The 2013 Ultimate Cowboy extravaganza is being expanded by one of the rodeo greats in the form of a three-day rodeo school.
Rod Hay is picking up where event organizer Scott Wyzykoski left off last year by hosting both advanced and beginner sessions for riders from British Columbia to Saskatchewan.
The school, which begins at 10 a.m. each morning, runs from Dec. 28 to 30. Dec. 28 will address the beginners while the last two sessions focus on more seasoned riders.
The evening of Dec. 30 also features a bucking horse futurity. “At the end of the school, it’s like a final exam to see how they do,” said Hay, referring to those who’ll partake in the more difficult schools.
The futurity will bring in 10 stock contractors, including the Calgary Stampede and Vern MacDonald. “They’re competing to see who has the best horses,” said Hay.
The evening also boasts $2,000 in prize money, $1,000 for top riders and another $1,000 to best stock.
Hay expects 16 beginners and 24 advanced rodeo youths.