Hometown Ponoka brothers Keely and Logan Bonnett both won animal of the year selections at the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) year-end awards for 2022.
For the third year in a row, Keely’s Coys Smokin Jet (Cruz) won the team roping heeling horse of the year, while Logan’s gelding Tito Boon (Tito), won team roping heading horse of the year. That makes it the second time the Bonnett brothers’ talented duo won both awards the same year, the first being in 2019.
Ponoka cowgirl Shelby Spielman also had a top animal this year, with her 15-year-old mare, Fame N Red Hot or Hot Donna, selected as the ladies barrel racing horse with the most heart.
The mare, by Dash Ta Fame and out of a daughter of Docs Rocky Top, is owned and jockeyed by Spielman.
The Janet Vold Memorial Award commemorates the life and contributions of the late Janet Vold of Ponoka. Vold was the rodeo secretary for the Ponoka Stampede for over 20 years.
“Janet Vold enjoyed a rodeo secretary career that spanned three decades,” stated a recent release.
“A person who took the time to visit with each cowboy or cowgirl, Janet was respected greatly in the rodeo world with her larger than life love and knowledge of the sport.”
This year’s recipient was rodeo timer and secretary Karry Krystal.
The awards are decided by votes cast by the top 20 contestants in all major events and CPRA contract members. Event specific awards are voted on by top 20 in that event only.
All CPRA award winners will be recognized Nov. 1 at the CPRA Night of Champions in Red Deer.
The CFR’s premier event, the the Canadian Finals Rodeo, will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer from Nov. 2 to 6.