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Donalda steer wrestler’s season just got better

"It wasn’t looking real good before last weekend, but it’s looking real good now." CODY CASSIDY
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Cody Cassidy competes in the Ponoka Stampede Showdown

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

A strong performance at the Ponoka Stampede has pushed steer wrestler Cody Cassidy forward in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) standings.

The Donalda steer wrestler finished first in the average in Ponoka and despite a 13.7 time in the finals showdown, Cassidy earned $9,300, which has changed his season for the better.

“It wasn’t looking real good before last weekend, but it’s looking real good now,” stated Cassidy.

Doing well at the Ponoka Stampede has given Cassidy an opportunity to try new things and take new opportunities. “It just takes the pressure off.”

If he was lower in the standings, Cassidy says he would normally play it safe to try and see a steady increase in earnings and points. Now, Cassidy says he can take risks and shoot for first at rodeo events.

“It’s a different setup when you’re running down that long alleyway,” he explained.

The trick is ensuring a steer is caught as early as possible because the rider and horse are travelling as fast as they can go to catch the steer. Cassidy says a good horse and hazer is important in getting the job done.

His brother Curtis was hazing for him this year and Cassidy says they work together during the Canadian rodeo season. Cassidy says he has approximately 25 rodeos to compete in still and he looks forward to what this year will bring him.

Cassidy’s first year in Ponoka was in 2002 during his rookie year. He also won steer wrestling in Ponoka in 2008 and 2009.