Taking things to a new level

Times Reporter  

 

Anything they can do, she can do better. That may not quite be 14-year-old Korrie Stewarts motto, but it’s close. On July 8 at the Calgary Stampede she was the only girl to gear up and jump on the back of a steer trying to hold on for the infamous eight seconds. 

“She rode on Sunday and she timed better than all the guys who were there and she just rode beautiful, it was a beautiful ride,” said Gord Stewart, Korrie’s father. 

“We’re just happy she made it there and she did a real good showing when she went.”

The Stewart family, who live near Gleichen, are best known for their Hearts of the West trick riding show.  

While there isn’t a rule or regulation that restricts girls from participating in the bucking classes, which includes bull riding, saddle bronc and steer riding, it’s not something that’s seen often. 

“I hang out with the guys a lot, I just wanted to try what they did so I tried it and I really liked it,” said Korrie. 

“I’m going to move up to junior bulls and to big bulls. I want to go big with it and go to PBR (Pro Bull Riding).”

Korrie, who began riding steers last year, said it feels good to be setting an example for other girls in the industry. Getting a chance to show her stuff at the centennial year of the Calgary Stampede, and to beat out all of the guys she competed against was also exciting for the teen. 

Most of her training has come from the advice of her friends, who are always willing to give her a few tips and tricks. 

“Everywhere I go I pretty much know all the guys so they just give me tips and tell me what to do so I just listen to whoever is there,” said Korrie. 

It hurts being thrown off the steer, and she admits she’s been stepped on a few times, but Korrie has no fear when it comes to riding and said nothing has been broken, yet. 

Korrie can be seen competing at the Rockyford Rodeo which begins July 27.