tracts of prairie grasslands and wetlands remaining in Canada. At 55,000 acres, this monumental undertaking on this southern Alberta ranch represents the largest private land conservation project in the Canadian Prairies—and the largest conservation agreement in Canadian history.

Learn more about this historic project at ducks.ca/mcintyre-ranch

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/PATNOWA

COUNTRY COOKING

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

COUNTRY COOKING

Our Summer Salute to Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a vegetable, and its pioneer legacy continues to grow in rural gardens. Of course, the staple prairie dessert is rhubarb pie. I used to know a mule man from the Buck Lake country in Alberta who told me once that he was 16 or so before he found out there were other types of pie besides rhubarb. True story. But don't limit rhubarb only to dessert — this tart stalk has plenty more to offer. BY TERRI MASON

ROASTED RHUBARB BBQ SAUCE

Fresh rhubarb is roasted then pureed and cooked with traditional barbecue sauce ingredients in this unique and flavourful condiment.

INGREDIENTS

RHUBARB TART PASTRY

• 1 cup flour • 7 tbsp light olive oil • 4 Tbsp sugar • one pinch sea salt • 3 tbsp cold water (or use frozen tart pastry)

FILLING

• 7 tbsp light olive oil • 1 cup extra fine sugar, plus 1 tbsp extra to finish • 1/3 cup cornstarch • 1 ½ cups ground pistachios • 1/3 cup ground almonds • 4 tbsp milk • 1½ tsp cardamom powder • Zest of 1 orange • 1 cup rhubarb

FILLING

1. P ut the flour, oil, sugar and salt in a bowl and mix. Add the water, mix again, then knead for three minutes. Return to the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2. H eat the oven to 400F. Roll the pastry between two sheets of parchment paper to

1. T o make the filling, mix everything except the rhubarb in a bowl until well combined, then set aside. 2. F ill the tart with the mixture, and smooth it out with a spoon. Decorate as you wish: you could cut the rhubarb to size to lay strips across the tart or cut it into shorter lengths and create a pattern. (Quilters rejoice!) 3. S prinkle the extra tablespoon of sugar all over the top of the rhubarb, then bake for 40-45 minutes, until the filling starts to bronze slightly and the rhubarb is tender.

I have to share this story: This drink, still popular on the prairies, was a staple at many early women’s service clubs, such as the Women’s Institute. I have it on good authority that the Rhubarb Slush was most often made with innocent apple juice, but once in a while, it was replaced with vodka, making for a rollicking good meeting!

• 3 cups rhubarb • 1 cup water • 1/3 cup sugar • 1 cup vodka or apple juice • 1 - 6 oz can pink lemonade, thawed • 1 - 1 litre lemon-lime pop • Fresh mint sprigs

TART PASTRY

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ANGELIKA HEINE

fit a 9” tart tin. Peel off the top sheet of baking paper, put a hand under the bottom sheet and flip the pastry on top of the tart tin – don’t worry if it cracks or breaks. Press the pastry into place. 3. Prick the base with a fork, cover with a sheet of parchment paper, fill with weights* (raw beans or uncooked rice) and bake for about 25 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and lightly golden. Cool and remove baking weights. *[Prevents the pastry from puffing up.]

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RHUBARB SLUSH

• 4 cups coarsely chopped rhubarb • 3 cloves garlic • 1 cup water (plus more, as needed) • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • ½ cup brown sugar • ¼ cup ketchup • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon chili powder • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon • dash of cayenne pepper • salt and black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. P reheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray. 2. P lace the chopped rhubarb and garlic cloves on the prepared pan. Roast for 1520 minutes or until rhubarb is soft. 3. P uree the rhubarb and garlic with one cup of water in a food processor or blender. 4. P our the puree into a medium saucepan. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Add additional water, as needed, until the sauce is desired consistency. 5. B ring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Cool before pouring into storage containers. Keep refrigerated; will keep for about three weeks.

Boil rhubarb, sugar and water til the rhubarb is tender; cool slightly. In a blender, process til smooth. Stir in vodka (or apple juice) and lemonade. Pour into an 8” x 8” pan, cover and freeze until firm. Thaw before serving. (Rhubarb with vodka doesn’t need to thaw.) Scoop 1/3 cup into glass — add 1/3 cup of pop and top with a sprig of mint.

GUITAR LEGEND

ALANNA MCARDLE

LINDSAY ELL

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

GUITAR LEGEND

LINDSAY ELL

Guitar Legend

Lindsay Ell BY BILL BORGWARDT

ALANNA MCARDLE

hen Canadian legend Shania Twain recently played two soldout concerts in Edmonton, as well as ten other shows across Canada and two in Washington state, on her “Queen Of Me” tour, the audience fell in love with the opening act — a vivacious woman with a stunning electric guitar — Canadian Lindsay Ell. Her alluring vocals and heartfelt lyrics about life and relationships, sung to an up-tempo beat, were something they could relate to, but when she started playing her guitar that they were mesmerized by her extraordinary prowess. The whispers began, ‘Nobody can make those sounds from a guitar all by themselves,’ ‘She’s playing to added tracks….’ I know because I’ve been in those audiences. But there is no enhancement; Lindsay can play as few others can. In 2021, The Beat magazine rated her one of Country Music’s Best Guitarists, placing her among the ranks of Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Vince Gill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, a high rating in a category dominated by male artists. Martin Guitars lists her as an endorsed artist, and every major guitar maker, including Gibson and Fender, clamours to have her play their instruments.

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Who is she? Lindsay Ell was born in Calgary in 1989. Lindsay has always been musically inclined and began taking piano lessons at 6. By age 8, wanting to play along to the music of her idol, Shania Twain, she persuaded her dad, Bob, to teach her how to play guitar. Soon she was attending bluegrass camps and performing around Alberta on such stages as the Family Stage at Big Valley Jamboree, the Ivan Daines Country Music Picknic, various cowboy gatherings, and pretty well anywhere else she was allowed to showcase. By age 10, she was starting to write her own songs. Nearing her mid-teens, she caught the eye of Canadian rock legend Randy Bachman, who immediately recognized her talent and described her as one the most talented and multi-faceted artists he had come across in many years. Bachman offered to work with her as a mentor and producer. He introduced her to various guitar styles, including blues, jazz and rock, giving her a variety of musical expressions to pull from and mix with her country roots, making her unique sound. Lindsay has also become a master of fingerstyle guitar, where you play the bass line with your thumb and the melody with your fingers, virtually playing two songs simultaneously. It was Randy Bachman who also taught her the nuances of songwriting. Using what he taught her, Ell had a hand in co-writing 11

GUITAR LEGEND

“

LINDSAY ELL

songs for her first album, “Consider This.” Bachman produced the album, released on his own Ranbach Music label in 2006. By 2008, Ell was on her first tour, opening for blues guitarist Buddy Guy. She also started travelling to Nashville, writing and making contacts. When she turned 21 in 2010, she moved there permanently. Within two years, she signed a deal with the US record label Stoney Creek Records/BMG Nashville. Her first single, “Trippin’ on Us,” was released in December 2013, debuting as the most added song for country music radio in Canada and the United States. Lindsay’s first album on Stoney Creek was “The Project,” released in 2017. That album debuted at # 4 on the country album charts in the US and was named by Billboard as the Best Country Album of 2017. Her single, “Criminal” off that album, hit # 1 on the Canadian charts in 2018, making her the first Canadian solo female artist to top the charts since Terri Clark had done so ten years earlier. Two other albums followed, “The Continuum Project” (2018) and “Heart Theory” (2020). Her song, “Want Me Back,” from the third album, also hit # 1 in Canada in 2020. A song she recorded in 2019 with US artist Brantley Gilbert, “What Happens in A Small Town,” reached # 1 on the US charts and has since reached Platinum status. The Band Perry selected Lindsay Ell to open their “We Are Pioneers World Tour” in 2013–2014. The tour took her to nine European countries, across Canada and the US, playing over 90 shows. She also toured with Luke Bryan, and in 2016 she toured the US from coast-to-coast as part of the “CMT Next Women of Country Tour.” Also, in 2016, her fans were excited to see her perform as Carrie Underwood’s lead guitarist on the internationally televised 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards show from Nashville. The following year, 2017,

On April 15, 2014, Lindsay made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and since then, she has appeared on the show 52 times. On March 8, 2016, Opry announcer Bill Cody presented her with an award commemorating the release of “Opry 9.0,” a special EP featuring her as one of three emerging Opry performers.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

BILL BORGWARDT,

“In 2019 alone, she performed 235 shows.”

GUITAR LEGEND

LINDSAY ELL

BILL BORGWARDT, ALANNA MCARDLE

she opened for Brad Paisley on his “Weekend Warrior World Tour” (over 60 shows), and in the fall of 2018, Ell hit the road with Sugarland for their “Still the Same Tour” (48 shows), and then she joined Keith Urban’s “Graffiti U World Tour” (8 dates). This was in addition to playing her own shows and festivals all over the US and Canada, as well as in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In 2021 she did her headline tour across Canada, and 2023 has found her in Canada opening for Shania. In 2019 alone, she performed 235 shows. In 2021 Lindsay was co-host of the televised Canadian Country Music Awards, and in 2022 she became the host of the revived Canada’s Got Talent television program on Citytv. She will be back hosting the second season in 2023 and has recently been nominated for a 2023 Canadian Screen Award for Best Host or Presenter for her role on the show. Lindsay recently departed from Stony Creek Records after 11 years and now works as an independent artist. She has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing in Nashville and will work with them in various creative capacities. Lindsay has garnered nominations and awards from almost every country music association in North America, including Country Music Alberta, Canadian Country Music Association, and the JUNOs in Canada and ACM, CMA, and CMT in the US. So, that’s who she is; Lindsay Ell — a legendary guitarist who is well on her way to becoming a legendary performer worldwide. c

On September 6, 2019, Lindsay Ell did a special television taping of the PBS series Stampede City Sessions. The taping took place at the Webber Academy Performing Arts Centre Theatre in Calgary and kicked off the third season of the series, which airs on KSPS Spokane, as well as PBS stations in Tennessee. The popular series continues to this day.

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RCMP 150 TH

RCMP COW COPS PART 3 OF A 3-PART SERIES

Convicting Rustlers for 150 Years BY TERRI MASON

Corporal Lindsey Anderson rides her horse, Trigger, to check livestock

For the last 150 years, the RCMP has shouldered the mantle of livestock investigations and is tasked with tracking stolen livestock. How easy is it to round up and rustle cattle? A well-oiled crew, a couple of good dogs, a portable chute with panels and 20 minutes. It’s then just one more liner or trailer on the highway. How many head can rustlers get, and what it’s worth? The average cattle liner (known as a “cattle pot”) is similar to a

double-decker bus, and it can hold 60,000 pounds, equal to about 50 mature cows (or 40 cow/calf pair.) What’s that worth? Well, an average liner load of 50 head is easily worth $100,000 (“and that’s a cheap load,” confirms cattle hauler Jason Hofer) — and that ain’t chicken feed. With that kind of money, nowadays, cattle rustling is often associated with organized crime. Working with the cow cops are hundreds of savvy brand inspectors working

out of three of the four Western provinces — BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and each inspector is the equivalent of a boots-onthe-ground deputy who is the eyes and ears of hinky doings. How many Livestock Investigators does the RCMP have to cover the main cattleproducing Western provinces? Combined, BC, Alta and Sask boast — wait for it — four cow cops — policing a multi-billiondollar industry. That’s how good they are.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: SUPPLIED

It’s a helluva job description that is a throwback to old Western movies. Most urbanites don’t even know the job exists. The official RCMP name is Livestock Investigator — in the business, they’re sometimes called the Cow Cops.

RCMP 150 TH

Corporal Cory Lepine

BRITISH COLUMBIA CORPORAL CORY LEPINE Corporal Cory Lepine is back as the Livestock Investigator in B.C. after returning from his year-and-a-half-long secondment to Ashcroft. An Okanagan native, Cory’s background includes amateur rodeo in steer wrestling. After a career as a tradesman, he began his RCMP career at 29, posting in Nanaimo, then in the drug unit and the Crime Reduction Unit. Cory then transferred to Lytton. “Besides my Livestock job, it was probably my best posting — it was amazing; I loved it there and working with First Nations,” he said. “It’s in one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, and it’s the small-town policing that I really

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enjoy.” Cory later transferred to Kelowna to be near family. When the Livestock Investigator position came up in 2017, he applied and got it. “I’m once again dealing with people in the ag industry; they’re wholesome, hard workers who try to do the right thing and are happy to see us. In most cases, I’m the only policeman they know, so they feel comfortable coming to me with questions about other policing scenarios.” Outside of headline-grabbing rustler arrests, there’s a lot more to the job, including educating people and forging working relationships with landowners, First Nations, and other members of the RCMP. The job is also very proactive, heading off a wreck before one happens.

“Since 2018, Bob Miller [GM, Ownership ID — BC brand dept] and I have been working on setting up the Emergency Livestock Trailers; they’re rescue units like they have in Alberta,” said Cory. “In southern BC, over 60 liners a day come from the Lethbridge area, and we’ve had rollovers. We now have two of these outfitted trailers; one in the Kootenays [already used twice in the last six months], and the other in the Williams Lake region. BC has been hit hard with wildfires and floods, and now with the push on for Emergency Preparedness, there is a lot of interest in getting six more of these trailers up and ready.” He’s also working with the Ag Minister and group to create an Ag Pass (similar to what California has) for farmers and ranchers and their designated people. “Essentially, they take a course in emergency management, are issued this pass, and will be the only people allowed into their area in the case of an emergency like wildfires or floods,” he explained. Another aspect is educating politicians. Even though herds have been trailed into BC since the Fraser River Gold Rush in 1858, BC still doesn’t have a Stray Animals Act to give livestock investigators more “teeth” in enforcing rules, such as trespassing. The worst trespass offenders are quadders and rockhounds who cut fences, destroy sensitive habitat, and import noxious weeds on boot and quad treads. (“Ask Douglas Lake; they spend $100,000 a year on weed spray.”) Cory has also been educating the members of RCMP on highway patrol that, due to the increase in cattle prices, to get even more aggressive to pull over trucks and check them out. “I think I have the best job in the RCMP. But honestly, we could use one more [cow cop]. Part of my job now is recruiting. The kind of recruits we want have an ag background. Two things are important; a work ethic and something underrated; many 4H and ranch kids have dealt with death on the farm, and as police, it’s important to know how to process that. I’m not comparing human to animal life, but they know how life works. Plus, public speaking and dealing with others are the traits we need to see back in our organization.”

RCMP 150 TH

ALBERTA CORPORAL LINDSEY ANDERSON With 80 percent of the cattle in the Canadian West streaming into Alberta, the province has twice as many cow cops — two — plus over 70 brand inspectors. “I grew up on a farm northwest of Prince Albert,” said Lindsey. “Given the location, we were victimized by significant property crime, so I always had a passion for helping people. I joined the RCMP in 2003, was posted in Red Deer, transferred to Fort MacMurray, and then Calgary in 2013 (Serious Crimes). I’ve been a Livestock Investigator for almost seven years now.” Her ag background made her an excellent fit for the position. “I feel that it is one of the best jobs in the RCMP, and it takes a certain person with that passion,” said Lindsey. “You’ve got to have a little bit of redneck.” It’s also her active ag background that instilled a commonsense approach. “Being accountable and producing results — especially in Alberta where we’re in enhanced positions funded by the Brand Dept — you’re pretty much left alone.” If a case is before the courts, the members do not talk about it. But one of her recent arrests made television, not just the news. “I did a farm crime documentary with CBC, and it’ll air in the fall,” she said. “It was out at Two Hills [Alta]; some folks were out writing bad cheques for cattle, and it involved producers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, an auction market out of Thorsby [Alta] and Westlock [Alta]. We engaged the brand inspectors out of Sask, who assisted us in identifying six-quarters of land north of Spiritwood [Sask] and locating cattle that were purchased fraudulently out of Alberta. We recovered a bunch of cattle as well as horses. Also, one of the victims was a fellow that had delivered close to $40,000 worth of hay and was given a bad cheque. The female found guilty in that case was found guilty and ordered to pay restitution back to all the victims. They were all paid back. She did her one-year sentence in the community under house arrest.” “Before that,” she continued, “I did another case with Sask RCMP on a couple down by Jansen, Sask. They were taking cattle for custom grazing, and when producers would pick up their herd, they’d be missing

Corporal Owen Third, with a herd of registered Gelbvieh

— imagine that,” she deadpans. [Manitoba does not have brand inspectors. — Editor] The RFID tags have assisted us in proving that well over 200 heifers belong to a finance company and should not be in the province,” she said. “The Brands Department significantly assists us. We’re able to determine movement of cattle between the provinces. It becomes problematic when cattle go into Manitoba and there’s no brand inspection. A producer can send cattle into Manitoba, and when the cattle arrive at the auction market, there is no manifest, nobody brand inspects them, and that money goes to the producer claiming ownership. An entire liner load of cattle could be stolen in Alberta and sold in Manitoba — and no one would know about it.” Her enthusiasm for the job is evident. “What I enjoy most is working with the brand inspectors and producers and having that sense of community. When you do an interview at someone’s house, you have a cup of coffee and visit for half an hour. Also, there is only a handful of us, so it’s being close to our co-workers and being able to travel because the job is so specialized.”

UPDATE: half. We searched and located cattle that belonged to Alberta producers. There was also evidence of failing to provide adequate care for the livestock. They were convicted.” Best advice for producers? “One of the biggest things I tell people is to brand their livestock as that is our primary means of identification. The RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) can significantly help with our investigation as we can trace cattle back to the farm of origin. But without those brands, it’s very difficult to prove ownership,” she said. “We have a really good file on the go here right now; it’s ongoing out of Manitoba

LIVESTOCK INVESTIGATORS If your livestock is stolen, report the crime to your local RCMP detachment and brand inspector. All stolen livestock is entered into a database, and it’s essential to include your brand in case the animals cross an inspection site.

The other livestock investigator in Alberta recently transferred to Major Crimes. The RCMP is actively recruiting.

SASKATCHEWAN CORPORAL OWEN THIRD Corporal Owen Third has been a loans officer, plus worked the family farm, and it was after he was married and had a family that he joined the RCMP. “At 32, I wasn’t the oldest, but a long way from the youngest in my troop,” he relates. He brought to the Force life experience, which helped with general duties—the “meat and potatoes” of police work. His career trajectory saw him promoted out of General Duties into the Financial Crime section, dealing with major fraud, bankruptcies — anything with a financial component. Next, he was in the Major Crimes unit, dealing with homicides and suspicious death investigations. The next promotion was into the RCMP’s federal, serious Organized Crime Unit. After a few years, they offered him a transfer to the proactive recruiting unit, and he was accepted as the boss of recruiting and as a member career counsellor.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

RCMP 150 TH

Then in 2022, the Livestock Investigator job was posted. “As soon as I saw it, I got pretty excited,” he said. “I have an ag background, was quite familiar and thought it would be a good fit.” No doubt, his well-rounded investigative training was important. “All of my previous experience: writing warrants, surveillance — it all comes in handy,” said Owen. Bottom line: have you caught any rustlers? “Yes,” he confirmed. “Working with our counterparts in Alberta, we were notified that there was a potential for some cattle to be in a location in central Saskatchewan. I worked with the brand inspector and our district manager out of Saskatoon; we went to that location, and lo and behold, we came across some cattle that were missing out of Alberta. That was a proud moment to locate the cattle.”

He continued. “It’s before the courts, but at the end of the day, they still belong to the fellow who was missing them. Whatever happens to the people charged, whether convicted or not, is one thing, but the cattle were returned to the rightful owner because his brand identified the cattle.” “We work quite closely with Livestock Services of Saskatchewan — the brand inspectors,” he continued. “Because they inspect cattle all the time, if something doesn’t look right, they notify me.”

BRAND INSPECTORS BC – Ownership Identification Inc ownershipid.ca AB – Livestock Identification Services lis-ab.com SK – Livestock Services of Saskatchewan lssc.ca MB – none

There’s more to the job than big theft ring busts, educating producers is another aspect. “Having cattle stray onto your property is one thing, but failure to report a stray is a crime,” he said. “If a producer is unsure of a brand, they can always contact LSS.” So far, the calls have been about ungulates. “I’ve dealt predominantly with cattle and bison that have escaped their containment. Bison are a little bit different to handle,” he understates. “This job has been a treat for me getting to work with the people in the industry; the ranchers, the brand inspectors, different government officials — it has been a breath of fresh air. It might not be the highest rank in the RCMP, but I’m working with good people, and I’ve got some good work ahead of me,” he said. “But to answer your question, no, Terri, hanging rustlers is no longer an option.” c

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! Print subscribers now also get Canadian Cowboy Country magazine in our digital format — for free! To ensure you are included in this free offer, email Marie at Marie@CowboyCountryMagazine.com.

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TRAILBLAZERS

“Stompin’ Tom” Connors Canada’s Barroom Patriot BY TERRI MASON

Stompin’ Tom Connors, when “The Hockey Song” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST

PHOTO COURTESY CANADA POST

His was a knockabout life that drew him to every corner of Canada. With his guitar in one hand, and thumbing a ride with the other, Canada’s great troubadour Charles Thomas “Stompin’ Tom” Connors travelled to seemingly every small town and smoky barroom from sea to sea, collecting memories, writing songs, and earning that rarest of things — public adoration from anti-hero-worshipping Canadians. Connors sang of Canada, our home, our sport, and our fun in a lifelong career that eventually saw him receiving major accolades (and turning down many major accolades) and playing to sold-out, noisy, sing-along crowds. He was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, on February 9, 1936. His childhood was a horror of neglect, abuse and poverty, which saw Children’s Aid remove him from his mother, and he was eventually adopted into the Aylward family of Skinner’s Pond, PEI. He got his first guitar at 14, and by 15, Tom ran away, hitchhiking across Canada for the next 13 years. He travelled and worked various parttime jobs while writing songs and singing for his supper. Now the tale of legends, it was at a stop in Timmins, Ontario, where he found himself a nickel short of a 35-cent beer at the city’s Maple Leaf Hotel. Tom told the bartender to put the cap back on the bottle, and he’d head for the Sally Ann, [Salvation Army], but the bartender, Gaëtan Lepine, accepted the 30 cents and offered him a second beer if he would open his guitar case and play a few songs. These few songs turned into a 14-month run at the hotel, a weekly spot on CKGB in Timmins, Ontario, eight 45-RPM recordings, and the start of the Canadian legend. It was Connors’ habit of stomping the heel of his left boot to keep the rhythm that earned him his nickname. Tom stomped to keep a strong tempo for his guitar playing —especially in the noisy

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the music scene that didn’t embrace his fiercely patriotic brand of music. In 1986 Tom formed A-C-T Records to record and promote Canadian music, signing such notables as classical guitarist Liona Boyd and songstress Rita MacNeil. After being presented with a petition calling for him to return to touring, Tom hit the road and released records again. In 1988, he signed with EMI Canada and a complete re-release of his entire catalogue of music. By the 1990s, Connors’s flag-waving emphasis on Canada’s history, natural beauty, and unique character had come into vogue and brought him broader In 2009, Canada Post honoured Connors with a stamp support. In 1992, his “The Hockey Song” was played beer joints where he frequently perduring an Ottawa Senators hockey formed. It wasn’t until Canada’s 100th game, and quickly became an anthem birthday, July 1, 1967, that the name for NHL games. “Stompin Tom” Connors was first used at All told, Tom put out 24 albums of the King George Tavern in Peterborough, original material, several children’s books, Ontario. After numerous complaints two Canadian best-selling autobiograabout damaged stage floors, Tom began to phies, a movie, a television series, a live carry a piece of plywood that he stomped concert special and countless memories for even more vigorously than before. The his audience. “stompin’” board became one of his A prolific and intensely patriotic writer, trademarks. Connors wrote over 500 songs, many based In 1969 he signed with Dominion on actual events and people and locales he’d Records, releasing six original albums, a been. The Society of Composers, Authors compilation album, and a five-album set of and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) traditional music. He left Dominion to help deemed Connors the “unofficial Canadian form Boot Records — a company that would poet laureate” and called his songs “virtual see 10 more original albums by Tom and national anthems.” a myriad of recordings from other CanaTom would go on to be named an dian artists. Officer of the Order of Canada, receive In 1971, Tom won his first of six an Honourary Doctor of Laws from St. Juno Awards. Thomas University, the key to the city In 1973, Tom married Lena Welsh on a of Peterborough, Ontario, and countless talk show on CBC television. The couple had other honours — some he accepted, some two sons and two daughters. he declined. The album Gumboot Cloggeroo, released On March 6, 2013, Tom passed away in 1979, would be Tom’s last. In a fit of at his Halton Hills home. He is buried in frustration and disappointment, Tom Erin, Ontario. returned all six of his Juno Awards, as a On March 7, in tribute to “Stompin’ Tom” statement of protest against the American- Connors’ contribution to the artistic life of ization of the Canadian music industry. Canada, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa This began Tom’s self-imposed exile from lowered its flag to half-mast. c

KEEPER OF THE WEST

71 DAYS IN THE SADDLE CROSS-BORDER ROUND-UP

This well-regarded 1915 Charlie Russell painting depicts what undoubtedly happened many mornings on this momentous round-up. When Horses Talk War There’s Slim Chance for Truce. Charles M. Russell, (1864-1926), Oil on Canvas, 1915, 24 ¼” x 36 ½”, Montana Historical Society, Mackay Collection, X1952.01.08

This cross-border round-up happened 118 years ago in the southwest corner of the District of Assiniboia. Shortly thereafter, on Sept 1, 1905, new boundaries were drawn, and Saskatchewan and Alberta became provinces, while the District of Assiniboia became a historical footnote. We begin Part 2 roughly three to four weeks into the round-up. They have reached Medicine Lodge Detachment, the greatest distance from their Fort Peck Indian Reservation destination. — Tom Reardon

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PAINTING COURTESY MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PART 2 OF A 2PART SERIES

WRITTEN BY HARRY OTTERSON (1878-1960) FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE MAPLE CREEK NEWS, MARCH 16TH AND 23RD, 1939. CONDENSED AND EDITED BY TOM REARDON

KEEPER OF THE WEST

SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER ASSINIBOIA, NWT

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SCALE MOOSE JAW TO LETHBRIDGE: 350 MILES/560KM CURRENT SK/AB BOUNDARY CHINOOK

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GLASGOW NASHUA

We worked around the west end of the hills and reported to the Mounted Police at the Medicine Lodge Detachment. There was a Post Office nearby, I wished to mail some letters, so I rode there accompanied by a cowboy named Asgood, a rep. for the Great Falls outfit. Asgood was quite a ladies’ man; usually kept himself well-slicked up. But for some reason, he had gotten careless. He had about one week’s whiskers, a soiled shirt and trousers. There was a family at this post office and some ladies from Medicine Hat visiting there. They invited us in and prepared a fine lunch, had some music and singing. I prolonged the visit by telling a few Texas stories, for I could see Asgood was suffering torments. I gave a full account to the boys at camp. Asgood vowed never again to be so careless of his personal appearance. The cattle south of the hills had wintered in fine condition. We turned east on the police trail by way of 10 Mile, Davis Lake, Eastend and Stone Pile to the 70 Mile crossing of the Whitemud [near present-day Val Marie].

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Two Canadian reps for the Turkey Track and the Z—X met us at the 10 Mile. We had been holding all Circle Diamond, Turkey Track, T down Bar, Z—X and any other brands belonging to the Eastend district, and the herd was getting large. From Davis Lake east, we cut only the Circle Diamond cattle. We had a herd of

“A Mountie returned with me, checked our outfit and gave me a permit.” around 6,000, and I wished to carry the Turkey Track and T down Bar cattle beyond Eastend before turning them loose. Handling so many cows and calves was slowing us down. With a straight herd of Circle Diamond steers, we could move faster, and the Fort Peck Reservation was some distance yet to travel.

We crossed to the south side of the Whitemud above the mouth of Frenchman Creek to avoid the rough country, and, moving east on the south bench, passed south of the Eastend Barracks to strike the Whitemud again below the T down Bar Ranch. I reported to the Mounted Police at Eastend that we were on our way to leave Canada. Constable Willis went with us. We worked the herd, cutting out nearly 3,000 head of 76 and Z—X cattle we had brought back from the west, turning them loose on the Whitemud below the T down Bar. Now our herd was easy to handle, all big steers. We continued to round up as far east as 70 Mile Crossing, but only taking the aged steers. Harry Willis left us at 70 Mile to return to Eastend; he was a jolly companion. We kept to the south and west side of the Whitemud to where the river enters Montana, where we crossed and headed for the Fort Peck Reservation. The crossing at the line was very bad, boggy land, with hills on both sides and very rough. We got our herd down to the river without mishap. Going out on the east

KEEPER OF THE WEST

side there was only one way to go, to follow a long coulee with many boggy places. We stretched our herd as thin as possible, but there were a few spots that got soft going out of that coulee. We finally got the wagons up on top, but there were 250-300 steers bogged. I believe nearly every saddle cinch was broken in pulling those big steers out of that muck. It was midnight before we finished. There were several steers dead and 25 head we left behind that were hurt. Not a major disaster but plenty tough on the men and cattle. [and horses.] We moved east to Rock Creek and cut the cattle belonging to the range south of Milk River. Scott Miller, “Long” Henry and Jerry Hollis started south with about 500 head to throw them across Milk River near Glasgow, after which they would return to what was called the Chimney Crossing on the Frenchman to meet the round-up as we moved back west. Our herd was now straight Circle Diamond brand of about 3,700, all big, aged steers. I started a cowboy on to notify the Indian Agent to have a man return with him and meet us at the northwest corner of the Reservation to count the herd. After we tallied the cattle, I sent the bed wagon to Nashua for a load of provisions. In the meantime, we scattered our cattle along creeks in the Reservation. When our provisions arrived, we moved west to gather another herd. As planned, Scott Miller

and the other boys met us at the Chimneys on the Frenchman. They had gotten their cattle across the Milk River without trouble. We headed northwest and crossed into Canada to Lone Tree Lake, some 20 miles south of Stone Pile, then we travelled nearly due west. This was in the month of June, and rain, well, there was a rainstorm every day and about two cloudbursts every night. The burned country looked like a lawn. We camped one night near where the town of Claydon now stands. A fearful storm struck during the night—thunder, lightning, and torrents of rain. Sometime after the storm broke, our night herder found his way into camp. The

NWMP Medicine Lodge Detachment at the west end of the Cypress Hills, Assiniboia, NWT. The image shows log buildings, plus their massive garden, 1898

horses had stampeded when the storm struck. His horse had fallen with him and then had run with the others. He had found his way to camp on foot. We had four horses tied to the bed wagon. We saddled these horses and made a hunt in the darkness. About daylight, two of the men returned to camp with 90 head of horses. Toward sunrise, a heavy fog settled on the prairie. We could find nothing, and two men were still missing. Around noon the fog broke, and the missing men got in with another bunch of horses. We scouted the country far and near for the balance of the day and found all except fifteen head. I sent a cowboy to Brockway’s ranch to stay and hunt horses. We moved on west, crossing Battle Creek—about where Consul is now. I left the outfit and rode to 10 Mile to report to the Mounted Police, arranging to meet the outfit again on Willow Creek. A Mountie returned with me, checked our outfit and gave me a permit. We travelled west to Lost River and started to work. We worked back east, keeping the wagons on the Canadian side. Montana cattle were plentiful, and when we reached Battle Creek, we had a large herd with many steers ready for market. Evidently, they had carried their fat during the winter. We stopped rounding up the range on East Fork as we had all the cattle we could handle and moved down to Lone Tree Lake.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

COURTESY ESPLANADE ARTS & HERITAGE CENTRE COLLECTIONS, MEDICINE HAT, ALTA 0719.0001; COURTESY ESPLANADE ARTS & HERITAGE CENTRE COLLECTIONS, MEDICINE HAT, ALTA 0600-0283

NWMP Medicine Lodge Detachment at the west end of the Cypress Hills, (now) Alberta. The image shows their whitewashed log buildings ca. 1914.

The burned area was a beautiful sight. Every lake was full of water and grass like a grain field. I sent a man to our general manager at Malta, stating there was no purpose in taking more cattle to Fort Peck. Also, I had two trainloads of steers that should go to market. Arranging a date for meeting at the forks of Whitewater to decide. Another cowboy left for Eastend to notify the police and also the manager of the T down Bar to send extra men to Lone Tree to help with the T Down Bar, Turkey Track, 76 and other Canadian cattle we had brought back from the west. Constable Willis arrived with the cowboys at Lone Tree. We worked the herd, and they left for the Whitemud with some 1,800 Canadian cattle. Mr. Frank Bloom met us at the Forks of the Whitewater. After much discussion, we cut out 1,200 head of the best steers and started them to Malta to ship to Chicago, turning the balance of the herd loose. This was July 10th. Our herd was the first grass beef in the Chicago market that season. The Drover’s Journal gave it quite a write-up. The price

“The horses had stampeded when the storm struck.” average was $4.90 per hundred, a high figure for those days. Later in the season, the same steers sold from $2.75 to $3.75 per hundred. There were many aged steers on the range at that time. Prices had been low, so the beef outfits did not ship many steers. When a herd of beef was brought to the railroad, usually the extreme top steers were cut out and shipped, and the balance turned back to the range to wait for higher prices. There was no limit to the range, and steers would go to quite an age in the northern climate without becoming rough. At present [1939] most steers are marketed quite young owing to changing range conditions and market requirements, but I am certain that any cattleman would have a thrill of pride could he ride around a herd of big, aged steers as one time ranged in the Cypress Hills. c

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THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS.

2023

NOVEMBER 20 - 25 43

WESTERN COLLECTOR POCKET WATCHES BY FRED HAUCK

In my first article (April/May), I talked about watchfobs. Now let's talk about the other end, the watch.

1. 21-jewell Waltham (Crescent St) with a 24-hour dial. Fob AL Furstnow, originator of the saddle that made Miles City famous. 2. Front hunter case door, 8-day watch 3. Dollar watch with an International Harvester watch fob. Both would have been giveaways by IH.

The largest watches are referred to as "Goliath" watches. These exceptionally large watches sometimes came with a sterling silver square case, turning the pocket watch into a travel clock. The smallest were ladies’ watches, and usually attached to a chain around the neck or pinned

to a nurse’s uniform. Both usually hung upside down, so when lifted, the face was right side up. Any quality mechanical pocket watch can be repaired. Most collectors I know of prefer American makes, as replacement parts for these are easier to obtain. c

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

ALL WATCHES FROM FRED HAUCK COLLECTION

Whether it be wrist or pocket watches, both have been popular collectibles for a long time. I know collectors of both. My preference has been pocket watches for over 30 years now. I do have some wristwatches, two that I use on occasion — one from 1936, the other from the 1940s. I always preferred large nickel-plated watches. The ones I regularly use date from the 1880s to the 1920s. The oldest watch in my collection was bought at a ranch auction at Bindloss, Alta. It dates from between 1794 and 1795, according to the hallmarks. It has what is referred to as a fusee movement. It has a cone gear inside and a minute speed chain that goes around these gears. This, and most watches up to the 1880s, use a key to wind and a key to set the time. In those early years, sterling silver cases were common on all European pocket watches. All silver cases had several hallmarks: a mark noting sterling silver, a place of manufacture, and a date mark. The cheapest pocket watches were known as "dollar watches.” These were sold for only a few dollars, starting in the early 1900s. The amount of jewels listed on a movement tells the quality of the watch. Some of the best are 21 and 23 Jewel. These are generally referred to and produced as railroad grade movements, meaning railroads approved them, and railroaders had to buy them. These kept absolutely perfect time. One common misconception is if a watch has a train on the back, it's a railroad watch. These, and other scenes such as horses or deer, came from mail-order catalogues. These watches were made to look more expensive than they were. Some watches have the jeweller’s name on the dial (face). The jeweller could purchase these preprinted dials to put on watches, gaining free advertising. Some collectors do collect private companylabelled watches.

INSIDER PRO RODEO CANADA

Hotter than a $2 pistol is Eckville, Alta’s Ben Andersen, who won the Grande Prairie Stompede in great style onboard Vold Rodeo’s 11 Shorty. CPRA photo by Shellie Scott.

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Hear LIVE Coverage of the Canadian Finals Rodeo with CFCW’s Broadcast Team, November 1 - 5

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2023 CPRA SCHEDULE PRESENTED BY PEAVEY MART

PAYING ATTENTION “Exciting” and “fast-paced” are great descriptors for the 2023 Canadian Professional Rodeo season to date. With more members than the CPRA has seen in many years, a strong SMS Equipment Pro Tour roster and an uptick in the number of events overall, competitors from both sides of the border are competing before new and long-time rodeo fans. As we approach the height of summer rodeo season–it’s rewarding to see the energy and interest in the sport of rodeo. A few standouts to note: We have seven SMS Equipment Pro Tour Rodeos in the books, and all were well-attended events with athletes making the most of the higher added money and rigorous competition. The Maple Leaf Circuit season is also well on its way, with any non-tour rodeo taking unlimited entries part of that roster. Athletes are paying attention to all sets of standings as the season moves on, as there are three different 2023 Finals in the offing. The SMS Equipment Pro Tour Finals, which takes place September 2 at the Armstrong, BC IPE and Stampede, the Canadian Finals Rodeo set for November 1–5 at Peavey Mart Centrium, Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alta., and the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals, which runs at the Canadian Western Agribition November 23–25 in Regina, Sask. We also want to send a shout-out to CPRA committees and volunteers for committing so much time, energy and resources to make our events happen. We absolutely couldn’t do this without your efforts. Follow the most recent rodeo results and standings at rodeocanada.com. Enjoy daily highlights, videos and news on our social media channels: Facebook and Instagram: @prorodeocanadaofficial l Twitter: @prorodeocanada. Enjoy the summer rodeo trail, everyone; see you at a CPRA event soon!

Terry Cooke, President, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

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AUGUST High Prairie, AB.........................................Aug 1-2 Strathmore, AB ..................... Aug 4-7 Regina, SK .............................Aug 4-5 Grimshaw, AB..........................................Aug 5-6 La Crete, AB.............................................Aug 8-9 Dawson Creek, BC .............Aug 11-13 Rimbey (Buck Lake), AB....................... Aug 11-12 Prince George, BC - NEW.....................Aug 17-19 Cranbrook, BC.....................................Aug 18-20 Pincher Creek, AB...............................Aug 18-20 Lethbridge, AB ...................Aug 24-26 Okotoks, AB.........................................Aug 25-27 Taber, AB..............................................Aug 26-27 Armstrong, BC ........... Aug 30-Sept 1 SEPTEMBER Armstrong, BC .......................... Sept 2 Merritt, BC............................................... Sept 2-3 Langley, BC (SB, BB, BR, LBR)..............Sept 2-4 Coronation, AB.......................................Sept 8-9 Medicine Lodge, AB............................... Sept 9 Olds, AB.......................................... Sept 15-16 Hanna, AB....................................... Sept 16-17 Edmonton, AB ** ........ Sept 29-30 NOVEMBER Red Deer, AB Canadian Finals Rodeo **................ Nov 1 - 5 Maple Leaf Circuit Finals **......... Nov 22 - 25 * indicates Special Event ** Points earned at Edmonton Pro Tour Rodeo count for 2023 (maple leaf) SMS Equipment Pro Tour Rodeo *SB - Saddle Bronc | BB - Bareback | BR - Bull Riding | LBR - Ladies Barrel Racing Cowboy Channel broadcasts the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Maple Leaf Circuit Finals and (maple leaf) SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour rodeos.

Visit RodeoCanada.com for updates 47

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INSIDER

OUTSTANDING RODEO ACTION! From Falkland to Sundre BY CPRA

ith the summer season well underway, we look back over the last few weeks of action and some moments that stood out. Logan Bird’s winning effort at the Falkland Stampede was more of what fans have come to expect from the Nanton, Alta roper. Bird was a rapid 8.1 seconds for the win, which netted him $1,908. Another chapter was written in a 2023 feel-good story as bull rider Cauy Schmidt continued his comeback from a careerthreatening injury at the end of the 2022 season with a pair of weekend successes. The Coronation cowboy mastered Vold Rodeo’s 267 Wolf Bait for 89 points to split the Stavely Pro Rodeo win with former Canadian Champion Jordan Hansen as both men pocketed $1,663. Schmidt added a solid second-place effort at Innisfail – 86 points for $1,432. Ontario bulldogger, Tim Kemp, commutes from his home at Kincardine, Ont. (two and a half hours west of Toronto) to Alberta most weeks of the rodeo season. He has made that scheduling challenge work well enough to qualify for the last two CFRs. Kemp took a big step toward a third CFR trip when he split the win at the late-May Gateway to the North Pro Rodeo at the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement with a 3.7-second run for $2,659. The Buffalo Lake event is part of the SMS Equipment Pro Tour — the first 2023 stop that made the weekend more critical for competitors. Two-time Canadian Champion Tanner Milan was the co-winner at Buffalo Lake. Other winners at Buffalo Lake included reigning Canadian Bareback Riding Champion Ty Taypotat, who rode C5 Rodeo’s 601 Black Feathers to 88 points and

Jordan Hansen’s winning ride at the Grande Prairie Stompede on Vold Rodeo’s 846 Wild Time for 89.5 points. CPRA photo by Shellie Scott.

$2,605. Three-time World and Canadian Champion Zeke Thurston continued his winning ways with an 88.5-point ride on C5’s 605 North Star for $2,868. Ben Anderson, the Eckville, Alberta bronc rider enjoyed big success on one of Canada’s biggest stages — the Grande Prairie Stompede as he spurred out an 89-point highlight reel on Vold’s 11 Shorty for a $3,158 payout. The Wainwright brother combination of Dawson and Dillon Graham made it backto-back wins on the SMS Pro Rodeo Tour with an electric 4.1-second run at Grande

Prairie. The performance came on the heels of their Buffalo Lake win a week prior, giving the reigning Canadian champions the lead in the Tour standings. The weekend also highlighted the first significant migration north for CPRA athletes who make their home on the south side of the 49th parallel. 2019 World Cham-

pion tie-down roper Haven Meged claimed top honours at Grande Prairie with an 8.7-second effort that netted the Montanan $3,337. Meanwhile, over at Leduc’s Black Gold Rodeo, the number two ranked tiedown roper in the world standings, Hunter

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PRO RODEO CANADA

INSIDER Herrin, bested the field with a 7.9-second run to add $2,419 to his bid to win a world title. Oklahoma cowgirl Sherrylynn Johnson ended a long absence from Canada and celebrated her return with the win at Grande Prairie, posting a 15.22 run for a $4,089 barrel racing triumph. 2016 Canadian Champion bull rider and two-time NFR qualifier Jordan Hansen enjoyed one of the most productive weekends of any competitor. The Amisk, Alta. talent got the win at Grande Prairie (89.5 on Vold’s Wild Time for $3,206), then cashed a second-place cheque at the Hand Hills Lake Stampede (82.5 points, $775) and finished off the weekend with a 3-5 split at Leduc (84.5, $793). The four-day run that took in Alta. venues Marwayne (Lea Park Rodeo), Brooks (Newell Pro Rodeo), Rocky Mountain House (Rocky Pro Rodeo) and Bonnyville Pro Rodeo saw the Australian-born Canadian, Strawbs Jones, make the big move in the bareback riding with the win at the SMS Equipment Pro Tour rodeo at Lea Park and a tie for top honours at Bonnyville. BC steer wrestler Stephen Culling has made no bones that his 2023 goal is a December trip to Las Vegas and the National Finals Rodeo. Culling took another step toward making that goal a reality with a very productive Canadian weekend. The number 2 ranked bulldogger in the 2023 CPRA standings cashed the first-place cheque at Lea Park with a 3.4-second run

Brothers and team roping partners Dawson Graham (header) and Dillon Graham (heeler) swept the inaugural Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement Rodeo in 4.8 seconds for the win. CPRA photo by Billie-Jean Duff.

for $2,419, then was fifth at Bonnyville and split 4/5 at Brooks for a $4,155 total weekend haul, money that will make a difference in the standings, both north and south. When two superstars meet, the results are often spectacular. And when those superstars are both World Champions, the outcome can be magical. That was the case at the mid-June Wildwood Bronc Bustin’ when three-time World and Canadian Champion Zeke Thurston met up with the outstanding Calgary Stampede mare, X-9 Xplosive Skies, in the championship round. The two combined for an arena

Heeler Dillon Graham's fast catch helped the team of brothers earn the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement Rodeo Championship. CPRA photo by Billie-Jean Duff.

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record 93.5-point score that netted the Big Valley, Alta. cowboy a $5,000 cheque and $6,979 overall. Xplosive Skies, for her part, is a true switch-hitter as she won her world title in bareback riding in 2021, then was Logan Hay’s dance partner at the Hardgrass Bronc Match in 2022 when the Canadian set the world record score in the bronc riding with his 95.5-point ride. Meanwhile, Alberta-born and raised team roper (header) Clay Ullery, who captured a Canadian title in 2021 and his New York State native heeling partner, Jake Edwards, made a big move up the Canadian standings with twin wins that included a 4.7-second effort at Stavely for $2,334 apiece, then a split of the top spot at Innisfail (with world season leaders Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler.) Their 4.3-second run at Innisfail put another $2,209 in the Ullery/Edwards Wranglers for a weekend haul of over $4,500. Canadian-born bareback rider Orin Larsen was on his game on the last weekend before the pivotal July Cowboy Christmas run as he collected two wins — Sundre Pro Rodeo (89.5 points on the Calgary Stampede’s A-91 Agent Lynx for $2,606) and High River’s Guy Weadick Days (86 points on C5 Rodeo’s 117 No Show Jones for $1,251). Also, Larsen was 4th in the long round, second in the short go and third in the average for a $3,403 haul out of

PRO RODEO CANADA

INSIDER the Wainwright Stampede. Plus, factor in a second go-round win at Reno for another $5,405. The $7,260 in Canadian earnings will move the 2019 Canadian Champion into the top five in the Canadian standings, and the $12,465 injection into his PRCA earnings total means the 31-year-old veteran has improved his chances of keeping his NFR streak alive. That streak is at eight consecutive appearances but was in jeopardy after the thumb injury he suffered at last year’s NFR that required surgery (December 12) and kept him on the shelf until March of this year. Curtis Cassidy is sitting on 12 Canadian championships in his brilliant career. A big-time performance at Wainwright makes it clear that the veteran is far from done. Mounted on his superstar gelding, Tyson, the second-generation Donalda, Alta. cowboy was second in the first of two early rounds, then topped the field in the short

go with a smoking 4.0-second run to capture the average crown with 12.8 seconds on three head to pull over $6,500 out of one of two SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour stops on the weekend (Sundre was the other). Other CPRA competitors who made their presence felt during weekend action included 2019 World Champion and runnerup for that year’s Canadian tie-down roping title, Haven Meged. The Miles City, Montana, hand won a round, finished second in both the short go and the average (to Shane Smith), then added a ninth-place finish at Sundre for a productive $6,750 stay on the Canadian side of the 49th parallel. The weekend success was made all the sweeter as the recently married roper watched his wife, Shelby Boisjoli, rack up some paydays of her own. The Canadian-born cowgirl split the breakaway roping win at Bassano (with McKenna Schauer, 2.1 seconds for $1,021), then added a 4th place Sundre cheque of $2,027

along with a third place in the long go and second in both the short go and the average at Wainwright for an additional $2,400 plus bringing her Canadian paycheck to $5,500. Oh, and she split the opening round, then won the finals and the average at Reno for $12,000 plus to go along with her husband’s first round Reno win for $5,400. It was, you might say, a power week for rodeo’s newest power couple. And on the subject of Breakaway Roping, Claresholm, Alta’s Shaya Biever 40-percented [won the long go, short go and the average — Editor] the field at Wainwright with runs of 2.0 seconds in the long go and 2.1 in the short go to win both go’s and the average for $3,060 in take home pay. The 2022 CFR qualifier bettered her chances of a return visit to Red Deer as the impressive Wainwright effort will move her from 19th place into the all-important top 12 in the season standings. c

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PRO RODEO CANADA

INSIDER ROAD TO THE CFR

CLAY ELLIOTT IRON SHARPENS IRON BY TIM ELLIS

t was not the path Clay Elliott expected to be on. But he’s navigating it with the same intensity and drive that made him a Canadian champion and a world title contender. “It’s given me a chance to revisit some goals that I hadn’t attained,” offers the 29-year-old Elliott on his change to the tie-down roping event. “I’d say I’m in the building stages.” The switch was not something that Elliott, who won his first of two Canadian saddle bronc titles in his sophomore year on the pro rodeo trail, had contemplated. But it was the option decided upon after learning his bronc riding career had come to an end. “Honestly, it wasn’t until last year that I came to terms with it,” reveals Elliott, who fractured his neck after being bucked off in Guymon, OK, in May 2019. “I could write a dang book on the emotions I felt after the injury.” “The first year after the injury was an effort to get healed up so I could get back to riding bucking horses. After those twelve months, I saw a bunch of doctors who didn’t give me the answers I wanted. So, what did I do? I went to see more doctors, who all told me the same thing. There was a lot of anger, the feeling of unfinished goals; I felt it all.” Now four years after the injury, Elliott is off to his best start in the tiedown roping. “Roping was probably my best event in college,” suggests Elliott, who attended Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. “Then I transitioned to the bronc riding, which became my priority.” “There are so many different steps you have to work on in the roping. I mean I didn’t just lean on my neighbour to teach me to ride broncs; I went to the very best

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Clay Elliott roping in the slack at 2023 Wainwright Stampede on his horse, Mr Cool. Photo by Wildwood Imagery/Chantelle Bowman

riders in the world. That’s what I’m trying to do now in the roping.” To that end, he’s travelled to Texas to enlist the help of seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Cade Swor and has partnered up with reigning Canadian champion Ty Harris on the Canadian pro rodeo trail. “Iron sharpens iron,” quips Elliott, who qualified for the NFR in the bronc riding on three occasions. “I just wish I was better at it.” “I loved the feeling of winning when I was riding. I haven’t had that feeling in

the roping yet, and that’s frustrating. But it drives me to want to practice more and get better.” And that practice is paying dividends. Elliott was eighth in the Pro Rodeo Canada roping standings by mid-June with more earnings than he had won in 2022. “The goal this year is to qualify for the CFR,” says Elliott, who’s been riding an 18-year-old mount named Mr Cool. “But I’ve still got a lot of freaking work to do. My roping is nowhere near where it’s going to be. It’s a five-year plan to win a Canadian title.” c

CLOWNIN’ AROUND | CRASH COOPER

ASH COOPER ART AND RANCH GALLERY

“I don’t know why you are so upset. You already knew I had no money when I came in to borrow it.” 52

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

WHAT WORKS FOR US

Following Her Heart The Trail of “Pearl” Hammond BY TERRI MASON

— Interview with Taneile (Pearl) Hammond “My mom and dad are grain farmers, which is a completely different rhythm from ranching, so I started from the ground up.

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WHAT WORKS FOR US

"Pearl" and her daughter, Loretta

I’ve always been drawn to it. I started day-riding at the Millie community pasture when I was 28. In the wintertime, instead of going on pogey [unemployment], I hired out doing chores for guys going away on holidays or oil patch guys that were gone during the day. At one point, I was feeding cattle on five different places a day — some of them were the same patrons whose cattle I was looking after in the summer, and one guy even got me to calve his cows. I got to thinking, ‘I look after these cowherds year-round, so why shouldn’t I have my own? I’m obviously capable of it.’ I also worked at the auction market in Maple Creek [Cowtown Livestock] for the fall run, so one year, I took out some financing and bought ten steers. I backgrounded them, traded feed for wages from the guy I was feeding for and sold them in the spring as grassers [marketed direct from the pasture.] I turned a profit. That spring, I bought ten replacementquality Red Angus/Simmental heifers, rented some grass again, had them A.I.’d

[artificially inseminated], and then come fall, I preg checked them, sold the bred ones and the two drys [not pregnant] and I made a profit. That fall, I bought some bred canner [past their prime] cows, and that’s how my cowherd started. I had applied for a few grass and cattle management jobs, and the Claydon Grazing Co-op hired me. Before I had an interview, I had rented some grass by the Millie [pasture], and I told Claydon that I wasn’t ready to give up my cowherd to come down and manage because my long-term plan was to have my own place. Initially, they helped me find some grass, but at the last minute (I was literally loading cows), the deal fell through, so I jumped onto social media, posted a photo from the Claydon pasture that showed the Bearspaw Mountains, and wrote, ‘I’d sure like some ground in this area so I could see these mountains.’ A friend then posted that she knew of some ground for sale near there, and that’s how I found my place. I contacted the guy; he’d had it for sale for a while and had just reduced the price.

My dad and I went and looked at it, and he was willing to put some land up for security, and by July 2020, we signed the papers. I honestly never thought I’d have the opportunity to own a chunk of ground that big in one parcel. I was pretty excited — I’m still pretty excited three years later. I don’t have a name for it; sometimes, I call it the Gottaflat Ranch because I always have a flat tire, and I’m in Saskatchewan. [she laughs.] So, I manage the Claydon Grazing Co-op, which is 42 sections of grass, 19 patrons and about 1,000 cow/calf pairs, raise my little girl, [7] Loretta, run my own place, I have a few cow dogs that I trained, and I’ve now started raising a few colts. I have a mare that I really like who’s not sound, and I have a good gelding that I bought through the horse sale in Maple Creek. I tried buying more of his breeding but couldn’t afford them. I came across a mare who was bred the same way. Her foal was a colt, so I’ve kept him as a stud, and I’m raising and training my own replacement horses. I

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

WHAT WORKS FOR US

Patron cattle on the pasture, belly deep in flowers and native grass

wouldn’t say I have a breeding program; I’m just riding my own now. I used to ride outside horses when I first started because I couldn’t afford to buy broke horses, but I don’t do that anymore. So, coming up at Claydon, I have cows coming in next week — they usually come in the first Tuesday after May Long [weekend] because it’s all native [grass], and we like to give that grass a head start. I’ve finished up the fencing; I started mid-April; it takes me a good month to get around it all. There’s about 70 miles of fence. Then there’s usually some water fixing to do. The cows come in next week, and then I just ride around looking at cows. [she laughs]. I play prairie doctor, treating sick cattle. I don’t have any day riders; it’s just me. I do the majority of any doctoring from horseback, but they do have a dart gun in case there’s a bull that’s too much for me to handle. I used to take great pride in not having to use it, but I’m 40 now [she laughs], and I have a kid waiting for me to pick her up at the end of the day.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

On my place, I brought in my cattle the second week of May. I winter them north of Climax [Sask] on a piece of ground owned by my Grandpa Hammonds (Bill). He's still on his place, but I rent ground from him for hay and green feed, and he lets me winter my cows on a half section. My land doesn’t

“I started ranching from the ground up, so it is possible...” have power, and it’s 10 miles in on a prairie trail, right on the U.S. border. I would love to live there, but I haven’t got that done yet. My land was all under easement, so I got some funding last year, and I fenced all of the crested wheat out of the native grass. My cows are on the crested wheat for the spring, and

then I’ll rotate them through the native grass. I redid the cross-fencing last year, so it’ll be easier to rotate them through from now on. From where Loretta and I live [way north of Climax] to my land, it’s 100 km. As the eagle flies, it’s 10 miles from Claydon to my land. I plan on moving to the house at Claydon now that Loretta’s in Grade One. She’ll be able to ride the school bus. At the end of the season, the Claydon cattle typically go home to the patron’s places on the third Friday in October. With my cattle, I usually wean them the first part of November, and I bring them home usually in December. Last year I got stuck. It snowed, and I couldn’t get [cattle] liners in, so me and my friend trailed them to the neighbour’s place north seven miles and then got trucks in. I was concerned that it would be a battle as they’d never been trailed that way before, but we had the technology [two people and some good dogs], and away they went. Everyone says I was born 100–150 years too late…

WHAT WORKS FOR US But doing things the “heritage way” is a lot simpler, and because I’m doing all this from the ground up, I can’t afford to keep up with the Joneses. If I keep it traditional, I can afford to do it; it’s just a lot more labourintensive. My horses work well, and so do my dogs, and my cattle work better. They’re all tougher, better adapted and not babied, which also makes them better. Eventually, I’d like to be self-sufficient and have enough of a cowherd that I don’t have to work for somebody else. But the thought of giving up riding pasture is a sad thought because I love it. Sometimes I feel like I’ve taken on too much. I’m busy [she also does woodworking and Pearl Snap Photography], but this is what I want and love to do. I wouldn’t have this place without Mom and Dad, that’s for sure. Sometimes I’m asked, ‘What are you doing it all for?’ I want people to know that even if you’re not born into a ranch, you can still do it — men or women. I started ranching from the ground

AT A GLANCE

"Pearl" roping a calf in the drifted smoke from the Alberta fires. That was the actual colour of the sky.

up, so it is possible, but it takes a lot of sacrifice, a lot of drive and realizing it’s not going to happen overnight — and that’s what works for us.” c

RANCH NAME: Pearl’s Ranch, T Bar, or Gottaflat Ranch ESTABLISHED: 2020 OWNERS: Taneile (Pearl) Hammond; Rod & Dawn Hammond NEAREST TOWN: Chinook, Montana or Consul, Sask ELEVATION: 3,051 feet (930M) ANNUAL PRECIPITATION: 11 inches SIZE: 17 quarters / 2,720 acres (1,100 ha) BREED: Longhorn/Angus cows, Hereford bulls SIZE: 100 head, cow/calf operation

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Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

LIVING LEGEND

Lawrence Pengelly A Cowboy’s Cowboy

ALL PHOTOS PENGELLY FAMILY ARCHIVES

anching and raising horses are the lifeblood of Lawrence Pengelly. He is a horseman — a real authentic horseman, as well as a true gentleman. Someone once remarked, “That man has done everything you can do with a horse — except eat ‘em!” In 1922, the original Pengelly homesteaders settled in the Caroline, Alta, district, located about two hours northwest of present-day Calgary. Their second son, Lawrence, was born in 1931. In 1944, life was tougher then, and so were the kids. A 13-year-old Lawrence and his 14-year-old brother, Clarence, moved the ranch cattle to summer pasture. But this wasn’t any ordinary trail drive. The brothers were each riding a green [young and inexperienced] colt. That’s tough enough. They then proceeded to trail 50+ head of cattle some 72 miles from the Springvale district east of Red Deer to the family’s Carolinearea homestead. It took the young boys five days (at about 14 miles per day), to trail the cattle home, depending on the weather. They stopped and spent the nights at friendly homesteads along the way, and occasionally sleeping wherever there was a bit of shelter after bedding the cows down. In the fall, the young cowboys would trail them back to Springvale with their calves. They made the trip twice a year, for the next 12 years, usually on green horses. Such was the beginning of Lawrence's life. When Lawrence was 20, he bought a piece of the original ranch from his father, Almer, who had originally given each of his boys three heifers to get them started in the cattle business. He and Joyce were married in 1957. Lawrence shared that a character from the area once told him that, “If I’d have had a faster

cowboycountrymagazine.com

BY JILL RICHARDS & KEITH PENGELLY

Lawrence, ca. early '70s

LIVING LEGEND

ABOVE: Lawrence and Slim Leask on pick up horses at the 1971 Three Hills Rodeo BELOW: Billy Richards on Pengelly's saddle bronc, Ironside, 1999 FCA Rodeo, Caroline, Alta

horse, I would have got to Joyce before you did !!” “But he didn’t,” laughed Lawrence. For many years, their focus was on raising a family of five boys, building up the cattle herd, and raising good horses. “Rodeo contracting just sort of happened,” said Lawrence. Supplying a few head of rodeo stock, mostly to other contractors, developed into a much bigger and more important part of his life and business of producing rodeos and raising bucking horses on his own. “1980 was a turning point in my rodeo life when me and Doug Richards decided to contract together, forming “Great West Rodeo,” said Lawrence. The partners successfully produced rodeos for close to 20 years and then decided to each go on their own. The pair still produce some contracts together and share stock while their respective sons carry on with the business. Doug and Lawrence remain in the ranching/rodeo business, still the best of friends. Lawrence is very proud of the many ranch-raised bucking horses he has hauled down the road. Having a “good eye” for horseflesh was respected by contractors and contestants alike. One bronc especially stands out for him. Boomer was voted Saddle Bronc of the Year by the Foothills Cowboys Association in 1981 and 1984. Another great was Zipper who was sold to Harry Vold in the ’90s. That bronc was voted to perform at the 2000 National Finals Rodeo and was voted Top Saddle Bronc — Round Eight. Harry Vold, graciously, gave the prestigious buckle to Lawrence. You can’t tell a man’s full story without the help of his best friend. “Some folks might think of Lawrence as an honest upright citizen, but he has a streak of larceny in him, same as the rest of us,” shared Doug Richards, with a wink. “Back in the ’70s, I was entered in an FCA Rodeo in Drumheller, and Lawrence was picking up. After the rodeo, Joe Bardgett, the stock contractor, another friend of ours named Howard, myself and Lawrence had

LAWRENCE’S RODEO AWARDS 1975 FCA Cow Milking Champions (Doug Richards mugger)

Won 18 FCA Top Rough Stock Awards from 1980 - 1997

In 1990, chosen for the FCA Cowboy of the Year Award

In 1996, chosen for the FCA Rodeo Family of the Year Award

In 1987, Lawrence was honoured when presented with an FCA Gold Card

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

LIVING LEGEND

Lawrence with brothers and neighbours trailing Pengelly horses home about 30 miles ca. 2002

gathered up and surrounded a box of beer out behind the back pens. Now Lawrence is not much of a drinker, but he is long on visiting! Joe had two liner loads of stock at the rodeo but only had one truck and liner. His plan was to camp out and keep an eye on the stock (feed and water) until the truck came back the next morning for the second load. By the time the four of us had finished off the case of beer, we realized we were the only ones left at the rodeo. All that remained was us and a crate with six ducks in it! These ducks had been used for the kids’ scramble during intermission. It looked like whoever owned them had disappeared and had forgotten them. Poor ducks! Joe and Lawrence started to worry about them ducks, so after consulting with each other, we finally decided we should liberate them. To make sure the responsibility was evenly shared, we made an agreement: Joe would open the crate, Lawrence would supply and hold the sack, and I would gently put the ducks in it. Then Howard would transport the ducks to Joe’s ranch at Cremona. Mission accomplished. Howard put the sack in his car and headed for Cremona. Lawrence loaded his pickup horses and left for Caroline, and I headed for Cochrane. Meanwhile, Joe rolled his blankets out beside the crate and proceeded to bed down for a long night’s sleep. Before we left, it was agreed that Joe would fatten the ducks and, in the

cowboycountrymagazine.com

A COWBOY’S COWBOY “Lawrence is a kind, gentle man who has the utmost respect for everyone. I picked up for Lawrence many times and I always have looked up to him. He is a cowboy’s cowboy! He was never too busy to stop and share a hello, kind word or two and with a genuine twinkle in his eye. He is suave with the ladies, too. They all love him. He has always, genuinely made them feel special, he still does!” —Rob Bergevin, auctioneer and pick-up man

Lawrence and Joyce on their 50th wedding anniversary

fall, we would get together and have a big duck roast. Unfortunately, the next morning the folks who actually owned the ducks returned to get them and asked Joe where they were. Joe motioned to the open crate and exclaimed, “They must have escaped! I slept right beside them, and I did not see or hear anyone take them!” Later that summer, Lawrence asked Joe how our ducks were doing. ‘Ducks, hell!’ bellowed Joe. ‘Two died, the coyotes got two, and the last two were taking a bath in a puddle on the road and got run over by a truck!’ Just like that, we were out of the duck business.” Another incident at Buck Lake involved Lawrence “performing” in the grand entry. After kicking his horse to ride in, his horse started bucking and proceeded to buck his way across the arena and in front of the grandstand, to the cheers of the crowd. “Being a stock contractor is entertaining the crowd,” said Lawrence. “My horses buck! That’s their job.” Lawrence and Joyce Pengelly are beloved in the rodeo community. Literally, hundreds of competitors, from junior steer riders to timed-event competitors, to “roughies”, pick up men, “alley rats,” committees, and fans have been influenced and mentored by Lawrence Pengelly. The values of honesty, integrity, humour, rodeo, and ranching are epitomized by him. He and Joyce are now enjoying their retirement in Rocky Mountain House, Alta. Visitors welcome — as always. c

COWBOY WAY

Ranch Hacks Two-Person Post Pounder BY MALCOLM MACLEAN

elcome to Ranch Hacks! The job we’re facing is pounding four-inch wood posts into the hard ground — by hand, a situation that often happens on sidehills and in coulees. To do this chore, we use a two-person slide-hammer pounder to make easy work of the job with a piece of home-designed equipment I call ‘The Relationship Builder.’ The relationship builder is a comedically large version of the T-post slide pounder I designed.

If you’re tired of getting knocked out by your traditional hand-pounder, this is the tool for you. Unlike the traditional hand pounders, this pounder does not catch on the top of the post, to then swing down and maim its handler. This slide hammer design allows the user to get a full-length stroke from the very first pound. The handles are always at a comfortable operating level, even when the post is just started into the ground. The Relationship Builder is a real bugger to operate by oneself, due to its weight and size. That being said, if, like me, you are able to con your wife or kids into helping, it sure makes for safe and easy pounding. And that’s today’s ranch hack — thanks for reading. c

Jenny and Malcolm MacLean demonstrate his invention, the “Relationship Builder” post pounder

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

PHOTO COURTESY MALCOLM MACLEAN

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poetry

Among the Untamed

dee Hobsbawn-Smith This collection unravels joy and mortality in the kitchen and on the dance floor. Through the precise listening of women, the intricate textures of rage and domestic ritual shine with the beauty and danger of peaches in a canning glass. frontenachouse.com

body works

dennis cooley Renowned poet dennis cooley presents a tender and irreverent celebration of the human body as it moves through the world. From cravings to aging, the pleasure of strength to the inevitability of death, cooley is unafraid to challenge the eternal. p r e s s . u c a l g a r y. c a

Good Morning Poems

George Bowering Literary legend George Bowering lays bare his process as reader and lover of poetry in this curated collection of poems to be read in the morning. His selections range from best known to barely known, demonstrating his razor-sharp wit and skill. newestpress.com

It Begins in Salt

Natalie Meisner This collection leans in to how poetry can “help” with the sometimes hard to name emotions, with conflicts that are right on the edge of naming. frontenachouse.com

Oldman’s River: New and Collected Poems

Sid Marty Beloved for his intimate, lyrical poetry, Marty’s depiction of selfhood, connection to place and to landscape have proven him a unique and dissenting voice in Canadian literature as well as a consistent presence in the Canadian environmental movement. newestpress.com

Self-Portrait Embracing a Fabulous Beast

Jim Nason A wild ride of fresh, powerful poems that explore with unflinching honesty and insight what it is to be human on this planet we are destroying. frontenachouse.com

there’s more

Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike Umezurike takes on the rich concepts of home and belonging: home lost and regained, home created with others and with the land, home as “anywhere we find something to love.” He immerses the reader in a community of voices, ideas, and recollections. u a p. u a l b e r ta . c a

liter ary collections

An Anthology of Monsters: How Story Saves Us from Our Anxiety

Cherie Dimaline An Anthology of Monsters by Cherie Dimaline (The Marrow Thieves) is the tale of an intricate dance with life-long anxiety. It is about how the stories we tell ourselves can help reshape the ways in which we think, cope, and ultimately survive. u a p. u a l b e r ta . c a

Indigiqueerness: A Conversation about Storytelling

Joshua Whitehead, in dialogue with Angie Abdou In this tender conversation, Joshua Whitehead travels through the library of his life and contemplates the role of theory, Indigenous language, queerness, and fantastical worlds in his artistic pursuits. aupress.ca

mystery

Secrets of Jarrow

Bill Slavin Mordecai Crow becomes embroiled in a murderous conspiracy when he seeks refuge in a fortress committed to preserving ancient knowledge. What secrets lie at the heart of Jarrow’s ancient walls? How are they connected to Mordecai’s mysterious past? r e n e g a d e a r t s e n t e r ta i n m e n t. c o m

picture book

Flip Flop Flapjack: Wildhorse Jack and the First Stampede Breakfast

Brenda Joyce Leahy, illustration by Melissa Bruglemans-LaBelle The wild and true story behind the first Stampede breakfast, as told by the granddaughter of legendary Alberta pioneer Wildhorse Jack. A fun way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this iconic tradition. redbarnbooks.ca

r e a d a l b e r ta b o o k s continued

fiction Coq

Ali Bryan Ali Bryan explores thorny family dynamics with her trademark offbeat humour and insight. Coq is a darkly comedic contemporary family drama that explores grief, identity, and second chances in the one-and-only City of Love. freehand-books.com

East Grand Lake

Tim Ryan A novel in fourteen stories, East Grand Lake is the warm-hearted tale of the Murphy clan in the summer of 1972. In these sun-soaked pages, three generations grow older, grow up, and discover that, no matter what, there’s nothing quite like family. p r e s s . u c a l g a r y. c a

The Ghost of You

Margarita Saona In Saona’s stories, her characters resist gender and other labels inhabiting cities that, while existing in the real world, refuse to be pinned down on a map in a relentless phantasmagoria reminiscent of ancient mythology. laberintopress.com

Hold Your Tongue

Matthew Tétreault Recalling Katherena Vermette and Joshua Whitehead, Matthew Tétreault’s debut novel shines with a poignant but playful character-driven meditation on the struggles of holding onto “la langue,” and marks the emergence of an important new voice. newestpress.com

I (Athena)

Ruth DyckFehderau When Athena was a young girl she lost her hearing to a fever but was misdiagnosed and institutionalized for 30 years. Now she’s learning to integrate with society. Vibrant, tough, and seriousminded, I (Athena) recalls the works of Elizabeth Strout. newestpress.com

In the Defense of Liberty

Keith Maillard In this fascinating and fast-paced novel, Keith Maillard expertly captures the ethos of the mid-1960s and explores threads of gender and sexuality, while holding up a mirror to the roots of modern-day American polarization. freehand-books.com

non-fiction

Making Wonderful: Ideological Roots of Our Eco-Catastrophe

Martin M. Tweedale Making Wonderful documents how the West came to have an ideology that has promoted environmentally destructive economic expansion. It is for all readers who are intellectually curious about the roots of our eco-catastrophe. u a p. u a l b e r ta . c a

The Rangeland Derby: 100 Years of Chuckwagon Racing at the Calgary Stampede

Glen Mikkelsen There is simply no other race like it. The Calgary Stampede’s Rangeland Derby celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023. This event brings together a unique community of men, women, and horses for the toughest teamster competition in the world! folklorepublishing.com

Racism in Southern Alberta and Anti-Racist Activism for Change Edited by Caroline Hodes, Glenda Tibe Bonifacio Drawing on personal narrative, research, and critical theory, this volume examines forms of racism faced by immigrants and Indigenous people in Southern Alberta and reveals how institutional racism continues to saturate modern Canadian culture. aupress.ca

Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care: An Intercultural Perspective Carole Massing, Mary Lynne Matheson Early learning specialists Carole Massing and Mary Lynne Matheson present the concepts, approaches, and strategies that every early childhood educator needs to provide sensitive, culturally responsive care for children and their families. b r u s h e d u c at i o n . c a

Vancouver Notes for Internal Medicine: High-Yield Consult Guides

Edited by Dr. Brandon Tang, Dr. Meiying Zhuang, Dr. James Tessaro Developed by more than 90 resident physicians and faculty members at UBC, this guide provides an organized approach to common presentations in internal medicine, giving students and residents the tools they need to succeed. b r u s h e d u c at i o n . c a

Rose Addams

Margie Taylor Rose Addams is hitting her 60s, but these days it feels like they’re hitting back. Providing insight into a woman beginning her third act, this is an empathetic look at those just exiting middle age and trying to keep up with a rapidly changing world. newestpress.com

Alberta Publishers, Telling Alberta’s Stories

Discover more Alberta books at ReadAlberta.ca!

COWBOY POETRY

My Search BY PHYLLIS RATHWELL

I’m getting to the age where I’d like to settle down To travel, or to learn golf, or maybe move to town So, I’m tryin’ to find a daughter-in-law to move out to the ranch I know that don’t sound normal, but I’ll take most any chance My son and I don’t see eye to eye… he wants one that’s purdy I’m more practical by far, I think she should be sturdy She’ll need to be a good cook; it’d help if she could ride An’ keep the house an’ raise the kids an’ sort cows on the side She must be strong, know how to run and fix machinery, too Wrestle calves at the branding, and take a joke or two Set out a hearty meal, an’ do the dishes quick Help the kids with homework, an’ nurse ‘em when they’re sick She’ll need to be real patient with the banker on the phone An’ learn to make repairs when she’s fencin’ all alone She’ll keep the books, do income tax, and get us out of debt Pull a calf at midnight, so we won’t need the vet Oh, the job description’s daunting when I see it written down But the most important thing is … she’ll need a job in town!

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ ADRENALINAPURA

My Search was excerpted from “Range, Riders & Rhymes” by Phyllis Rathwell.

Canadian Cowboy Country August/September 2023

2023

www.theheartofthehorse.ca

AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN-STORE AT:

SUPER SERIES 5

The five-show series will feature 24 days of competition that will culminate at the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino World Finals. The series involves five teams, made up of four chuckwagon drivers each, representing five race venues. These include Grande Prairie, Ponoka, Strathmore, Rocky Mountain House and Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.