MacDonald pursuing pro rodeo career

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore bareback rider Tate MacDonald just recently won Canadian Rodeo College Association’s Final in Edmonton from March 26-28, and is looking to get some experience in the pro circuit this year.
“It felt pretty good and I had family there watching, (they were) pretty proud of me. It was just a big personal accomplishment for me,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald won the bareback final and he accredits his success to the quality stock available for him to ride.
“I just went in there with a good mind frame, (was) confident, and drew some good horses. I did the best I could and see where the chips fell and they fell pretty good for me,” said MacDonald.
Most of the other competitors were closely matched to MacDonald, both in age and standings.
“They’re all about my age, young 20’s, a few (of them are) buddies of mine that I’ve been travelling with all year, so good riders and good competition. There was only six bareback riders including me,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald is hoping to move up from amateur to the professional rodeos this season.
“Last season I strictly did semi-pro amateur rodeos in Alberta. This year I’m going to CCA, it’s a semi-pro association in Saskatchewan and I’m also going to get my feet wet, go and do some of the professional rodeos in Strathmore, Ponoka and head out to BC,” said MacDonald.
“I’m really excited to ride against the best riders in the world and hopefully step my game up and do pretty good this year.”
Because of his win at the Canadian Rodeo College Association Final, MacDonald should be competing in the World Nationals in Castor, Wyoming in June.