Schiffner makes it official at Stampede

By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter

Scott Schiffner didn’t cover a single bull at this year’s Calgary Stampede, but he left the Grandstand on his own terms July 14 and is at peace with his decision.
Schiffner stunned the rodeo world July 12 when he announced his decision to retire from professional bull riding.
“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about it lately. People have been asking me about retirement for five or six years now,” said Schiffner. “It came up this week and I just sat down with my wife Brandy, and we thought this was a fitting time and place to do it.”
Following his final ride of pool A, where he got bucked off for the fourth-straight day — a first in his miraculous career — Schiffner gently tipped his hat to the crowd, nothing more and certainly no indication that it could have been one of his final rides at the Stampede.
“In talking with my wife, she put it in perspective that it would be pretty selfish of me to not let my fans know that it was my last ride. I always thought I would just disappear and stop entering rodeos one day, but I owe a lot to them and this was for them,” said Schiffner, who won the Stampede in 2001 and 2014.
Returning for wildcard Saturday with one last shot at some money and advancing to championship Sunday, Schiffner used his time to acknowledge his fans and fellow competitors.
Schiffner was scheduled to go fifth in the rodeo program, but he was the final bull rider of the round to exit the chutes.
He only lasted 2.77 seconds on a bull named Rooster in his final ride at the Stampede.
After picking himself up and dusting himself off, Schiffner was greeted by dozens of cowboys who shook his hand and gave him a big hug, as their way of paying respect to the sure-fire Canadian rodeo hall-of-famer.
“I wasn’t around Thursday when he announced it, but I heard the news and sent him a quick text. I knew I would run into him again here today,” said fellow bull rider Todd Chotowetz. “It was sad to hear but I’m happy for him. The Calgary Stampede won’t be the same without him.”
Schiffner always took time to help out and cheer on other riders he was competing against. He even invited Chotowetz to tour with him when he was first starting out, as a way to show him how to be a pro. Those lessons Chotowetz picked up on the many hours on the road have stuck with him to this day.
“I owe it all to Scott. He saw something he liked in me back then and helped bring me along and teach me how to be accountable. I am lucky enough to call him a friend these days,” said the 24-year-old Chotowetz.
After sharing a moment in the ring with competitors he’s grown close with over the years, Schiffner raised his black cowboy hat and saluted the crowd for one lengthy goodbye and thank you.
“I owe Calgary a lot and this Stampede was a big reason I was able to turn into the cowboy I am today. I was lucky to do good here when I was young. Winning at the Calgary Stampede turns you into a household name. I am going to miss coming here as a competitor,” said Schiffner.
The memories of covering the bulls in the 2001 and 2014 Calgary Stampede burn bright in Schiffner’s mind, along with standing on stage to accept his bronze trophy.
Aches, sprains and bruises are still present in Schiffner’s daily routine, but they weren’t serious enough to play a big factor in his decision.
“There’s no better place to be than at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. That, along with having so many family and friends around to see me compete, made the timing of this announcement seem like a good idea,” said Schiffner. “I also owe a lot of time to my wife and kids. Summer vacations haven’t been a thing because I’ve been away at rodeos. I want to enjoy time with my kids and give back to my wife for everything she has given me over the past 20 years.”
This doesn’t mean the end is here for one of Strathmore’s favourite cowboys. Schiffner still plans to compete in a handful of rodeos, and will make it a priority to ride one last time at the Strathmore Stampede and Heritage Days.
“This wasn’t the fairytale ending I hoped for, but I am happy with my decision and I feel like I have the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders,” said Canada’s No. 1 bullrider Schiffner.