Day one of rodeo action is in the books for the 2023 edition of the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede.
Taking place on June 9, 14 cowboys from B.C., Alberta, and one from as far away as Australia, took part in the bull-riding event.
The event was opened by Andrea Cress performing O Canada as a pair of riders from Stettler’s Ladies of the Heartland carried the national flag.
Split into two “go rounds,” the riders’ score was determined by the highest overall points after two rides.
The Ladies of the Heartland entered the arena a few times in between to show the flags of the event sponsors.
Things got off to a rough start; the first rider, Clay Flanagan, of Eudunda, South Australia, ended up breaking his arm on his ride and had to be treated by medics.
After two rides, Manning, Alta., cowboy Lane Jenson had the high score of 165.5 points, winning him the night. Coming in second place was Stettler cowboy Armando Davilla, who also scored on both rides.
In addition to the bull-riding action, members from the Royal Canadian Armed Forces Reserves were on hand showing equipment and trying to sign recruits, several food trucks were on site, and a cabaret with music was provided by Dally Up and Dance.
Day two continues on June 10 after a full day of activities in Stettler.
Tanner Henderson, of Caroline, Alta., is astride the bull Little White Bull during the second go. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Ron Hunt, of Nanton, Alta., is astride the bull known as Gus. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Bullfighter Dylan Costello is about to get run over by bull Bad Intentions. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Braxton Rowe of Worsely, Alta., rides on bull Kill the Lights. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Bhriar Cooper of Caroline, Alta. rides for no time on the bull known as Choke Hold. (Stettler Independent)
Edson’s Tristan Manning astride the bulll Roan Neck rides for no score. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Stettler’s Ladies of the Heartland opened the 2023 Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
The 20th Field Artillery Regiment from Red Deer was on hand at the start of the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede. (Carson Ellis photo)
Tristan Manning on the back of bull Fudge Puddles. (Carson Ellis photo)
Bullfighter Dylan Costello is about to get run over by bull Bad Intentions. (Carson Ellis photo)
Liam Bishop of Blackfalds, Alta., on bull Donny Brook. (Carson Ellis photo)
Stettler’s Ladies of the Heartland opened the 2023 Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede. (Carson Ellis photo)
Ron Hunt rides for no points astride Gus. (Carson Ellis photo)
Bull Kill the Lights launches out of the chute as Worsley’s Braxton Rowe holds on for the ride! (Carson Ellis photo)
The 20th Field Artillery Regiment from Red Deer was on hand at the start of the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede. (Carson Ellis photo)
A variety of food trucks were on site for the 2023 Steel Wheel Stampede. (Carson Ellis photo)
The 20th Field Artillery Regiment from Red Deer was on hand at the start of the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede. (Carson Ellis photo)
