Thank you to Tarp Auction Sponsors

9 decades deep. 900,000 strong.

What a night for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association and the Ponoka Stampede. A historic, record-breaking tarp auction at the Ponoka Stampede delivered an incredible $904,500—setting the tone for a milestone 90th year.

The top bid of the night reached a staggering $150,000 for the tarp of driver Dean Dreger, proudly sponsored by Four Legged Adventures.

From start to finish, it was a night powered by community, tradition, and the continued growth of chuckwagon racing.

A sincere thank you to all of our volunteers—especially the VJV Auction team, world champion auctioneer Dean Edge, and ringmen Josh Carothers and Christian Van Platen.

The News Story
And to Our Sponsors:

Your support drives this sport forward

  • Four Legged Adventures
  • Midwest Pipelines Inc.
  • Versatile Energy Services Ltd.
  • Pidherney’s
  • Ermineskin Cree Nation
  • Eagle Builders
  • In Memory of Bruce Quance
  • Wetaskiwin Ready Mix
  • De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd.
  • High Octane Welding Ltd.
  • Ensign / Summit Fleet / Cascade Energy / League Projects / Secure Specialty Chemicals
  • Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
  • Central Alberta Tile One
  • Hearts and Hoofprints – The Les David Foundation
  • TOMCO Group of Companies
  • PureChem Services / Team Rig & Supply
  • Torch Remote Camps
  • McWilliam Auto Appraisal Services / Tornado Infrastructure Equipment
  • Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
  • Morskate Manufacturing
  • Inter-Pacific Specialized Services Ltd.
  • Sutherland Racing Inc.
  • Optimum Equipment Solutions
  • In Memory of Kim Graham
  • Irvine Tack and Western Wear
  • Spruce Grove Saints
  • VJV Livestock Marketing Group
  • Red Deer Lock & Safe Ltd.
  • CBO Earthworks
  • Quick Mats Ltd.
  • Hayshakers Bobcat Service Ltd.
Fresh from the Feed

See What’s Happening

The latest posts, highlights, and behind the scenes stories as they happen.

Aug 30

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Cowgirls. We are just different 💯 #ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #cowgirls

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Aug 26

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🏆 BACK-TO-BACK! Ponoka Stampede’s own Covy Moore has been named the 2026 CPRA Photographer of the Year — making it TWO YEARS IN A ROW! 🎞️ 2025 🏆 2026 From the explosive action inside the arena to the classic Covy moments behind the chutes, Covy captures more than rodeo — he tells its story. We couldn’t be prouder to have the two-time reigning CPRA Photographer of the Year behind the lens at the Ponoka Stampede. Congratulations, Covy! We love you! #PonokaStampede #CPRARodeo #CovyMoore #Champ

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Aug 23

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8 second ride. Lifetime of faith. The Cowboy ✝️ #ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #alberta #rodeo

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Aug 19

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These two ❤️ They can mash the potatoes. They can do the twist 🇨🇦 Full of that wonderful Ponoka personality!

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Jul 16

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Toughest sport on dirt 🤯 Champion bull riders prepare behind the chutes at the 90th @ponokastampede #ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #alberta

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Jul 13

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Body by Ben 🤠 Subscribe for workouts at @officialbenandersen #ponokastampede #stampede #prorodeo #rodeo #wotd

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Jul 10

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Pipers Ponies by @covymoore 🍯

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Jul 8

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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

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Jul 3

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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

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Jul 3

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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

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Jul 3

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$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

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Jul 3

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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!

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Jul 2

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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!

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Jul 2

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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

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Jul 2

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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

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Jul 2

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🏆 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

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Jul 2

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🏆 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

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Jul 2

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🏆 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

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Jul 2

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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!

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Jul 1

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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

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Jul 1

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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

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Jul 1

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🇨🇦 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

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