Skip to content

Canadian Team Roping Qualifier makes Ponoka Stampede Week debut

The Canadian Team Roping Qualifiers were held in conjunction with the Ponoka Stampede for the first time this year, on June 28 and 29.
20392ponokaIMG_8023editWEB
The Canadian Team Roping Qualifier was held in conjunction with the Ponoka Stampede

The Canadian Team Roping Qualifiers were held in conjunction with the Ponoka Stampede for the first time this year, on June 28 and 29.

“It’s a qualifier for out finals in Calgary, Sept. 18 to 20,” said Marion Gallais, co-owner of Team Roping Canada.

The event categorized ropers into classes 7, 9, 11 and 13. Between the two ropers their individual skill grades could not add up past the class they were competing in.

“And we have a Super 10, and the winner of that will be roping in Calgary for $40,000,” said Gallais. She also said the qualifying team from the Super 10 would not have to pay its entry fee for Calgary.

In the 7 class, 48 teams gathered in Ponoka to compete and it is estimated approximately 200 team registered for the event. In this class, Gallais says the event will pay the first three paces but it always depends on the number of entrants as to who is paid, per class.

“Over the day . . . $12,000 to $15,000 we’ll pay out,” said Gallais.

The event is co-sponsored by Conterra Industries, which supplied area grooms. “And that’s for the high point header and heeler for these two days,” said Gallais.

Canadian Team Roping holds other events in Ponoka over the year and Gallais says they love coming to the community and the Calnash Ag Event Centre.