Wasylciw Ranch Rodeo Harken Back to Simpler Times

Members of the Wasylciw clan.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Wasylciw Ranch Rodeo Harken Back to Simpler Times

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The peaceful surroundings and breathtaking rustic beauty of Wasylciw Ranch near Ranfurly is unmistakable.

It’s like a scene right out of a Western and the true spirt of the West was best exemplified during the Wasylciw Ranch Rodeo this past weekend. Wild horse, pony and cow races, ladies bloomer race, whiskey races, wild cow milking and mutton busting were the featured events during Saturday’s performance.

The action began with the Wild Horse Race, which is a sanctioned event under the Canadian Wild Horse Racing Association. It was the last event on the circuit for the season and long standing tradition with the Wasylciw family.

Doyle Wasylciw, who owns the 160 acre ranch, is thought to be the oldest competitor. Last year, Doyle’s brother Darcy came out of retirement to compete in Wild Horse Racing and was crowned the 2021 Champion.

Sawyer Trabysh in the mutton busting event.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Doyle’s son Waylon is a fierce competitor and his ‘Mean Green Team’ is performing very well this season, sitting second place in the standings. Waylon’s son Recklon is following in his footsteps and won the wild pony race.

Mark Trabysh from the Hairy Hill area is a familiar name in the sport of wild horse racing and helped sponsor the event at the Wasylciw Ranch Rodeo. Mark and his ‘Big Red Machine’ were out in full force at the rodeo.

Wild Cow Milking competitors.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Darcy Wasylciw said they are all about promoting the sport and he is happy to see the younger generations in the family beginning to compete. Darcy expressed his gratitude to local sponsors Dylan Cannan of Innisfree, Renne and Kenda Wasylciw and Rolling Hills Rodeo.

Wild Pony Race competitors.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dustin Wilson said it was Waylon who got him back into the sport in 2021. Dustin said he met Waylon at the rodeo in Water Valley about 10 years ago and they have become good friends ever since.

Aaron Cole is also a friend of Waylon’s and competed in Wild Horse Racing for about three years. Aaron said he was always treated like family and said watching the event bring back fond memories.

Doyle Wasylciw, (checkered shirt) competing in the wild horse racing event.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Sheila Roessler, from the Cleardale area, said it was the second time she’s been to the rodeo and enjoyed watching her son Orrin Roessler compete in the Wild Horse Racing. Sheila commented on how beautiful the ranch is and said she loves how everyone gets involved and helps out to make the event a success.