Get ready for a week packed with excitement, talent, and tradition at the Ponoka Stampede. From concerts and fireworks to rodeo action and family shows, every day offers something unforgettable.

Crash
Cooper

COW DOG
FUTURITY

Flying Cross
Jockeys

Trick
Riders

Fireworks
After Dark

Canada's Greatest
Horseman

Piper
Yule

Crash
Cooper

“You could call me the backup bullfighter….,” chuckles CrAsh Cooper, “…that’s WAYYY back!”

The Ponoka Stampede once again welcomes rodeo’s premier funny man, as CrAsh Cooper and his barrel join the bullfighters in the arena. He’s there for comic relief and to help entertain the crowd during any delays during bull riding. But don’t be fooled – he can jump into action if needed.

“Scott Byrne got run over one time and I had to fill him for him, to finish a performance at Ponoka,” recalls Cooper. “I did the same thing in Cheyenne once.”

Even last year at Ponoka, Cooper showed some fancy footwork, when a cow during the junior riding event came straight for him on the run.

“She caught me right out there in the middle of the arena, and I threw a fake and sidestepped her and the crowd loved it,” he laughs.

Not everyone may have realized Cooper did get his rodeo start as a bullfighter, spending ten years in the craft, including freestyle bullfighting competitions at the CFR, and even fighting bulls as far away as the New Zealand National Finals rodeo.

CrAsh Cooper much prefers his clown role these days, which he likens to being a stand-up comic. He has been recognized ten times as Canada’s top comedy or contract act in professional rodeo, and is the only Canadian rodeo clown to have been selected to perform at the NFR.

Cooper makes the annual trek from the family ranch at Senlac, SK to delight the fans and pester the pickup men during Ponoka’s festivities. He also delights in a never-ending battle of words and wits with rodeo announcer Dr. Lynn Phillips.

“Clowning is way harder than bullfighting,” insists Cooper, who prides himself on being original, timely and bringing something fresh to the crowd every performance. “It’s hard to be a good clown,” he clarifies.

“Being a bullfighter helps as well, because you’re a bit more of an asset.”

Ponoka is one of the few places rodeo fans get to see Cooper’s comedic talents now, as clowning takes a back seat to his many other pursuits. Chief among them is being Dad and hockey coach for his son Jinks (14) and daughter Jesse (13). He’s also busy with the cattle herd, plus raising bucking horses under the “Cooper Clan Bucking Horse Company”. Cooper Clan horses have been to the NFR, and have consistently been successful at the NFR Bucking Futurity in Las Vegas.

CrAsh Cooper’s creativity is not limited to his work in the entertainment industry. He is also an accomplished western artist, and his cartoons are regular favorites in the Canadian Cowboy Country magazine. You’ll find his artwork on Leanin’ Tree greeting cards as well.

Lately, CrAsh has found a new outlet, doing art presentations at schools, spinning a cartoon exercise with students into a confidence builder for them. He also does some special crowd engagement work during the Ponoka PBR event. Throw in some keynote speaking presentations, and there seems to be no end to Cooper’s talent range.

“They all still make people laugh,” says Cooper, “which is what I like to do.”

To contact CrAsh, email ash@crashcooper.com

COW DOG
FUTURITY

July 1st 2026 – 6:30am at Calnash Ag Event Centre

The mission of the the Canadian Cow Dog Futurity (CCDF) is to showcase and promote registered stock dog bloodlines.

The CCDF provides a platform for the recognition of breeders and owners by encouraging the proper development and training of stock dogs, culminating in an annual sponsored futurity and aged events.

The Goals of the CCDF are:

To provide an avenue for stock dog breeders to gain recognition for their genetic achievements.
To encourage and recognize proper and timely training of young stock dogs by breeders/owners and trainers.
To promote ongoing training and competition of aged (finished) stock dogs.
To showcase and bring awareness to the public, the usefulness and benefits of well bred, properly trained stock dogs

Flying Cross
Jockeys

The Flying Cross Jockey Club is part of the Flying Cross Ranch in Lacombe, Alberta.

Both the ranch and the club are owned and operated by Roy and Christina Sturgeon. Roy is a lifelong horseman and former jockey who saw value in establishing a program for kids and young adults who love horses and horse racing.

Trick
Riders

Bella Da Costa

Straight out of Stony Plain Alberta, is a 21-year-old CPRA & PRCA carded trick rider who was built in the arena. Trick riding since the age of five, this Canadian Champion and American qualifier brings fearless speed, precision, and power to every run.

From the Calgary Stampede to the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas, as a 4× Canadian Finals Rodeo contract act, 2024 Turquoise Circuit Finals contract act, and the San Diego Rodeo at Padre Stadium, Bella doesn’t just perform—she commands the dirt unapologetically elite, she continues to raise the bar for trick riding across North America.

Shelby Pierson

Born and raised on her family’s cattle ranch in southern Alberta, Shelby Pierson is known as one of the most decorated trick riders in North America. With 19 years of experience in the industry, Shelby has taken her fast-paced, high-energy act to professional rodeos all across Canada, the United States, and Australia.

One of Shelby’s greatest accomplishments is being named the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Contract Act of the Year 6X. Shelby is also a Top 5 PRCA Dress Act of the Year Nominee, a 3X Canadian Trick Riding Champion, and an Australian Trick Riding Champion.

Shelby has performed on some of the largest stages in professional rodeo including: Rodeo Houston, the Calgary Stampede,the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, St.Paul Rodeo, the San Angelo Rodeo, and the Ponoka Stampede

Mackenzie Jensen

Mackenzie Jensen, 23, from Wheatland County, AB, has been mastering the art of trick riding for 18 years. Her primary horse, Dudley, was trained by Mackenzie herself, along with all her other horses. She is a four-time Canadian Trick Riding Champion and a two-time North American Champion. In addition to her impressive rodeo career, Mackenzie also works as a stuntwoman in the film industry.

Noemy Coeurjoly

Is a professional Roman rider renowned for thrilling audiences and rodeo fans with her speed, bravery, and fearlessness. Originally from Montreal and now based in Black Diamond, AB, her dedication shines through in every performance. She has showcased her talents at prestigious Canadian rodeos, including the Calgary Stampede and St-Tite. With a strong focus on horsemanship and speed, Noemy trains her own horses and is excited to embark on a new team, looking forward to an exciting future.

Fireworks
After Dark

Experience a celebration in the sky at the Ponoka Stampede with fireworks after dark!

Canada's Greatest
Horseman

Canada’s Greatest Horseman & Summer Spectacular Horse Show

Looking for something to do between the rodeo and chuckwagons at the Ponoka Stampede? Come cool off in the Calnash Ag Event Centre and catch the most exciting reined cow horse action in the country!

Piper
Yule

Piper Yule, known as the young gun of the rodeo industry!

This spitfire is 14 years old and is known for her signature cow horses and her cowgirl heart and true horsemanship. Known to be as kind as she is tough and comes from the hard grass country in Southern Alberta and is a 5th generation cowgirl; When not roman riding, liberty horsemanship and trick riding; Piper spends her time team roping and competing in cutting and working cowhorse and helping on her family ranch and community.