Schiffner says goodbye to Strathmore
By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter
Tyler Lowey Photo
Last month, when Scott Schiffner announced at the Calgary Stampede he was calling it quits, he went through a heartfelt goodbye following his fifth ride. Unfortunately, the fans in Calgary didn’t get to see one final great ride from the legend – he was bucked off all his bull rides during the Calgary Stampede, a first in his hall of fame career.
Dusting himself off one last time was hard for Schiffner, the emotions came out during the subsequent standing ovation and when every bull rider in the arena came to shake his hand to wish him well.
But this time was different. Time had passed and he was more at peace with his decision. There were no tears, but the sentiment of knowing this was his last ride in Strathmore was still there.
“This one was easier for sure. It’s set in now and it’s become reality,” said the 38-year-old Schiffner. “The one in Calgary was emotional and hard to swallow. This one in Strathmore was emotional and I appreciated it. I know what I am doing now and I can take it in more. I can look guys in the eyes and thank them for all they have done.”
When Schiffner made his announcement halfway through the Calgary Stampede, he mentioned he had a few more rodeos lined up and that he wasn’t immediately walking away from the sport. There was no chance he was going to miss the rodeo he’s called home and where he’s won the buckle three times.
Not riding until the final day in Strathmore, Schiffner wasn’t like most competitors on the weekend. For the most part, he was around all four days, helping other steer and bull riders get ready for their runs, just like others did for him when he was coming up.
Schiffner even stayed around for the Running with the Bulls to make sure everyone was safe.
On Aug. 5, Strathmore Agricultural Society General Manager Herb McLean presented Schiffner with a plaque honouring his career and his retirement.
And he was around for one final Strathmore sendoff with other riders who made day trips into town for one chance at the $6,136.32 in winnings.
“Scott is a worldwide legend in bull riding. He became my personal friend a few years ago and always helps me out with all my travel plans whenever I come up to Canada,” said the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s No. 1 bull rider and Strathmore Stampede champion Sage Kimzey. “You won’t find a classier man than Scott. He’s the epitome of a classy cowboy.”
As one of the icons of the sport, Schiffner keeps reminding everyone that he looks up to other riders just as much as they look up to him. Boudreaux Campbell, a Crockett, Texas product, enjoys ribbing Schiffner about being born in the same year that Schiffner made his first of what will be 18 appearances at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Like he had hoped for the Calgary Stampede, Schiffner wanted to put on one last show for his hometown, and a long overdue show at that, as he’s been bucked off each of the past three years.
As the last bull rider to go, Schiffner needed one heck of a run to overtake Kimzey, who sat in first with an 89.
With all the other riders finished and watching from the bucking chutes, Schiffner got on a familiar bull in Compton Bound.
“I knew this bull from before and he’s a little more trickier than some think he is,” said Schiffner.
When the chute burst open, Schiffner was locked in. His feet dug into the charcoal bull’s sides and he was in full control. Then, around the five-second mark, Compton Bound fought back. The jumps got bigger and quicker, as Schiffner’s grip loosened.
“It was one of those things in bull riding; it’s all about grit and determination, and not wanting to lose,” said Schiffner.
As the final echo of the horn rang through the rodeo grounds, Schiffner was bucked off, completing the eight seconds.
“I darn sure didn’t finish him the way I wanted, but the whistle blew and I got a score. Nothing wrong with that,” said Schiffner.
The legendary voice of rodeo announcer Bob Tallman gave the crowd what they wanted to hear: a confirmation of a covered run and a score of 86, moving him into a tie for fourth with Garrett Smith.
Like he did in Calgary and like he probably will do in his final two tour stops, Schiffner dusted himself off, removed his black hat and saluted the crowd that has watched the completion of his career.
“I have true fans, people who want to talk to me, win or lose. They aren’t fly-by-night fans, they’re interested in how I’m doing,” said Schiffner. “A lot of the times, we will sit down and talk cattle prices. That’s how I know I’ve had an impact with these fans.
“Nowhere else is home for me but Strathmore.”
Once the standing ovation finally subsided, he exited the rodeo ring to be greeted by competitors and rodeo judges, congratulating him on a successful ride and career.
“Scott has stood the test of time and it’s a mixed bag of emotions seeing him retire. Selfishly, we want to keep him around forever. He’s a great cowboy and a great ambassador for the sport. But he wants to spend more time with his family and do grown-up stuff, so we can’t hold that against him,” said Kimzey.
After his colleagues moved aside, he was greeted by two of his daughters with hugs, asking him if he won another buckle. He replied “no,” with a smile on his face, because he didn’t need a buckle. He already has everything he needs.