It’s a bittersweet competition for Tom Cassidy of Big Valley, but every spring he enjoys seeing area teens mount up and try their best to ride the bulls on the final day of the Big Valley Bust Out Rodeo.
Cassidy’s son, Colin, died in 2000 and the competition started the next year as a way to pay homage to his son’s love of the sport, Cassidy explained.
Every year, some of Colin’s closest friends donate their time to the event, and this year was no different.
Christopher Rowland was this year’s bullfighter, and he had his work cut out for him as the rowdy bulls at times charged after the youths kicked free from their backs and, during one scary interlude, dragged and battered a teenager around the ring after his hand got stuck. Rowland ducked right in to distract the bull, putting his own safety in danger to grab the competitor and work his hand free.
Troy Robinson, the announcer for the event, was also another childhood friend of Colin’s. Both he and Rowland donate their time to keep their friend’s memory alive.
“Colin was a junior bullrider,” Cassidy said. “We’ve had Canadian Champions come out of his memorial event.”
Colin is missed every day, but the event allows his family to celebrate one of Colin’s loves – bull riding.
Colin Cassidy Memorial Junior Bullriding Results
The only rider of the 10 competitors to complete his ride was Cadogan’s Bryce West, though everyone gave it a good shot. As the winner, West takes home the prize of $1,000 and a buckle.