Tofield Bull Bash Kicks-Off Western Days

Tofield Bull Bash Kicks-Off Western Days

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

A brilliant pyrotechnics display kickedoff the Bull Bash Thursday evening at the Tofield Sports Grounds.

All of the bleachers were packed with fans who gave hometown cowboy Landon Schmidt a hero’s welcome as he was the first of 18 competitors to be introduced during the welcoming ceremony prior to the start of the Professional Bull Riders sanctioned event.

Schmidt has been riding at professional events for about a year, and said it’s always good being able to ride in front of the hometown crowd.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t put on the rides I would have liked, but the support I got from family, friends and the entire community was awesome. The Neufeld’s, Berrecloth’s, my family and everyone else involved on the committee put in a lot of work for this event and I think that really shined through!”

Tofield bull rider Landon Schmidt on Broken Halo.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

When it came to unleashing the beast the bulls and the cowboys were all up to the challenge with plenty of good performances. Dakota Buttar tied for the event win at the 2022 Calgary Stampede. His hot hand continued in Tofield as he scored an 86 point ride in the first round and an 84.5 point ride in the second round to become Bull Bash champion.

There were also several great performances in the junior steer riding. In that event Mundare cowboy Cooper McNiven earned a whopping 70.5 points to claim the title and some welldeserved prize money for all of his efforts.

The efforts of Ken and Louise Hess were also recognized as the owners of BHD Tubular they have been title sponsors of the Bull Bash for the past 10 years. Tofield Ag. Society President Dave Berrecloth presented the couple with a commemorative Bull Bash belt buckle for their commitment to the event.

Cooper McNiven.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The Bull Bash saw more than 1,000 people in attendance. Berrecloth said more than 30 volunteers have been involved with the Bull Bash which is part of the first annual Western Days that featured many other events and activities as well as three dynamic rodeo performances on Aug. 12,13 and 14.

Berrecloth said Western Days marked the 10th anniversary of the Bull Bash, 40th anniversary of the Sodbuster Rodeo and the 50th anniversary of the Tofield Agricultural Society. Reaching the incredible milestone is a testament to the hardworking volunteers who make it all happen year in and year out.

Time in the spotlight for this tough bull

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)