Organization: Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo

When the Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo gets underway Friday evening, spectators will see a familiar group of riders charge into the arena with sponsor flags flying and horses at full speed.

Local cowgirls will once again take the reins for their traditional grand entry, performing choreographed moves on horseback while flying the flags of event sponsors to kick off each day of pro rodeo action from Aug. 14 to 16.

This year, the riders are adding another routine, returning during intermission each day for a second choreography and another chance to fly the sponsor flags.

“It’s great to just put it out there for all the new businesses and even just getting everyone involved in the rodeo,” says Brynn Grose, who organizes the team alongside Gray Bennett. “Being such a small town, it’s worth getting everyone recognized.”

Bennett is teaching from the ground this year while Grose remains in the saddle.

This year’s team consists of Brynn Grose, Delainy Grose, Emily Neufeld, Naoise Gelber, Kate Bennett, Ava Jessen, Ava Prout, Reata Herr, Bella Mackenzie, Faith Edwards and Romel Herr, who will once again carry the Canadian flag.

The grand entry routine features the riders moving through the arena in formation carrying sponsor flags, followed by individual sponsor recognition laps. The new intermission routine adds a second pattern and another set of flags.

The routines are set to music, with choreographed moves including circles, crossovers and other patterns. Different songs are planned for each of the six performances, with the music selections being kept under wraps until showtime.

While some elements carry over from last year, Grose says the team has incorporated new ones. The routines are meant to be an exciting spectacle but the team avoids overdoing it, as safety is a major consideration when working with horses and flags at such high speeds.

“Flags can definitely be quite a dangerous part of the rodeo,” she says. “As much as it can look fancy, we try to keep it simple.”

Putting the routines together takes considerable preparation, with Grose and Bennett starting to plan the following year’s performance only a few months after the previous rodeo wraps up.

Grose says the process includes arranging clothing and making sure every rider has what they need. This is no small task when it means finding matching shirts and jeans for the whole group.

The first practice for this year’s rodeo was held June 22, giving riders time to work through the routines and giving those with newer horses a chance to prepare their mounts for performing in front of a large crowd.

The group has continued practising in the weeks since, with extra sessions planned in the final days leading up to the rodeo.

That preparation extends beyond the organized practices, Grose says, with many riders spending considerable time working with their horses on their own to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the pace of the routines.

“I know a couple of the girls, including myself, put a lot of work into their horses outside of the grand entry itself,” Grose says. “It’s definitely not a place you can throw a brand new colt into.”

The riders’ responsibilities extend beyond their performances. They keep the action moving by assisting with livestock following roping events and filling in divots in the arena during barrel racing.

Lynn Lievers, who co-chairs the Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo organizing committee, says the local cowgirls have become an important part of the rodeo, through both their performances and the work they do across the weekend.

“It just kind of sets the tone for the rodeo, and it just kind of gets the crowd really ready,” she says. “I think that it just [gives] an added boost to our rodeo.”

“We are all volunteers, including those girls, and they put in a lot, so I hope that people appreciate everything that they’re bringing forward,” Lievers says.

For Grose, who began riding in flag routines at about 13 years old, performing for her hometown crowd has become a significant part of her personal rodeo experience.

“It’s just so fun to have all your family come and watch you in the rodeo,” she says. “It’s definitely a point where you get to have your own time to shine in the arena and show what you’ve been working on.”