Sonnier steals show with electric performance aboard Stevie Knicks

By Laurence Heinen Times Contributor

The third time was a charm for Kade Sonnier at the 2026 Strathmore Stampede Rodeo.

“Either that or I was hoping it wasn’t three strikes and you’re out,” said Sonnier after saving his best for last in the bareback competition on Aug. 3 with a 91.25-point performance atop OLS Tubs Stevie Knicks. “When you hear Stevie Knicks, that’s the one you dream about. That’s the third time I got to get on her, second time I got to get on her within about 10 days.”

After finishing second on the Macza Pro Rodeo superstar equine athlete with an 89-point ride at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City on July 25, Sonnier one-upped himself with his amazing accomplishment in Strathmore to earn $6,294.24.

“I knew today that we were in for a dog fight and it worked out,” said Sonnier, of Carenco, La., who also had a second-place showing on Stevie Knicks during his rookie year in 2023. “Every time you nod your head and every jump, it’s something different and it’s super electric. She bucks and she’s strong.”

It’s the second year in a row a cowboy has won the bareback event on Stevie Knicks as Texan Cole Franks scored 90.75 points on her to prevail in 2025.

Heading into the final day, Ethan Mazurenko was sitting in top spot thanks to posting Sunday’s top score of 88.5 points atop Duffy Pro Rodeo’s Banjo.

“That’s a great horse of Duffy’s,” Mazurenko said. “He’s been around quite a long time. They’ve won rounds on him at the (Canadian Finals Rodeo) and to have a horse like that at a rodeo of this calibre is just second to none and you’ve got to make that opportunity count when it comes.”

The bareback rider from Thorhild, Alta., appeared to be on his way to capturing his first Strathmore Stampede title with just two competitors left to strut their stuff on Monday.

After Jacob Lees, of Caldwell, Idaho, posted a score of 89.25 points atop Wayne Vold Rodeo’s True Grit, Sonnier bumped Mazurenko down to third spot with his thrilling ride.

“This is a rodeo that I’ve always wanted to win growing up,” said Mazurenko, who will have to wait at least one more year for that to happen after earning $4,196.16 for his third-place showing. “It’s a very cool rodeo, lots of history and it’s just one of the top on my bucket list to win.”

Later on Monday, Ben Andersen won the saddle-bronc competition by virtue of an 89.25-point ride aboard Falkland Playboy, also from Macza Pro Rodeo.

“I’ve been second here a couple times and I’ve always wanted to win this one, so it’s an absolute blessing,” said Andersen, of Eckville, Alta., who pocketed $6,328.08 for his efforts. “It feels great and I’m so excited to be here.”

Andersen edged out his cousin Logan Hay, of Wildwood, Alta., for the title. Hay finished second following his 89-point trip atop Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Enigma.

“I didn’t know he was going to be right in there, too,” said Anderson of Hay, who cashed a cheque for $5,009.73. “They just put him a quarter point under me, which that’s hard to tell the difference, but he made a great ride and that was awesome.”

In tie-down roping, Haven Meged stopped the clock in 7.7 seconds on Monday to earn his second-straight Strathmore Stampede title.

“This is one I try not to ever miss,” said Meged, of Miles City, Mont., who earned a payday of $7,230.95. “My horse (Smoke) is amazing for this setup. It can really run and it allows me to catch up and just not have to beat myself – just go out and take care of business.”

OTHER WINNERS

Bull riding: Jordan Hansen, 87.5 points, $6,068.64 + $1,643.59 ground money

Steer wrestling: Joseph King, 3.5 seconds, $7,230.95

Team roping: Riley Wilson/Randon Ross, 4.9 seconds, $6,392.00 each

Barrel racing: Kylie Whiteside, 17.33 seconds, $7,379.00

Breakaway roping: Traci Aipperspach, 2.9 seconds, $4,280.76

Novice bareback: Quaide Skjonsberg, 81.5 points, $1,288.16 + $107.35 ground money 

Novice saddle bronc: Sawyer Hutchinson, 76.5 points, $1,113.95

Junior steer riding: Brady Bignell, 77.5 points, $1,314.54