Rodeo in the blood

Times Contributor  

 

Ron Thompson has spent a half of a lifetime devoted to rodeo. In October of 2012, he received the Canadian Senior Professional Rodeo Association Cowboy of the Year award.

Thompson said that the award is special, because the men that compete voted unanimously to give him the award. Nominations are based on ability in the arena, sportsmanship in and out of the arena, professional appearance and contribution to the sport.

“It was a real honour to be voted in by your peers. I compare it to the Most Valuable Player award in hockey. It means a lot,” said Thompson.

Thompson started riding horses at the age of two on his father’s farm. He said it was a favorite pastime for youth.

“Either you had a souped up hot rod or didn`t, and the guys that couldn`t afford one rode horses,” said Thompson. 

His uncles were involved in rodeo and the family helped the stock suppliers at most of the Southern Eastern Alberta rodeo events. His first competitive event was at age 15, participating in the Wild Horse Race at Bassano rodeo, and from there on he was hooked.

“It gets in your blood and you just can`t get it out,” said Thompson. “We won third.”

He said his love for animals and the social aspects that went along with it kept him involved.

Thompson went on to ride Rough Stock Rodeo Bulls and Bareback Horses. He competed in High School Rodeo Associations and the Foothills Cowboy Association riding Saddle Bronc for three years. He also held a Professional Rodeo Permit. 

The circuit took him east and west, north and south; from Prince Albert, Sask. to Princeton, B.C. and Cold Lake, Atla. to Dillon, Montana. He said he always enjoyed the circuit and he made some of his best friends along the way. He said he loves the rodeo competition and camaraderie and said it developed into one big family for him. His ‘better half’ is Shirley Boucher, who accompanies him on circuit and competes in barrel racing. Thompson has two sons and two grandsons.

Thompson competed in the team roping event in the Claresholm 2012 finals. His team mate was Lem Turcato. 

Thompson started entering team roping events in his twenties.

“I carried a rope everywhere with me since I was 12, worked on ranches all the time, so it just seemed right to compete,” said Thompson.

He feels the tradition of rodeo is important to carry on. 

“We need to keep it up for heritage sake. It is part of what built Western Canada. It was made with cattle and ranches,” said Thompson.

He has helped youth in clinics and encourages anyone getting started, to attend the schools and clinics offered. They give participants an edge, because they are learning tips from seasoned professionals; and they are learning how to handle animals in the proper way. He said in 25 years of roping he has never seriously injured an animal in an event. His advice is: to follow your dream, get involved in as much as you can and listen to professional advice. 

Thompson considers that competition gets tougher each year. He feels technology has made a big impact on the sport.

Competitors in the Senior Professional Rodeo have to be over 40 years of age to compete. Thompson said because he has been active all along that the events are not too physically demanding. He finds he still maintains his competitive spirit. An 87 year old man and 77 year old woman still compete in events. Thompson intends to continue competing in next year’s events that begin April 19-21, in High River.