By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
Trick rider and stunt woman Niki Cammaert will be entertaining the crowd at the Ponoka Stampede with daring tricks and incredible stunts.
Cammaert thoroughly enjoys rodeos and is excited to show her high-energy tricks at the Stampede.
“I am really looking forward to performing at Ponoka,” said Cammaert. “It is an incredible rodeo and host to the best cowboys and rodeo fans in Canada! I have enjoyed it in past years, what an effort the committee at Ponoka goes to. They are a really hard working committee that knows how to create a great event. They bring all the greatest talent in rodeo together to put on a spectacular show! The crowds consist of real rodeo fans that appreciate the entertainment we provide.
Cammaert grew up in Rokyford, Alberta and travels extensively throughout North America performing at various rodeos and enjoys what she does and the excitement that comes with it.
“What I enjoy most about trick riding is the speed, the horsemanship, and the athleticism,” she said. “When it all comes together it is so much fun!”
Cammaert has had the honor and privilege of performing for The Canadian Prime Minister, The President of Mexico and The President of the United States of America. In 2001, and again in 2004, Cammaert was selected to perform at The National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She is also a three time NFR performer, 10 time CFR performer, eight time Calgary Stampede performer and a five time Rodeo Houston performer.
“I think what people enjoy in my performances is the level of difficulty of not only the stunts but the trust that goes into my horse as well,” said Cammaert. “They are often in awe of the idea of dragging your head by the horses hooves as he runs full tilt around the arena! I think they can also see how much fun I have when I am riding and how much I absolutely love it!”
Cammaert has several stunt woman film appearances to her credit as well including Shanghai Noon, Rat Race, North of 60, Little House on the Prairie and Karroll’s Christmas to name a few.
Cammaert will also be bringing trick rider Vanessa Steinbach from Bassano, Alberta to accompany her in the performance.