The Ponoka Stampede grounds were full of high school rodeo athletes looking to up their points last weekend.
Hosted by the Battle River High School Rodeo Association (BRHSRA), this event brought rodeo athletes from around Alberta hoping to improve their rankings in the Alberta High School Rodeo standings.
President Clay Guthrie was pleased with the turnout, offering that his goal was to run a smooth rodeo. “It’s a huge honour. Everybody wants to come out and play in the big arena.”
He added the BRHSRA has been in operation for many years and it’s thanks to past members for ensuring a strong foundation. “We’ve got a very successful club and I’m pretty proud of it.”
Guthrie said many of the members are doing well in the overall standings.
There are a few more rodeos coming up for competitors before the winter hits, explained Guthrie, and when the weather warms up it will be back to rodeo.
Past-president Emily Massing said she was pleased with the turnout. Many of the rodeo athletes are preparing for the Alberta High School Rodeo finals in June. If things go well for those athletes they will head to nationals in July.
She said there are approximately 15 young rodeo athletes who are part of the BRHSRA and the support is strong.
Along with parents support there is a strong corporate sponsorship, she added.
This was Guthrie’s first time back to rodeo as he just healed up from a recent injury but he was pleased to see strong competition among the athletes.
Guthrie also won second in the steer wrestling average over the weekend and Kash Bonnett, who is also a member of the BRHSRA, won the high point. Macy Auclair won the buckle in breakaway roping.
