There were plenty of events packed into Ponoka's Stampede Week at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.
"There was always something going on!" said Aneta Jones, the centre's general manager.
"We had the cow horse show at the beginning of the week, and then of course we had the Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association's Canada's Greatest Horseman - that was (essentially) three shows in one."
For working dog enthusiasts, there was also a new event this year - the Ponoka Ag Society’s That’ll Do Rodear which ran June 25 and 26.
'Rodear' is a Spanish word meaning 'to surround', and it's a sport that teams up cow dogs with a horse and rider.
"This is the first time we have brought this event here," said Jones.
The event was timed and scored, testing the skill of a dog, horse and rider to manoeuvre a small group of cattle through a series of obstacles in a race against the clock.
The trial featured two classes: the Horseback Open and the Horseback Intermediate.
Each had two runs, and the top per cent of each class returned for the finals.
"There is so much talent and precision that goes into it - it's amazing to watch," said Jones.
"People love watching the dogs. Anyone that came and watched was just amazed at how skilled they are."
Meanwhile, as mentioned, part of the Summer Spectacular is the Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association's (ARCHA) Canada’s Greatest Horseman which ran from June 27 to July 1.
Canada’s Greatest Horseman and Horsewoman and the Summer Spectacular have become key events for both the Ponoka Stampede and the ARCHA, organizers say.
The competitions were also free to attend and provided plenty of entertainment for the many Stampede fans throughout the week.
Canada's Greatest Horseman is described as a showcase for the top horsemen and the top equine athletes in Canada who compete in four events: cutting, reigning, steer stopping and fence work.
This year's Canada's Greatest Horsemen Champion title went to John Swales, who hails from Millarville, AB.
No stranger to landing armloads of accolades, Swales has also been named World's Greatest Horseman twice.
This year's Canada's Greatest Horseman Reserve Champion was Swales' brother Clint Swales, and the Canada's Greatest Horsewoman Champion title went to Randi McCook with the Reserve Champion in that category being Karnell Perry.
Other winners included Canada's Greatest Non-Pro Champion Jonathan Morrison, with the Non-Pro Reserve Champion title going to Randi McCook.
Overall, Jones said folks can sense the building excitement and momentum at the Calnash Ag Event Centre as Stampede Week unfolds.
"There is definitely quite an energy - it's exciting," she said.
"You see some of the top talent, and it's inspiring. It's great to watch. Even if you know little about horses, you would be equally excited to watch it all as if you were a professional. It caters to all levels of spectators," she added.
Stampede Week also presented an excellent opportunity to highlight other features of the Calnash Ag Event Centre, including the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, she said.
"We have that history - all of the cowboys who have come before. Their accomplishments are incredible," she said.
"That is what this centre is all about - keeping our western heritage alive, and giving people a place to participate in equine sport."
