The Big Valley Bustout Rodeo occurred July 19 and 20 at the Leonard Watson Memorial Fair Grounds.
The two-day event was part of the Chinook Rodeo Association’s lineup of junior rodeo events and saw contestants from British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Things got underway on Friday with a pre-show lineup involving mounted shooting and trick riders. Contestants showed their skills by riding across the arena firing at balloons propped up on posts, and then making the return trip on a second row of balloons.
The crowds then enjoyed trick-riding performances from Rhye Miller and Paige Walgenbach, who are only 9 years old.
Friday night’s events got underway with bareback riding.
The lineup included Stettler’s own Garnett Kromm. Right from the start it was clear the riders had their work cut out for them with the livestock on hand. Ultimate, Ben Fogarty and Jace Lomheim tied the event with 69 points apiece.
The next event was Tie Down Roping, which had three competitors on Friday night.
Cremona’s Jayce McKean managed to place a 28.6 with a penalty. The following night Warren Rod of Big Valley managed a 23-second ride putting him in the top prize position.
The Bustout Rodeo also saw competitors for the Colin Cassidy Memorial Junior Bull Riding.
The event is a long-time tradition at Big Valley’s rodeo, paying homage to the sport that was loved by the late Big Valley resident.
The bulls proved challenging, but the riders showed their stuff, with many of them keeping the scores close.
Competitors from Big Valley almost outnumbered the rest who came from Saskatchewan and British Columbia on Friday.
Finally, it was Saskatchewan rider Kane Scott who would win the buckle.
Scott’s bull had put up a fight at Saturday’s round, with the rider being passed twice for other riders, while Scott and rodeo volunteers worked to get him safely ready.
After the competition, Colin’s dad, Tom Cassidy, awarded the lanky Scott with the prize buckle.
Steer wrestling only took place during Friday’s performance, however, it still managed to keep the crowds on their feet as none of the stock went down without making the riders work for it.
Big Valley’s Brett Marshall managed a hard-fought 10.8-second win.
Despite their best efforts, luck wasn’t on the side of the riders for Ladies Breakaway Roping. Rhyes Desmond was the only one who was able to mark a time on Friday, coming in at 12.8.
Irvine’s Keylee Dolgopol took the title on Saturday with a 5.2.
A long list of future riders tried their hand at mutton busting during the intermission on both evenings.
Ladies Barrel Racing saw some skilled riders on fast horses.
Scores were close through most of the first and second heats on both nights.
Saturday’s showing saw Leah Jones of High River recover from a near fall while rounding one of the barrels. It was at that time Jones who, like all riders, was concerned for the well being of her animal, pulled back on her turn and completed it cautiously at a notably casual pace.
The crowds showed their appreciation for her professionalism with enthused applause.
Despite their age, the Junior Barrel Racers showed they were just as capable. They kept things close in the times.
It would be Red Deer County’s Danika Scott who took the lead by a few decimal places.
Saddle bronc riding would go to Blake Rasmusen from Friday’s showing. Both nights saw stiff competition between the rider and bronc.
Like most timed events, a split second was the difference between no-time or placing. Carievale’s Kevin McCannell and Connor Box would manage a 7.9-second run on Friday in Team Roping. This would be enough to take the win after both nights.
Bull riding didn’t disappoint either. Saturday’s lineup saw some of the top-ranked riders in the Lakeland Rodeo Association unable to make the 8-second ride.
