Beau Cooper had the best time of the afternoon tie-down ropers at Ponoka on Monday, with a solid 8.8 seconds, giving him fourth place to date with 18.0 seconds. He’s excited to get back for Wednesday’s action in Ponoka.
“This is probably the greatest rodeo,” says the Stettler cowboy. “It’s so much fun, just so electric, and I mean there’s nothing like it when you come running down the lane and you know you’ve got a good one. You can go so fast, and go so far, and still be fast and just show off.”
The soupy arena of the performance before became stickier with the sunshine on Monday.
“I got in a really deep spot. Honestly, it cost me probably at least a second. I think I could’ve been seven right there, had I not got stuck in the mud. But it all worked out,” says Cooper, who gambled on a good calf by only putting on a single wrap.
For his equine partner, Cooper went to the ‘retired’ pen at home for an old faithful, betting his money on his good horse Seven.
“I’ve rode him here four times, and I’ve made the short round every time. He’s due for a win, and I really hope I can do my part and win this rodeo for him.”
Cooper has also been known to participate in the team roping when there’s an All-Around award at stake, like in Ponoka.
In 2022, he partnered up with his mentor Shane Hanchey, and while both made the Finals, Hanchey won the tie-down that year, as well as the All-Around for also competing in team roping.
This year, cousin and champion saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston nabbed Cooper first, so the two of them also competed in the team roping Monday.
They may have missed their first steer, but they did catch the second one in a clean, respectable 8.1 second time.
Story by @diannefinstadharder
#tiedownroping #prorodeo #rodeo
...
Fresh from the Feed
See What’s Happening
Jul 1
Congratulations to our 2026 Errol McMillan Volunteer of the Year, Hazel Snyder 💜
Around here, legends aren’t just made in the arena—they’re made by the folks who show up year after year, quietly doing the work that keeps the Ponoka Stampede rolling.
For more than 40 years, Hazel Snyder has been the heart and soul behind the Official Fan Guide sales. Through sunshine, rain, and everything in between, she’s been there with a smile, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering love for the Ponoka Stampede.
They say some things just can’t be replaced… and nobody does it quite like Hazel.
Hazel, thank you for more than four decades of service, loyalty, and western hospitality. Your commitment has helped shape generations of Stampede memories, and this honour couldn’t be more deserving.
Please help us tip our hats and congratulate Hazel Snyder, our 2026 Errol McMillan Volunteer of the Year.
📸 @billiejphoto ...
Jul 1
Welcome to Canada Rookie & Rusty 🇨🇦
Wright came to Ponoka for a matchup with a Prime Time Stock horse called Good Vibrations, and Wright was feeling all of that eight seconds, and 86 points, later.
The ride was enough to earn him a berth back on Canada Day in an event where it took 85.50 points to qualify. Now Wright is looking forward to potentially two more horses in Ponoka.
“I live to ride rank broncs against rank bronc riders. I’m super excited. Hopefully they bring the heat, because I’m gonna!”
Good luck to @officialrustywright today in the Ponoka Stampede Finals 🇨🇦
🎥 @aswedgan
#ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #saddlebronc ...
Jul 1
WRIGHT COMES TO PLAY IN THE CANADIAN BRONC BOYS’ BACKYARD 🇨🇦
Impressed by the horses, money and the look of the Ponoka Stampede on the Cowboy Channel, saddle bronc rider Rusty Wright decided to make the trip north, driving up from his home in Utah with his son.
“It’s been a rodeo I’ve always wanted to come to, but just wasn’t able to make it work. This year I was lucky enough to get things lined up right, and I got my day here so everything worked out perfect. It was meant to be. I’m super excited to be here,” says the five-time NFR qualifier, who is part of the legendary Wright family of bronc riders.
Wright came to Ponoka for a matchup with a Prime Time Stock horse called Good Vibrations, and Wright was feeling all of that eight seconds, and 86 points, later.
“I found some videos on Facebook and watched them, and I knew that horse would fit my style. He bucks a lot like the old Bar T horses do down in Utah – takes a pile of rein and hops real good, and gets a lot of air. I knew that he was going to fit me if I stayed back and did my job.”
“My brothers and family kind of give me the nickname Prime Time, so I have it on the swells of my saddle, it was just prime time today all the way around. The stars aligned… and it didn’t rain,” he chuckled.
The ride was enough to earn him a berth back on Canada Day in an event where it took 85.50 points to qualify.
Now Wright is looking forward to potentially two more horses in Ponoka.
“I live to ride rank broncs against rank bronc riders. I’m super excited. Hopefully they bring the heat, because I’m gonna!”
Story by @diannefinstadharder
Photo by @shellie.scott
#prorodeo #rodeo #saddlebronc #ponokastampede ...
Jul 1
A TIP OF THE HAT TO OUR PROGRAM SELLERS! 🤠📖
As we celebrate the final day of the 90th Ponoka Stampede, today is your last chance to pick up the Official 90th Ponoka Stampede Souvenir Fan Guide!
A huge thank you to every one of our incredible program sellers who have greeted fans with a smile and helped put this keepsake into thousands of hands throughout Stampede week. Your enthusiasm and dedication are truly appreciated!
This historic edition would not have been possible without the generous support of our amazing advertisers.
To our storytellers, photographers, historians, writers, volunteers, contributors, and everyone who helped preserve the legacy of the Ponoka Stampede through these pages—thank you for helping tell the story of our 90th year.
Don’t leave without your copy! Pick up your Official 90th Ponoka Stampede Souvenir Fan Guide today and take a piece of Stampede history home with you. ❤️🤠
Your Official Fan Guide Team,
Amber & Meagan ...
Jul 1
🇨🇦 EXPERIENCE CANADA DAY AT THE 90TH PONOKA STAMPEDE! 🤠
Celebrate Canada Day with a full day of championship rodeo action, live entertainment, midway fun, and unforgettable Western tradition!
11:45 AM – Julia Vos LIVE at the Wildies Bar Stage in the Infield
12:30 PM – West Coast Amusements Midway Opens
1:00 PM – Ponoka Stampede Professional Pro Rodeo FINALS
Watch the Top 12 cowboys and cowgirls in each event battle for a coveted Top 4 spot and a chance to compete in the evening Stampede Showdown. Enjoy infield entertainment featuring the Bullfighters, CrASH Cooper the Rodeo Clown, and more!
Immediately Following the Rodeo Finals – Calcutta in the Stagecoach Saloon
4:00 PM – Julia Vos LIVE at the Wildies Bar Stage in the Infield
6:30 PM – 90th Ponoka Stampede SHOWDOWN SHORT ROUND
Experience the Top 4 athletes in every professional rodeo event as they compete for the coveted 2026 Ponoka Stampede Championship!
Also featuring:
🏇 All Pro Canadian Chuckwagons $10,000 Dash for Cash
🐄 Cattle Raffle FINAL DRAW for $100,000 CASH or 40 Bred Heifers
💰 Ponoka Stampede Mega Cash Raffle Drawing
While you’re here, be sure to experience everything Ponoka has to offer! Visit our local golf courses, the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, incredible local restaurants, and downtown shopping.
🇨🇦 This Canada Day, come discover what WILD WEST really means at the Ponoka Stampede.
🎟️ Buy your tickets, make lifelong memories, and experience the Real Wild West.
For more information, visit PonokaStampede.com
#CanadaDay #PonokaStampede #Stampede #ProRodeo #Alberta WildWest
🎥 @bycoleharris ...
Jul 1
Dear Camping Guests ⛺️
Thank you for staying with us during this year’s 90th Ponoka Stampede. We appreciate your patience as we deal with the wet ground conditions.
For those who need assistance leaving the campground, towing services will be available beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday July 2. Please note that trailer owners are responsible for attaching the tow strap or tow rope to their own trailer. Our staff will provide the towing vehicle but will not hook up the equipment.
Nobel Equipment will also be on site to provide additional assistance as we work to help everyone exit the grounds safely.
If you are not in a rush to leave, you are welcome to leave your trailer on the grounds for a few days until conditions improve. If you choose to do so, please keep your camping pass clearly visible in your trailer so we know it has permission to remain on site.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to get everyone out safely.
Thank you for attending the 90th Ponoka Stampede. We wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you again June 28 – July 4, 2027!
Thank you,
Ponoka Stampede Association
403-783-0101 ...
Jul 1
Let’s FREAKING RODEO 💰
The last man out in the tie-down roping Tuesday turned out to be the fastest of the afternoon.
Ty Harris, the 2023 Ponoka winner, wrapped up his calf in 8.3 seconds. He did take a shortcut, using only a single wrap in his tie.
“The Final Four is such a huge thing out here. Obviously you want to make it to tomorrow, but also you want to give yourself an opportunity to make a move and make it back to that Final Four,” says Harris.
“Also, in the mud, two wraps gets real slow. When that string gets sticky and slower, then it’s almost half a second longer than two-tenths longer. I thought it was worth the gamble.”
Harris joins his brother Joel in the Finals, who was fastest overall.
Both rode the famous Logan Bird horse Peso, along with Shane Hanchey, who also will rope in the Finals.
Story by @diannefinstadharder
Photo by @covymoore
#ponokastampede #prorodeo #tiedownroping ...
Jul 1
Michelle Alley & Stilettos scrape the paint of the barrels with the tightest turns in the barrel racing to advance to the Finals.
Some first-time visitors to the Ponoka Stampede find themselves sticking around for at least another day, after the sixth performance of rodeo Tuesday afternoon.
This was the last set of rodeo contestants who had a chance to earn their way into the top twelve scores or times, which come back for the July first Finals of the Stampede.
One of the surprising leaderboard changes came in the barrel racing, where there hadn’t been a fast enough time to crack twelve fastest lineup for two days. It wasn’t surprising given some sloppy and then sticky conditions for the horses.
But then a first time Stampede participant blew through the pattern in 17.58 seconds, to be second fastest overall.
Michelle Alley is from just across the line in South Dakota, but she’d never rodeoed in Canada before.
“My brother loves Canada. He’s a bareback rider, and he has told me for years I should come up here. I’ve just kind of been a wimp, but I’m glad I did now,” says Alley.
Alley’s horse is only six years old, which is young in the barrel racing game.
“I raised and trained her, and my best friend owns her. She’s been a superstar.”
Alley’s main business is raising and training barrel horses out of Texas, but when one like Stiletto comes along, it’s time to hit the road.
“She’s not prissy, because she’s very gritty. But she’s very girly, so we had to have a girly name, and what better than Lipstick and Stilettos?,” smiles Alley, who’s inside the top ten ion the world standings.
“Our goal is to get her to the NFR. That’s the only thing she lacks on her resume yet.”
“I’m not going to lie – I was very worried,” concedes Alley about her pre-race mindset.
“I knew she could handle herself but I just didn’t know if we could clock. Obviously she did. But I think we took the paint off all the barrels. I don’t think we could’ve turned any tighter. She keeps one solid motion. They always say smooth is fast, and that’s true. I was ecstatic.“
Story by @diannefinstadharder
Photo by @covymoore ...
Jul 1
Heading to the FINALS 🔥
The 2024 champions at the Ponoka Stampede, renowned team ropers Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, made the most of their choice to make the journey north of the border again this year.
Their combined time Tuesday of 12.1 seconds bumped down former leaders Brett Buss and Joey Romo II (12.2), to be the fast time heading to the Finals.
“The added money is so good here. There’s not very many rodeos we can go to throughout the year that gives us the chance to win $20,000, so that’s one of the main reasons we make the trip up,” says Driggers, a two-time World Champion Header.
“Honestly, we were a little bit on the fence, watching it throughout and looking at the forecast. But the added money prevailed and we decided to go ahead and come on up.”
“We had a really good steer. We knew him from this morning. That was my biggest concern was to not get in too big of a hurry, just stay behind the barrier and just make the best run we could. We pretty much did exactly what we were planning on.”
Junior Nogueira, a three-time World Champion heeler, has been down the long score at Ponoka and Pendleton before, but admits it is always a little intimidating.
“It’s exciting,” says the Brazilian. “My horse, he’s getting a little old but he’s really fast and easy. He can play down the fence exactly where we want to be, and stay hooked with the steer. We’re getting a little older now, but I still get nervous, but way more calm than when we started.”
The veterans of the team roping game are at the point in their careers where they’re being a little choosier on which rodeos they enter.
“Our travels are trying to be a little bit more restricted. We’ve got kids at home and are trying to be there as much as we can, but still have to provide for them as well. So a win here could be huge for our season, and mean we get to spend a little more time at home with our kids.”
Story by @diannefinstadharder
Photos by @covymoore
#prorodeo #teamroping #ponokastampede ...
Jul 1
🇨🇦 CANADA DAY GIVEAWAY 🇨🇦
🎟️ Win 6 tickets to BOTH the Canada Day Afternoon Finals Rodeo and Evening Showdown, PLUS 6 Unlimited Ride Wristbands!
📝 Complete our quick 2-minute survey to enter.
⏰ Winner announced at 8:00 AM on July 1!
Link in bio ⬆️ or click on SURVEY on our homepage at PonokaStampede.com ...
Jul 1
True Stampede Champions 🧡
From greeting guests with a smile, helping thousands of fans find their seats, answering countless questions, and lending a hand wherever it’s needed—you are the welcoming face of the Ponoka Stampede.
To our Grandstand Volunteers, thank you for your time, your dedication, your patience, and your unwavering commitment. Through sunshine, mud, and everything in between, you showed up with a smile and made every guest feel at home.
You are one of our greatest assets, and we truly couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you 🧡 ...
Jun 30
Beau Cooper x Ponoka Stampede 💥
🎥 @8secondtakes
#tiedownroping #ponokastampede #prorodeo ...
Jun 30
Orin Larsen x CS Happening Fact 💰
🎥 @8secondtakes
#ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #alberta ...
Jun 30
Beau Cooper had the best time of the afternoon tie-down ropers at Ponoka on Monday, with a solid 8.8 seconds, giving him fourth place to date with 18.0 seconds. He’s excited to get back for Wednesday’s action in Ponoka.
“This is probably the greatest rodeo,” says the Stettler cowboy. “It’s so much fun, just so electric, and I mean there’s nothing like it when you come running down the lane and you know you’ve got a good one. You can go so fast, and go so far, and still be fast and just show off.”
The soupy arena of the performance before became stickier with the sunshine on Monday.
“I got in a really deep spot. Honestly, it cost me probably at least a second. I think I could’ve been seven right there, had I not got stuck in the mud. But it all worked out,” says Cooper, who gambled on a good calf by only putting on a single wrap.
For his equine partner, Cooper went to the ‘retired’ pen at home for an old faithful, betting his money on his good horse Seven.
“I’ve rode him here four times, and I’ve made the short round every time. He’s due for a win, and I really hope I can do my part and win this rodeo for him.”
Cooper has also been known to participate in the team roping when there’s an All-Around award at stake, like in Ponoka.
In 2022, he partnered up with his mentor Shane Hanchey, and while both made the Finals, Hanchey won the tie-down that year, as well as the All-Around for also competing in team roping.
This year, cousin and champion saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston nabbed Cooper first, so the two of them also competed in the team roping Monday.
They may have missed their first steer, but they did catch the second one in a clean, respectable 8.1 second time.
Story by @diannefinstadharder
#tiedownroping #prorodeo #rodeo ...
Jun 30
Orin Larsen takes the lead in the Bareback at the 90th Ponoka Stampede 💥
Age is irrelevant when you’re riding like a youngster. At least Orin Larsen would vouch for that. The Manitoba-raised cowboy has been tangling with bareback horses professionally for fifteen years. It’s a rodeo event known for being hard on the body. While he’s had his share of injuries, Larsen is feeling better at 35 than ever, and the results back that up.
On a sunny Monday afternoon at Ponoka, the 2019 Canadian champion strapped his rigging to a younger Calgary Stampede horse called Happening Fact, and then spurred the lights out for an 88, to take over the lead in the standings, and guarantee a seat back at the Ponoka Stampede Finals.
“The horse has been around maybe two years,” says Larsen. “It went to Houston but I think this was the first big show up here for him. He was a mudder, for sure.”
“That thing felt so good. He was way more fun than I was kind of expecting. When you hit something like that at your favorite rodeo, it doesn’t get much better, I promise you. He had a really good day, so I was pretty pumped about that.”
One of the things keeping Larsen young is the company he keeps. Traveling with fellow bareback rider, and 2024 Canadian champion, Kody Lamb, the two have a road chemistry that’s been firing on all cylinders this season.
“The dogs are on the loose,” laughs Larsen. “That’s been the running joke in our rig. They call us the dogs, or the one-two boys. Kody’s been riding lights out. He’s going to be kind of a problem (for me) this year, I can tell,” he jokes about their competitive comradery, which netted them over seven thousand dollars each last weekend alone.
“Iron sharpens iron – there’s a lot of truth behind that, and I hope I help him out as much as he helps me.”
Larsen and Lamb are first and second in Canada currently, and both are also pursuing an NFR berth – for Larsen it would be his tenth. Lamb could join Larsen back at the Ponoka Stampede Finals on July first, after turning in a ride worth 81.75 points, but only if Tuesday’s bareback riders don’t move him out.
#ponokastampede #bareback
Story by dian ...
Jun 30
Momma is back in the saddle 💜
The fastest time of the afternoon yesterday belonged to 2023 World Champion Shelby Boisjoli Meged, at just 2.8 seconds.
The Canadian, who’s now based in Texas with her Montana tie-down roping husband Haven Meged, hasn’t been back in the saddle long since they welcomed their son Wilder in May.
“I had the baby two months ago. It’s been really rough, post-partum, trying to get back in the swing of roping. So I was just glad that my rope went around the neck. It’s been pretty trying out here, trying to get competitive again,” admits Boisjoli.
It seems rodeo doesn’t offer much of a maternity leave program.
“I rope for a living. It’s how I put food on the table. Every day I’m sitting at home and not making money, I’m not able to support my family.”
However, there are elements of rodeo that are in a working Mom’s favor.
“It’s actually such a blessing, because people have to go to work every day and they might go work a twelve-hour shift, and have to put their kids in daycare. I take my baby with me everywhere, and I don’t see him for about fifteen minutes while I rope. Otherwise I’m with him 24-7, so I feel like I have the best job in the world.”
Becoming a mother has also given Boisjoli Meged a new perspective on rodeo life.
“It’s not as serious as it was. Baby comes first, no matter what, now.”
Boisjoli Meged won’t make the Ponoka Finals, as she didn’t get a time on her morning run.
But the 2.8 in the afternoon did serve as a real confidence booster in her journey back.
“I felt like the degree of difficulty was pretty high on that run, and that wasn’t a calf you’re really supposed to win money on. So I kind of felt like myself again right there. I was aggressive and went and took care of business. It felt really good. I actually wanted to throw my hat that my rope finally broke off. Even though I was slow, I was just so happy I caught,” she smiled.
Story by @diannefinstadharder
Photo by @covymoore
#breakawayroping #prorodeo #rodeo ...
Jun 30
🏆 Congratulations to our Novice Champions at the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
Novice Bareback Champion
Quaide Skjonsberg – Bluffton, Alberta
Novice Saddle Bronc Champion
Clay Greenslade – Strathmore, Alberta
The future of rodeo is looking bright. Congratulations on earning your Ponoka Stampede titles—we can’t wait to see where your rodeo journey takes you next!
#PonokaStampede ...
Jun 30
IMPORTANT STAMPEDE UPDATE 🤠
Tuesday, June 30th-
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association has made the difficult decision to cancel the final two nights of WPCA Chuckwagon Racing at the 90th Ponoka Stampede due to track conditions.
The safety of the chuckwagon drivers, outriders, horses, and everyone involved will always be the top priority. We appreciate your understanding and support.
The show goes on tonight!
Join us for another incredible evening featuring:
🐎Kids Wild Pony Racing
🏇🏼Junior Jockeys
🤸🏽♀️Trick Riders
🏁All Pro Chuckwagon Races
🎵Boots Graham opening on the Main Stage
🎤Hunter Brothers LIVE on the Main Stage
🎢Canadas Largest Traveling Midway
🎉 Bonus: Your evening ticket also includes FREE admission to the Showdown Dance Hall (18+) before 11:00 PM, so the celebration continues long after the show.
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support. We’ll see you tonight for another unforgettable evening at the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
#ponokastampede ...
Jun 30
SUPER QUICK STAMPEDE SURVEY ✏️
Help shape the future of the Ponoka Stampede ❤️
Complete our Attendance Survey for a chance to win one of four All Event Packages to the 2027 Ponoka Stampede.
Survey link on our homepage at PonokaStampede.com or link in bio ⬆️
#ponokastampede ...
Jun 30
Thank you Sawyer Brown for making music and memories in the mud ❤️
And to the best fans in rodeo—thank you for pulling on your boots, dancing through the mud, and embracing every moment with us.
📸 @billiejphoto ...
Jun 30
No quit in Cowboy.
100% community, resilience, and heart.
📸 @carlieborrisphotography ...
Jun 30
The greatest Stampede fans in the world ❤️
Thank you for your patience through the weather in the Wild West.
The mud will wash away, but the memories of the 90th Ponoka Stampede will last a lifetime. Stay tuned for two more days of action at the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
📸 @carlieborrisphotography ...
Jun 30
Making the most of the mud at the 90th Ponoka Stampede. 🤠🌧️❤️
To all of our fans who pulled on their boots, every volunteer who showed up with a smile, every sponsor who stood behind us, and every competitor, entertainer, vendor, and staff member who embraced the mud and kept the Western spirit alive… thank you.
We still have a few incredible days of action ahead, and we’re looking forward to making even more memories together. As we continue to monitor the weather, please stay tuned to our official channels for any schedule adjustments that may be necessary.
Rain or shine, the Western spirit rides on. 🤠
📸 @covymoore ...
Jun 30
Raising them right in the Wild West 🇨🇦
Come find out what WILD WEST means this Canada Day long weekend at the Ponoka Stampede! BUY your tickets, make the memories & experience the real Wild West of 36’
For more information on this years Ponoka Stampede please visit PonokaStampede.com
#stampede #ponokastampede #prorodeo #alberta ...
Jun 29
Here’s to our incredible partners of the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
A heartfelt thank you to every sponsor of the 90th Ponoka Stampede. Your support is the foundation of everything we do, and we’re proud to ride alongside such incredible partners.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in the Ponoka Stampede. We couldn’t do it without you.
Here’s to strong partnerships, Wild West traditions, and many more years together. ...
Jun 29
Swinging in the Rain 🤠
The Wild West is throwing all kinds of weather at us this Ponoka Stampede. Hang on as we have 3 more days of Pro Rodeo action today through July 1 🇨🇦
Come find out what WILD WEST means this Canada Day long weekend at the Ponoka Stampede! BUY your tickets, make the memories & experience the real Wild West of 36’
For more information on this years Ponoka Stampede please visit PonokaStampede.com
#stampede #ponokastampede #prorodeo #alberta
📸 @billiejphoto ...
Jun 29
Everything hallelujah ❤️
Thank you @cooperalanmusic for making our Stampede Night extra special despite the weather.
#ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #alberta ...
Jun 29
Who has more fun… the kids, the queens, or the ponies?
We’re still trying to decide! One thing’s for sure… the mud only made the Kids Wild Pony Racing even more entertaining!
A huge round of applause to every young cowboy and cowgirl who gave it their all. You had the crowd cheering every step (and splash) of the way!
Don’t miss your chance to catch this fan-favourite event—there are TWO MORE NIGHTS of Kids Wild Pony Racing at 6:30 PM!
Come find out what WILD WEST means this Canada Day long weekend at the Ponoka Stampede! BUY your tickets, make the memories & experience the real Wild West of 36’
For more information on this years Ponoka Stampede please visit PonokaStampede.com
#stampede #ponokastampede #prorodeo #alberta
📸 @billiejphoto ...
Jun 29
Oh Canada 🇨🇦
Alberta bull rider Jordan Hansen put on a championship performance Saturday night, conquering Stray Bucks of S&M Bucking Bulls for an outstanding 88.5-point ride to capture the Wild West PBR Ponoka title at the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
#pbr #jordanhansen #stampede #ponokastampede ...
Jun 29
☀️ THE SUN IS BACK… AND SO IS THE ACTION! 🤠
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day at the 90th Ponoka Stampede! Dust off those boots and soak up another unforgettable day of rodeo, midway fun, live music, shopping, and chuckwagon racing!
Monday, June 29
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visit the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame at the Calnash Ag Event Centre
🛍️ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
WILD WEST TRADE SHOW at the Arena Complex
🎶 11:45 AM
Justin Sutton LIVE at WILDIES BAR in the Infield
🎡 12:30 PM
West Coast Amusements Midway Opens
🤠 1:00 PM
90th Ponoka Stampede Professional Rodeo
Featuring 6x Canadian Pro Rodeo Act of the Year Piper Yule, the Bullfighters, CrASH Cooper the Rodeo Clown, and more!
🎶 4:00 PM
Justin Sutton LIVE at WILDIES BAR in the Infield
🎤 4:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Girl Haggard LIVE in the Showdown Dance Hall
🐎 6:30 PM
Experience Sawyer Brown LIVE on the Main Stage following the All Pro & WPCA Chuckwagon Races, Kids Wild Pony Racing, Flying Cross Jockeys, and more!
🎟️ Your evening ticket also includes FREE admission to the Showdown Dance Hall (18+) before 11:00 PM.
🎸 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM
Kendra Kay LIVE in the Showdown Dance Hall
☀️ Sunshine, rodeo, live music, shopping, Canada’s largest traveling midway, and memories waiting to be made. We’ll see you at the Ponoka Stampede!
Be sure to visit all that Ponoka has to offer from our golf courses, Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, local restaurants and downtown shopping! There’s deals all over town during Stampede week.
Come find out what WILD WEST means this Canada Day long weekend at the Ponoka Stampede! BUY your tickets, make the memories & experience the real Wild West of 36’
For more information on this years Ponoka Stampede please visit PonokaStampede.com
#ponokastampede #stampede
📸 @covymoore ...
Jun 29
Send soap 🧼 and sunshine ☀️
We have had a little precipitation in Ponoka.
Experience 3 more days of pro rodeo action at the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
#alberta #canada #weather #ponokastampede #rodeo
Photos by @covymoore and @billiejphoto ...
Jun 29
NEW LEADER 💥
A clean 86.75 on Vold’s Wild Ride for Lonnie West as he takes the lead and walks off without a speck of mud.
“Ever since I started,” agreed West, from Cadogan. “Rookie year in 2015, I won the average, fell short in the four (Showdown) round. Ever since then, Ponoka’s been good to me.”
“I had my lucky Ponoka buckle on from 2022. I never take it off – ever since I won it.”
“I’m definitely a little more nervous back here. There’s just something about it – the atmosphere, and obviously the money. This is a really big weekend for everyone. I’m comfortable here. I know what I’m capable of, and I was just lucky to have a good bull here and it worked out.”
This time, West marked an 86.75 on Vold’s Wild Time.
“I’ve seen him lots. He’s an old bull. I’ve always wanted to get on him, but never had the chance to. I was scared they were going to retire him on me before I could get him so when I called back here and heard I had him, I was pretty excited.”
“I guess the old boy likes the mud,” grinned West.
Although the rain and mud can play havoc with warming up a bull rope, the conditions didn’t bother the second-generation bull rider.
“Ever since we were young, my Dad said winning in the rain and the mud he always felt was easier. Some people get a little uncomfortable in it. You’ve just got to embrace it. We’re here having fun and a little water never hurt no one.”
Story by @diannefinstadharder
Photos by @billiejphoto ...
Jun 29
The Year of the Cowgirl continues at the 90th Ponoka Stampede… a little dirt never hurt 🥳
Experience 3 more days of action at the 90th Ponoka Stampede, happening now through July 1st.
📸 @covymoore and @billiejphoto
#cowgirl #ponokastampede #stampede ...
Jun 29
Cowboys don’t call in sick.
Either do our fans ❤️
A tough day in the office at the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
Experience 3 more days of action at the 90th Ponoka Stampede happening through Canada Day 🇨🇦
#ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #alberta #rodeo
🎥 @aswedgan ...
Jun 29
Mud wrestling at the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
Mother Nature isn’t being very nice in the Wild West this week.
Experience 3 more days of the best pro rodeo action through Canada Day at the Ponoka Stampede!
A big thank you to our fans, sponsors and volunteers for showing up and supporting us through the weather ❤️
#ponokastampede #weather #steerwrestling
📸 @covymoore ...
Jun 29
Beaches of Ponoka 🤡
CrASH Cooper takes a quick rip around the arena on a very muddy day of Pro Rodeo action at the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
#ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #rodeoclown
📸 @8secondtakes ...
Jun 29
Australia’s @darcy_kersh making a splash today in the Steer Wrestling with a 4.8 in the mud 🤠
#steerwrestling #ponokastampede #stampede
🎥 @aswedgan ...
Jun 28
Goes 90 in his post-ride interview 😎
Lennix Girletz wasn’t just all business in the arena—his post-ride interview was every bit as impressive as his steer ride!
The Oyen, Alberta cowboy is carrying on one of Canada’s greatest rodeo legacies. As a fourth-generation cowboy.
The future of rodeo is looking mighty bright… and pretty entertaining too.
#ponokastampede #juniorsteerriding #cowboy ...
Jun 28
We love you @brinsonjames 💙
📸 @covymoore
#pbr #ponokastampede #stampede #rodeoclown ...
Jun 28
🏆 WILD WEST PBR CHAMPION! 🐂
What a ride!
Congratulations to Jordan Hansen on claiming the Wild West PBR title with an incredible 88.5-point ride aboard Stray Bucks of S&M Bucking Bulls!
When the gate cracked, Jordan answered the call with eight seconds of grit, determination, and championship-caliber riding to top the leaderboard in front of an electric Ponoka crowd.
Congratulations on an unforgettable win at the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
📸 @covymoore
#pbr #bullriding #ponokastampede ...