Buckin good time at High School Rodeo

Times Contributor

 

The Strathmore and District High School Rodeo was held last weekend, May 19 and 20, with competitors from across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan attending.

Strathmore was the first community in Alberta to hold a high school rodeo, said event organizer Lorne Lausen. The stock for the event was local and 16-year-old bareback rider Linden Woods said Strathmore has the best horses. Woods, who is from Maple Creek, Sask., said he is looking forward to finals in Ponoka on June 8 to 10. He only takes part in bareback and would like to do it professionally someday, he said.

“I like the rush of it.”

To celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede, members of the Stampede Rodeo Committee brought a centennial cake for the event and spoke with local youth.

Justin Denis, chair of the Youth Rodeo Committee for the Stampede, said the organization has put more focus in recent years on encouraging youth to take part in rodeo. They have sponsored some events and also recently purchased three saddles for Alberta High School Rodeo District 1 (Southern Alberta) junior high participants to practice on longhorn steers. They also sponsor novice award buckles for High School Rodeo.

“We’re just trying to make sure kids are still doing rodeo,” he said.

The numbers for bareback and saddlebronc participation are declining. Though not in jeopardy of not having enough competitors, the organization wants to keep participation going strong, Denis said.

There are great events being held across southern Alberta where rodeo alumni are hosting competitions to prepare youth not yet ready for High School Rodeo. The committee isn’t the only group preparing the next generation of rodeo competitors, he said. 

The group will visit over 100 events leading up to the Calgary Stampede in July.

The rodeo sees good participation and is highly regarded, Lausen said, adding that they sponsor some youth to go to rodeo camps.

“It’s a good deal.”

This year the participation numbers were a bit lower, but generally fluctuate over the years, Lausen said.

The annual event needs about 30 to 40 volunteers filling the same roles as needed with an adult rodeo.

“I’ve got volunteers that are just phenomenal,” Lausen said. “They deserve credit.”

For more information about the Alberta High School Rodeo visit albertahsrodeo.com.