And so in the middle of November in comes the last big event of the year for me... Canadian Western Agribtion & the Candian Cowboys Assoication Finals! Agribtion is an amazing time for anyone that loves livestock agriculture. There is trade shows, auctions, and demonstrations that fill up the entire Evraz Place. Building after building, from corner to corner, there is no lack of things to see when it comes to livestock agriculture. The demonstrations range from working cow horse, to milking, to dog shows, and it gives an excellent opportunity for those who can't see these interactions in their life to be able to see it. It is evident by the large amount of inner city school tours that participate with the Agribition that there is a large audience for this education. It is an amazing experience, and not one I would miss any year if I can. Every year this is a new piece that I want to see. This year's included a colt starting program, and the dog agility show [I have never watched dog agility before, and it was sure neat to see]. I also had a great giggle at the sheep riding competition, which was sponsored by Cabela's. The fact that non-agricultural direct sponsors are apart of Canadian Western Agribiton gives a true hint to just how big, and important, the whole week is to the city. The rodeo that followed every night after the daily events was an amazing show every night. This year it was extra special being the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Cowboys Association. The opening ceremonies were even more special as a history of the association was shown on the big screen, and the whole arena buzzed with an extra energy. The announcers did an amazing job that night keeping everyone in a good party mood, with the help from the amazing rodeo clown of course. On Saturday, the closing day, it was family day and you could see the pride of those in the arena as they had their kids join them. In a display like that it is very apparent the importance, and respect, that family really has in the rodeo world. This being a major final event, I once again did not bring my camera to capture the event. I worked hard to challenge myself to catch what I could with my iPhone camera along with just sitting back to take in the event. All three days I took in the rodeo were amazing. This was due not only to great talent that was on display, or due to it being a finals competition, but also because the amazing energy that came from the crowd. Each day the arena showed a great attendance, and from regions all over the world. The entertainment throughout the entire night keep everyone upbeat, and excited for more. The clown did an amazing job as always providing hilarious jabs to keep the audience entertained as those working behind the scenes did their best to keep everything rolling smoothly, and quickly. The charity portion of the night with the football toss was also very entertaining to watch, along with seeing all the great support that came out for the cause with all the balls thrown. The 50/50 showed great numbers, and I am sure the high school rodeo association was happy with the funds they raised through it. My favorite part of the intermission shows was the wild pony race challenge that took place. Watching the kids work so hard to ride the ponies was thoroughly entertaining. I have seen wild horse races, which never disappoint in giving a great show, but there is something extra special watching the kids work the ponies the same way I have watched grown men and women work horses. And as always the night ended with the big display of bull riding. On the Thursday night performance there was also a bull fighter's challenge. It was amazing to watch as each bull fighter took on each bull in an attempt to show off their skills. And boy, skills do these guys have. It was amazing to just sit and watch them do their thing, without the extra distractions that usually go along with their job. It is awesome to see some special attention paid to these excellent people that help keep the cowboys safe. The bulls every night gave an excellent show of their talent, along with the people that ride them. It was definitely a great performance to watch, and send out my year of rodeo chasing with. Those beautiful animals never disappointment me, but it is great to know I will have great memories of the event to hold me over to next season. There were some rough rides for some of the cowboys, but thankfully they got out of the situation safely thanks to the great efforts of everyone on the ground. No one was majorly hurt, and thankfully the paramedics didn't have to work too hard [or at least not in arena]. The Canadian Cowboys Association Finals at the Canadian Western Agribition are always a great time. If after reading all my blogs of this past summer you decided you only want to go to one event, these finals definitely should be at the top of your list. It gives an excellent show not only from the amazing talent, but along with all the great light, along with fire, shows. There is no lack of big city entertainment in at these finals. The energy you feel while sitting in the crowd is at high, and will keep you enthralled with everything the night through. I have made the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals a family event, and it is the one time a year I bring out my entire family to come enjoy the sporting event that holds my heart. They are never disappointed when they come for their once a year rodeo intake, and I am sure you won't be either! So I encourage you to mark your calendars in November to take it in, along with all the other great things you can see while also taking time to enjoy the Canadian Western Agribition during the day. There is no doubt something for everyone to enjoy between the two great shows.
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Saturday of Yorkton Grain Millers Harvest Showdown started early. The morning started out with some ropes, and some very good looking cattle. Some great local people came out to show off their roping skills that morning. After watching morning of great skill in the area it was time watch some great skill in the upstairs room. The skill I got see was an excellent show of auctioneer greatness. It was an awesome time. The stories that were shared about their favorite charity event were very entertaining, and it was a restore faith in humanity type of entertaining. After that event it was time to see some of the great entries in all the ribbon judging. The many of things that were judged ranged from vegetables, jams, canning, to forage, and grains. Nothing reminds you that you from a rural community more than seeing ribbon judging events. After all the great festivities of the day it was time to enjoy that evening's performance of rodeo. The second night like the first night displayed some great talent, and some great entertainment. The colors were displayed, the anthem was sung, and honor was given to veterans. That night there was also a special moment to give thanks to the hardworking, and dedicated, individuals that make the whole event such a success. It was interesting to see all the faces that work behind the scenes to make the event what it is. After the beautiful opening it was onto see those broncs, and cowboys, do what they do best. That night was no exception. The Whiteline horses gave their best, and even got a little more than frisky at times. The riders put on a great display of skill, including the pickup men that got them off in a timely, and safe, fashion. The ropers that night were all on their top game, and concentration to do well was in high demand that night. Some even took the time to get some extra practice in before their run. To say the least, it was very interesting to see how fast their hands can work. All in all the ropers, both calf & team, did a good job that night. The livestock also did an excellent job giving it their all so they would not be tied. The steers gave the steer wrestlers a hard time as they did their best to make sure they would not be taken down. They ran good and hard, and when wrestling with the cowboy you could see the determination in them as they didn't want to go down. It was great to see so much feisty attitude that night. You could definitely tell these past couple nights the hard work, and toil, it takes from these excellent cowboys to get the job done. The entertainment between the events was excellent as always. The clowns put on a great show of music, and furry talent as they pulled a rabbit from a tuba. The rabbit didn't seem at all fazed by the interaction, or being pulled out of the tuba in front of a crowd of people. He just sat calm in the hands of the clown, and seemed to nonchalant to care. The Fanastic 4 Trick Riding team came out to show off their stuff, and their rider pride in that performance. With their glittery Saskatchewan Football pride they put on an excellent show of skill as always, and the youngest member looked as cute as ever. The excellent entertainment continued the whole night as the barrel racers gave another night of face paced entertainment. Their horses gave it their all, along with the ladies on their backs, and determination could be seen from miles away. All round there were some fantastic runs that night. And as always, my heart was stolen at the end of the night by the excellent show of the bulls. That night everyone did their best, and it was an excellent display of bull riding. My heart fell for one specific guy that night with some blond curls [you will see him to the far right below]. I wanted so badly to be able to take him home so I could be able to pet those curls. I think my love for these animals gets stronger and stronger every time I see them. The whole weekend was amazing, and the Whiteline stock did an amazing job. Everyone there gave it their best, as always, and without a doubt gave some great entertainment to the packed arena. I can't wait to experience the entire event again, along with the other Harvest Showdown events. It was a great local weekend, and it made me very proud to call myself a local. If you haven't been before I strongly suggest you go, because it is amazing time, along with an excellent opportunity to learn things on a small scale. It was a definitely a great primer weekend to Canadian Western Agribition, and gave me a whole new surge of excitement for that weekend to come. On the 1st day of November I was lucky enough to be able to capture some amazing landscape shots while on my way to rodeo. The colors in the sky were amazing that night, and it was made even more special by the lack of snow that was on the landscape at the time. Lack of snow in November is not the norm in Saskatchewan. The day got even better when I got to the rodeo that night in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The seat I got to enjoy rodeo from was a pretty amazing spot. It gave me a great vantage point to shoot some awesome birds-eye-view shots from "behind the chutes". It was a great time to see all the cowboys getting prepped before they jumped on the backs of their ride. The broncs that night really gave a great show as they twisted, and bucked, their bodies in the best ways they knew possible. It was a special night for all the novice riders as they got to really give a last great show of all their talents. It was an amazing thing to watch these young riders take on these amazing animals. The steers also gave a good run for all those that were taking the chance to wrestle them. They gave it their all, and fought hard against those who tried to get them down. The ropers also had an equally challenging time as they did their best to rope them in their fastest times. It made for a face paced action show on a Friday night. The barrel racers also helped with this action by giving some great runs on some beautiful animals. I once again got to enjoy an excellent show from the Fantastic 4 Trick riders. They showed off their impressive moves, and horses. The outfits they wore that night were beautiful. The ladies brought some new tricks to the table that night, and they were fantastic. I really enjoyed their star trick on the beautiful horse Onyx [which you can see the bottom right]. It looked amazing, and the only thing I regret is not being in a better position to better capture the beauty of that trick. The end of the night of course ended with an amazing show of skill by the bull riders. The bulls were in full spirits, and that night ended on a great note. As always, all those that are in charge to make sure everyone stays safe did an amazing job of it. They got in fast, and where they were needed, to get all who was in harm’s way out of it. It is always amazing to watch the excellent work the ground safety crew does to keep everything flowing smoothly throughout the evening. The Yorkton Harvest Showdown Canadian Cowboys Association performance was an excellent way to start off my November. This performance was a special one for me since it was the first time I have been actually able to make to Yorkton for this event. It did not disappoint, and I am looking forward to showing up next year. It is definitely one of the best ways to start closing off the rodeo season. They say you should save the best for last, and this was definitely the case of this rodeo event. Last Saturday was a very exciting day for me for I got to go see the Professional Bull Rider Canadian Finals in Saskatoon! It was an amazing time, and of course there was lots of neat fire related displays. The rodeo clown was very charming, and all the cute bulls there just made my heart sing. The introduction to all the riders was a very impressive show, and you could cut the testosterone & pride that filled the air with a knife. There is no doubt these men love what they do, and that there is a whole group of loyal people behind them to support them in what they do. The bulls also love what they do, so much so in fact the odd performer would not want to leave the arena ring. Watching those bulls I wasn't sure who loved the crowd more the rider or the bull. Either way it was an awesome sight to take in. If you’re wondering while looking at these pictures, yes I did use Instagram to capture the event. Being a professional finals event I felt that it was rude to bring in my camera to get shots, and decided it was more worth my time challenging myself to capture the event with Instagram. It provided its own level of challenges but it got the job done, along with a few interesting surprises along the way. As you can see to the left it caught the picture of the rodeo clown making his world record for catching a marshmallow in his mouth! However, I did miss the moment when he out did his world record by having his thrower toss one down from the catwalk above the big screen. All in all it was a great night of great bull riding. It is definitely something I can't wait to experience more. I am thoroughly glad I used Instagram to capture things rather than my camera. It was nice to just relax, sit back, and really watch the show. The awards at the end of the night were another great thing to take in. It was worth the extra wait in the car line up for this. Though next year I might actually get a picture with the rodeo clown.... next year that will be my goal! Though I have to say my favorite part of the night was actually at the beginning. Background: This past summer while at Calgary Stampede a Saskatchewan bull rider by the name of Aaron Roy got seriously injured while riding. It was amazing to see that night the support from the PBR, and the crowd, that was shown when this man was given a special introduction. I saw people give this young man a standing applause, and he sure deserved it... considering the early reports said he may never walk again. While long story short he can and he stood there with pride as the people showed him an amazing applause of support. It is very heartwarming to see how much people care for each other in such a dangerous sport. It sure makes me happy to say that bull riding is one of my favorite sports. On a warm, and golden, October Saturday I found myself on the road. I was on my way to the Wapella Rodeo! Another rodeo so close to the last one made me a very happy camper. What also made me a happy camper was the scenic drive that I got to take through the eastern part of the Qu'Appelle River Valley on the way to the rodeo. It was the perfect fall day for it since the sun was out, the weather warm, and the leaves golden in the hills. I couldn't help but stop to take a few pictures to share before I got to the rodeo itself. After the scenic pit stop it was off to the rodeo, which at this time of year is done indoor. The arena was packed with friendly people, and there was no lack of cowboy boots, or cowboy hats, among them. It was a great way to spend my Saturday afternoon. I got the pleasure of watching the Prime Time animals give it their all as they performed beautifully in the arena. The pickup riders did an excellent job handling the animals, and getting everyone off and out of harm’s way. The calves were having a great time running, and you could definitely see the feeling of disappointment on their face when they got caught. It was a pretty darn fantastic thing to watch while sitting in a ground filled hockey arena. The speed at which the animals moved was rather impressive that day. The blur in the pictures that I caught that day are testament to just how fast they were moving. And this time I had to save the pictures from my two favorite events for last.... team roping and bull riding. I have expressed before how much I love bull riding [those bulls just steal my heart every time]. But I don't think I have ever expressed how much I thoroughly enjoy watching team roping. It would be my second favorite event [nothing beats that cute bull face in my heart] due to the fact I am always greatly impressed by the skill it takes to get this job done. Now, I am impressed by all the skills it takes to do any event in rodeo but for me this one takes the cake. Probably due to the fact I lack any general ability to rope, but also because being a person that has done mostly solo sports I always find it impressive when I see people work as a team together. That day in Wappella I saw just that, excellent team work. It was impressive to watch as not only as the two riders worked together but to watch the riders work with their horses to have them be in the spot they needed them... then on top of that get that rope where it needed to be! I was impressed every single time! I was also impressed by: a) the bulls as they bucked with what appeared to be everything they had, b) the antics of the rodeo clown that day... he put on a great performance, and c) the great job the bull fighters did at keeping the bulls distracted and away from the rider. It is easy to say I was rather impressed the entire time, and Wapella rodeo will for sure be one I show up to in the future! I thought I would end this blog post with some pictures I stopped to take on the ride home. I will admit this was my first trip to the Wapella area, and so with that I decided to make a round trip on the way home to travel down some roads I haven't been down before. I am sure glad I did because I found these amazing windmill structures along the number one highway between Wapella and Moosomin. I quickly as I could found a gravel road to detour on, and had to go take a closer look. Now I have seen these amazing giants before, but I have not had the opportunity to get this up close and personal with them. So long story short I was a very happy little camper on that drive home. Then because that day could only seem to get better with every turn... I got to experience a beautiful sunset over the Qu'Appelle valley. It was the perfect way to see the day out. A perfect end to such an amazing day of going to rodeo. It was probably one of my favorite days of rodeo chasing I have done. I am very happy that I got the opportunity to do it, and hope that next year at Wapella rodeo it will show me the same great day [I have a feeling though that it will]. With the end of September coming in it brought a great thing with it. The end of September brought rodeo! Kamsack Indoor Rodeo to be exact. It was an amazing time, and lived up to all the hype I had heard about it. It definitely was one of the best rodeos in the area, and the arena was packed! The stock was looking rather spectacular that day, and gave everyone a proper challenge to get their job done. It was definitely a great time for all those watching from the stands. I was very pleased to see these ladies perform again. They had stolen my heart when I saw them perform their amazing talents at Yorkton Counting Coup Rough Stock rodeo. They performed just as well at Kamsack that night. It was amazing to see all the things these ladies could do, along with how well trained their horses were to help them complete these stunts. If you have not had a chance to see this amazing work in action then I strongly suggest you take in a show sometime soon. It is truly a one of kind thing to behold, and worth the time to see the amazing teamwork that goes on between the riders & their horses. Then of course it was onto my favorite part of the night... the bulls. Seriously how could you not love that face! They just steal my heart every time... every single time. The bulls put on a good show, and gave those boys a run for their money. They were also very photogenic which is always a plus for me watching. It was a great evening, and everything went swimmingly. It was a good show that had my nose up to the fence as close as I could get. Which also happen to be because the great rodeo photographer Randy Lewis of Lewis Images gave me the great opportunity that night to not only have a chance to talk shop with him, but to also let me experience the rodeo from a different part than the stands I usually take the rodeo in. It was so amazing to be up close to the action, and I would love to do it again sometime. I can't thank Randy enough for the opportunity, and I think you should all go check out his amazing images! This blog is about a Wednesday afternoon, and the first day of my epic end-of-July/start-of-August. It started with a drive to Yorkton to catch the Counting Coup Rough Stock Rodeo. For a young rodeo, it is always an excellent time. This year was only it's third year! I made it to the first, but missed last year due to work. This year was definitely something great to see and come back too! The horses gave a great show, and the cowboys gave it their all. It was a great show! I got treated to seeing some great entertainment between the broncs & the bulls. Some ladies from Preeceville showed off some of their excellent horse skills. The tricks were amazing, and definitely something I would LOVE to try sometime. Definitely worth photographing to share with everyone! The bulls gave a great show as always! My favorite part always steals my heart, and it was even better because I got to watch the show in the setting sun. The golden hour made it more special, and the beautiful pink skies that came out during it, including a rainbow, made it amazing! One of the best bull events I have been to in a while. The morning after Kelliher rodeo I got to go spend sometime at great event the Sheho Ranch Rodeo. The ranch rodeo is a type of rodeo where the events reflect more of the skills used day to day. These skills include roping, and trailering animals. It gives a chance for the local cowboys working the rangeland to show their skills and compete against their neighbours. It is done as a team, and highlights the skills needed to work not only with the animals well, but also each other, to get the job done. The track was a bit wet, since it had rained pretty hard the day before in Sheho [they got the same rain Kelliher got the day before]. So things were a touch mucky in the beginning, but as the beautiful day continued, and the track was used, everything dried up nicely. The opening event of the day was the Trailer Relay. The relay consists of unloading the horses from the trailer, and one rider takes the saddlebag for ride around the area. Then passes it off to the next rider; just like in a traditional track & field sport day relay. The race finishes when the entire team has done a round, loaded the horses back in the trailer, and all hands on the hood of the truck. It makes for some really interesting photos! The next event was Pasture Doctoring. This event is the event that displays the skills needed to address issues on cattle while out checking them on horseback in the pasture. All four team members start on horseback. Two of the members rope the head and feet of the animal to be doctored, while the other two doctor the animal on the ground. It is quite the display to watch how well all the horses, and people, worked together, along with the animal being doctored. It sure takes some good skills to get this done efficiently, and fast as possible, so the animal is not down long. The last event of the day was the Wild Cow Milking. This is an event where they rope a cow, and attempt to get some milk from a cow into a bottle. It is quite the event to watch as three of the men on the ground try to figure out they are going to get the cow milked, while the one that roped the animal gets to watch. It is always entertaining, and these cows definitely give these boys a run for their money. Often show them whose boss after they are milked. It was another great day at the rodeo for me. As always, just like Kelliher, Sheho put on an amazing day. Mother Nature was even kind enough to give us great weather for the day. The Sheho Ranch Rodeo is not a day to miss for it always shows a great time. And just like the Kelliher Rodeo it is a day I do not miss! "Well, it's bulls and blood | It's dust and mud | It's the roar of a Sunday crowd | It's the white in his knuckles | The gold in the buckle | He'll win the next go 'round | It's boots and chaps | It's cowboy hats | It's spurs and lattigo | It's the ropes and the reins | And the joy and the pain | And they call the thing rodeo." On a rainy Saturday morning those lyrics, and that song, ran through my head as I prayed things would let up and the rodeo in Kelliher would be a go for the evening! To my luck, things worked out perfectly. Things went on as planned, and I didn't get rained out!!! Even though the clouds looked pretty scary. I was very glad that all who were to participate in putting it all on were willing to come out and do it in the muck. The evening was amazing with excellent performances from all involved! The pick up riders did a good job getting everyone off safely and where they needed to be. Through the mess and muck they got to the right spots which was great to see. It was very interesting to watch everyone try and get the job done through all the mud, and water. Everyone put their best efforts in, and gave it their all. Which from a spectator's point of view made for one very interest show to take in on the early Saturday evening. The best part about this rodeo was the fact that I got to take in my favorite event... The bull riding! I did not get rained out, and I was very happy to watch the bulls give it their all during the events. Some very fine looking, well at least to me, bulls came out to do the job. My favorite picture of the day was of one speckled bull at the end of his ride. He just seemed so proud of himself. I love the bulls. They are amazing animals. Most think I am crazy for it, but they just warm up a certain soft spot that no other animal in the rodeo can seem to steal. All in all it was a great evening! As always Kelliher delivered a great time. The people who put on the rodeo are great, hard working people, and they deserve recognition for keeping the tradition alive in the small town. I am very glad to live so close to this town, and this event. I always make sure to make this rodeo every year, and it is always worth it!
And so begins another year of one of my favorite sporting events... Rodeo! I opened this spring season by taking in the Pilot Butte Rodeo. Those folks always know how to put on a great rodeo. I unfortunately only take in a day of this rodeo since I live away from this town. But even just one day is always a great day! Always worth the drive. The people who are apart of the event do a great job of putting on the event, and the clown always make for great entertainment between riders. The day was a little more challenging for all involved though. Though everything looks bright and sunny.. the day was not. The darker skies in the background, and the flowing bandana of the clown, give clues to that day. The day was very windy, and rainy. It rained off and on throughout the events, and at the end of the day I had to do something I never have before. I had to leave the rodeo early! The rain came down just to hard. But, considering the wind and rain the day for the most part was still a great success. Everyone worked their hardest, including the livestock, to get the job done. The horses bucked good, and the calves gave a great run. The wind challenged everyone in their events, but everyone pulled through. The pick up riders did an excellent job of getting all competators safetly off their rides. Even when it proved a bit a challenging. It really shows the amazing talent these men have for handling their own animals, and working with others. All in all it was a great day for a rodeo! Well done Pilot Butte!! I wouldn't have missed it for the world... though next time I will remember to check the weather report & bring my rain gear so I can stay in for the long haul, like so many I left behind in the stands.
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