The east arena of Stettler came alive as kid and youth riders participated in a miniature bare back and bucking practice clinic held by Stuckey Rodeo Stock (SRS) on Saturday afternoon, March 5.
"The ability of youth riders in Canada are only limited by the availability of practice pens to them," said Kyle Stuckey, part owner and operator of SRS. "As executed in the States, youth riders have the opportunity to ride mini bulls every weekend at practices offered by multiple breeders and contractors in their area, so miniature bucking bulls south of the border are seen and utilized by many, including the PBR as show openers or half time events."
Founded by Stuckey and his brother Chris Stuckey in spring of 2008, SRS has been "involved with many different schools and programs who have seen the advantages of training youth riders with proven experienced mini bulls" said Stuckey.
"I would love to see kids up here given the same opportunities for greatness as in the States," he added.
SRS started with one purebred Dexter bull, five Dexter cows and one mini Hereford cow, besides a mini Brahma cross, but today the herd consists roughly of 32 mature bulls, 46 miniature cows plus 30 beef cows and 60 yearling and two year old.
"Ideally I would love to see SRS and all miniature bull riding follow the lead of the organizations in the States," said Stuckey. "It would entail us traveling all across Alberta and Saskatchewan working with other contractors, rodeo committees and youth organizations to bring miniature bull riding to rodeos and spectators across Canada."
SRS has been holding mainly miniature bucking events but have recently added miniature ponies to their stock for miniature bare back riding and some miniature wild pony races.
The age groups for the minis for ponies are from five years to 11, for bulls it is seven to 10,11-14 and 15-17.
"We also own a few big bulls we bring for some experienced and aged out riders that want to practice their sport," said Gwen Arvidsson, part owner of SRS. "We make sure that every rider is given instruction/encouragement as well as the right bulls for their experience and confidence."