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 10
Pipers Ponies by @covymoore 🍯 ...
Jul 8
Forever a CHAMPION 🏆
Congratulations to 2x Ponoka Stampede Bareback Champion Richmond Champion on an incredible career.
Thank you for everything you’ve given to the sport of rodeo, to bareback riding, and to fans across North America. You will forever be part of the Ponoka Stampede history.
As you hang up the rigging and spurs, we wish you nothing but the very best in this next chapter. Enjoy every moment with your beautiful family—you’ve earned it.
From all of us at the Ponoka Stampede… congratulations on an outstanding career and leaving the sport better than you found it.
#richmondchampion ...
Jul 3
40 THOUSAND DOLLARS 💰
Ponoka rodeo fans were treated to seeing one of their own come through in the team roping event, when local horse trainer Derek Hadland and his heeling partner Jeremy Buhler were the only one of the four teams to make a clean run in the Showdown, with a 7.9 second run.
“I knew that was the best steer,” says Buhler.
“We ran him in the twelve-man (Finals) and we knew what he was going to do, so that made it easy,” adds Hadland.
The two started roping together just this spring.
“It’s always a dream to get hooked up with a champ, and it’s working out,” says Hadland.
“It was honestly an easy choice for me,” explains Buhler, a World Champion heeler.
“I’ve been watching Derek develop over the years. You can tell when someone’s got a style, and then you look at their horses, and go, ‘yea, he’s got it’. Just glad to be on his team now.”
While Buhler is enjoying staying closer to home and his young family this season, the score of $20,539 apiece may have the team rethinking their travel plans.
“It’s huge, winning a rodeo like this, so it’s something to think about,” says Buhler.
It was his third Ponoka heeling title.
“It never gets any less special. It’s just as important to me.”
Story by @diannefinstadharder
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 3
STILETTOS IN THE MUD 💰
When some barrel racing horses were running more cautiously in the mud, a big bay mare out of Texas proved she was no prima dona, even if her name is Stiletto.
Michelle Alley made her first trip to Canada as her jockey, and despite a muddy track on their inaugural trip, she came in second fastest overall with the horse.
They came back to win the Finals, the Showdown and the overall Ponoka title, not to mention the $20,799 payday.
“She almost tipped third (barrel) going in. I really had to hold her off, and that’s why we bowed off. But the good Lord was looking over us and it stayed up,” says Alley.
“I think every run I rocked a barrel!”
“Holy cow, this is really going to help out our season. I only entered Ponoka, Cody and Oakley over the fourth (of July run). I really limited my runs, so I wanted to capitalize on them, and obviously we did here.”
Story by @diannefinstadharder
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 3
$19,962 and ALL GOLD ROLEX ⌚️
Saskatchewan’s Grady Young rode the Vold bull All Gold Rolex for a 90.25, to claim his first Ponoka title.
“Checked off the bucket list,” grins Young.
“All the rodeos I enter are on that bucket list to win. I’m trying to win every single one. I’m just here to ride bulls and have fun and let the rest take care of itself.”
“That’s the first time this bull has been ridden. I’ve kind of got a hankering for rank bulls. They’re more fun to ride and when you ride them, it’s more rewarding.”
Along with the trophy saddle, buckle and jacket, Young also wins $19,962.
Story by @diannefinstadharder
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 3
INSTANT RANCHERS 🤠
A huge congratulations to Rob Willoughby of Camrose, Alberta, our 2026 Ponoka Stampede Cattle Raffle Winner!
Rob has chosen to take home 40 pasture-bred heifers—what an incredible prize!
Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and supported this year’s raffle. Because of your incredible support, the 2026 Cattle Raffle was the fastest-selling cattle raffle in Ponoka Stampede history!
Your support helps make the Ponoka Stampede possible, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for being part of the 90th Ponoka Stampede.
We’ll see you next year, June 28 – July 4, 2027! ...
Jul 2
Congratulations to Scott & Adrienne James of Edmonton, our 2026 Ponoka Stampede Showdown Round Mega Cash Raffle Winners 💰
What a way to wrap up the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
Scott and Adrienne are taking home an incredible $81,300!
A huge thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and supported this year’s Mega Cash Raffle. Your support helps make the Ponoka Stampede possible, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Congratulations again to our lucky winners! Enjoy every penny! ...
Jul 2
🏆 Congratulations to Derek Hadland & Jeremy Buhler, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Team Roping Champions!
Their clean 7.9-second Showdown run earned each cowboy $20,539.
🏆 Congratulations to Grady Young, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Bull Riding Champion!
Grady’s 90.25-point ride aboard All Gold Rolex earned him his first Ponoka title and $19,962.
🏆 Congratulations to Zeke Thurston, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede All-Around Cowboy!
Thanks to a championship week in saddle bronc riding and competing in team roping, Zeke claimed the coveted All-Around title while earning $20,978 in saddle bronc winnings.
🏆 Congratulations to Michelle Alley, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Barrel Racing Champion!
Michelle and Stiletto conquered the mud to win the Finals, Showdown and championship, taking home $20,799.
🏆 Congratulations to Quinten Taylor, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Saddle Bronc Champion!
Quinten matched up with CS Dandy Delight for 88.75 points to claim the title and $18,844.
🏆 Congratulations to Scott Guenthner, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Steer Wrestling Champion!
Scott capped off an incredible week with a 4.7-second Showdown run, earning $23,431.
🏆 Congratulations to Ty Taypotat, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Bareback Riding Champion!
Ty’s championship ride aboard CS Agent Lynx was worth 89.75 points in the Stampede Showdown, earning him $12,491.
🏆 Congratulations to Falyn Thomson, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Breakaway Roping Champion!
The rookie standout won the Showdown with a blazing 2.9-second run, finishing the week with $17,702 in earnings.
🏆 Congratulations to Shane Hanchey, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Tie-Down Roping Champion!
Shane stopped the clock in 8.6 seconds in the Stampede Showdown to capture the title and take home $19,390. ...
Jul 2
Smokin’ Scottie 🔥
Congratulations to Scott Guenthner, your 2026 Steer Wrestling Champion of the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
The Provost, Alberta cowboy put together a dominant week in Ponoka, recording the fastest time of the week, winning the Finals, capturing the aggregate, and then sealing the deal with a lightning-fast 4.7-second run in the Stampede Showdown. Guenthner earned an incredible $23,431 in Ponoka winnings.
🎥 @8secondtakes
#PonokaStampede #SteerWrestling #Champion #ProRodeo ...
Jul 2
GEAUX TIGERS 🐅
Congratulations to Shane Hanchey, your 2026 Tie-Down Roping Champion of the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
The Louisiana cowboy stopped the clock in 8.6 seconds to win the Stampede Showdown and add another Ponoka title to his incredible resume.
A Ponoka champion in 2016 and 2022, and the average winner in 2012, Hanchey continues his winning tradition in one of rodeo’s most prestigious arenas.
With the victory, Shane takes home $19,390 in Ponoka earnings.
#PonokaStampede #TieDownRoping #Champion #ProRodeo
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 2
🏆 CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDE 🏆
Congratulations to Ty Taypotat, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Bareback Riding Champion!
Ty and CS Agent Lynx put together an outstanding 89.75-point ride to win the Stampede Showdown in sudden-death fashion, earning the $7,500 Showdown Bonus and bringing his total Ponoka earnings to $12,491.
#PonokaStampede #BarebackRiding #champion #ProRodeo
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 2
🏆 BREAKAWAY CHAMPION! 🏆
Congratulations to Falyn Thomson, your 2026 Ponoka Stampede Ladies Breakaway Roping Champion!
Falyn delivered a lightning-fast 2.9-second run in the Stampede Showdown to capture the championship.
Congratulations, Falyn! 💥
#PonokaStampede #BreakawayRoping #StampedeShowdown #Champion YearOfTheCowgirl
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 2
🏆 SADDLE BRONC CHAMPION! 🏆
Congratulations to Quinten Taylor, your 2026 Saddle Bronc Champion of the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
Quinten matched up with CS Dandy Delight for a spectacular 88.75-point ride in the Stampede Showdown, earning the championship in front of an incredible Canada Day crowd.
#PonokaStampede #SaddleBronc #StampedeShowdown
🎥 @8secondtakes ...
Jul 2
In celebration of the 90th Ponoka Stampede, each event champion will take home a truly unforgettable prize package — a custom Champion Trophy Saddle, Ponoka Stampede Championship Jacket, and Championship Buckle.
Congratulations to all of our Champions 🏆 ...
Jul 2
🏆 Congratulations to Shane Hanchey and the outstanding horse Peso, your 2026 Tie-Down Roping Champions of the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
#PonokaStampede #PS90 #TieDownRoping #Champion
📸 @billiejphoto ...
Jul 2
CONGRATULATIONS, ROB WILLOUGHBY OF CAMROSE, ALBERTA! 🐂🏆
You are the 2026 Ponoka Stampede Cattle Raffle Winner!
Rob has the incredible choice of taking home $100,000 CASH 💰 or 40 pasture-bred heifers.
A big thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and supported this year’s Cattle Raffle.
The 2026 Cattle Raffle became the fastest-selling Cattle Raffle in Ponoka Stampede history! Your enthusiasm helps keep this incredible tradition alive and supports the continued success of the Ponoka Stampede.
From all of us at the Ponoka Stampede Association, thank you for being part of our 90th Ponoka Stampede.
We’ll see you back in Ponoka June 28 – July 4, 2027! ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Bull Riding at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
Grady Young
Glen Erickson
Jacob Gardner
Lonnie West
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore @billiejphoto ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Showdown Round in the Team Roping at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
Derek Hadland & Jeremy Buhler
Brady Minor & Riley Minor
Dustin Bird & Tyrel Flewelling
Colt Kornfeld & Kade Christianson
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore @billiejphoto ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Steer Wrestling at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
Scott Guenthner
Tyke Kipp
Jace Melvin
Tristan Martin
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Barrel Racing at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
Michelle Alley
Lisa Zachoda
Taylor Manning
Suzanne Depaoli
@alley7473
@lisazachoda
@manning_taylor
@suzannerandledepaoli
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore @billiejphoto ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Breakaway Roping at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
Falyn Thomson
Jennifer Schuk
Jenna Dallyn
Kylie Whiteside
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore @billiejphoto ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Saddle Bronc at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
@officialzekethurston
@quinten.taylor
@tannerbutner
@officialrustywright
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore @billiejphoto ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Bareback at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
@orinlarsen
@ethan_mazurenko
@clintalaye
@tytaypotat
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 CovyMoore.com ...
Jul 2
SHOWDOWN BOUND!
Advancing to the Stampede Showdown in the Tie Down Roping at the 90th Ponoka Stampede….
@shanehanchey
@__beaucooper
@riley_webb12
@tyharris21
Best of luck to all of our Showdown qualifiers 💥
📸 @covymoore ...
Jul 1
Congratulations to Gunner Armstrong of Shell Brook, Saskatchewan, on being crowned the Junior Steer Riding Champion at the 90th Ponoka Stampede!
Gunner proudly takes home the legendary John Dodds Memorial Buckle, generously sponsored by the Dodds Family—a buckle that represents grit, determination, and the proud legacy of one of rodeo’s greats.
#PonokaStampede ...
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
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 ...