Mundare Cowboy Discovers Inspiration Close to Heart and Home

Mundare Cowboy Discovers Inspiration Close to Heart and Home

Michelle Pinon -News Advertiser

For Mundare cowboy Cooper McNiven his inspiration came in the form of his grandfather Johnny Picray. He fondly recalled looking at the different photos of his grandfather who was a saddle bronc and bareback rider.

Now Johnny is behind the chutes at every rodeo 14-year-old Cooper competes in. Mom Jo said Cooper competes in a couple of different rodeo associations and spend a lot of time travelling to the events.

Cooper McNiven at the Lamont Summer Sizzler Rodeo on July 10.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Jo said Cooper has always been competitive, playing hockey and baseball from a very young age. While it is “a bit tricky” getting into the sport of rodeo, Cooper has enjoyed both competing and attending riding schools.

Cooper spends a lot of time on the bucking barrel and learns as much as he can from watching video, taking in the knowledge and experience of fellow contestants and instructors as well as advice from his grandfather, who competed in the seventies. He also spends about an hour each evening working on his balance on an exercise ball.

Cooper McNiven at a riding school in Rimbey.

(Gralyn J. Photography/ Submitted Photo)

There are many intricacies involved in riding, and Jo said the bull or steer is the other half of the equation in the formula to a cowboy’s success. Cooper began riding around three years ago and has made some great friends in the time he’s been involved in the sport.

Jo said rodeo is a “tight knit family” who are there to support all of the riders, for which she is forever grateful for. Jo said her husband Malcolm works on the road, but is a big supporter of his son as well as Coopers sisters Haylee, Mayze and J.C. He also enjoys having his aunties and uncles come and watch him perform on the rodeo circuit. “It’s nice to know they are there to support me,” said Cooper.

Johnny Picray in action.

(Jo McNiven/Submitted Photo)

Fortunately, Cooper hasn’t suffered any serious injuries to date. Cooper said he got hung up on the rope and stepped on, but other than bumps and bruises there were no broken bones. Jo chuckles said even after that happened he still wanted to get back on and ride some more.

It’s that competitive spirit that drives Cooper and he is most proud of placing second in Saddle Lake this year. His goal is to make the Lakeland Rodeo Association finals this September and be on the ticket when that event rolls around.

Cooper recommends to other kids, “If you ever get the opportunity, definitely give it a try. It’s a great way to meet people.”