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Tag: Bradi Whiteside

Bradi Whiteside, wearing light blue shirt, jeans and a light-coloured cowboy hat over long blonde hair, rides her horse around a barrel.

Strong showing by SW Alberta rodeo athletes at CFR

The lights are down on the 49th edition of Canadian Finals Rodeo and southwestern Alberta can boast an excellent showing by local cowboy K’s Thomson of Lundbreck, Bradi Whiteside of Longview, Shaya Biever of Claresholm, Ty Taypotat on Nanton and others from southwestern Alberta.

K’s Thomson – saddle bronc

He saved the best for last. After a roller-coaster day at CFR on Saturday, where he scored his best and worst times of the first five rounds, K’s Thomson rode Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight to a third-place finish in the final round this afternoon.

The 86.25-point ride was worth $4,548.28, which, along with $7,181.50 earned in the first five rounds and $3,231.67 aggregate earnings, brings Thomson’s season total to $31,827.56.

He heads home to Lundbreck with just shy of $15,000 in his pocket and finishes the season in ninth place.

Round 1

Fourth with 84.25 points on Big Stone’s Second Thoughts – $2,154.45

11th in total season earnings with $19,020.45

Round 2

Three-way tie for third with 84.75 points on Calgary Stampede’s Special Delivery – $1,915.17

Third in the aggregate with 169 points

11th in total season earnings with $20,935.62

Round 3

Fifth with 84.75 points on Big Stone Rodeo’s Xena Warrior – $957.53

Third in the aggregate with 253.75 points

10th in total season earnings with $21,893.16

Round 4

Fourth with 86 points on Big Stone Rodeo’s Give or Take – $2,154.45

Second in the aggregate with 339.75 points

10th in total season earnings with $24,047.61

Round 5

12th with 78.25 points on Outlaw Buckers’ Comeback Red

Fifth in the aggregate with 418 points

10th in total season earnings with $24,047.61

Round 6

Third with 86.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight

Fourth in the aggregate with 504.25 points in six rides

Ninth in total season earnings with $31,827.56

About K’s

The 24-year-old from Lundbreck turned pro in 2021 and is participating in his third CFR – novice saddle bronc in 2019 and saddle bronc in 2021 and 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $16,966.11 and 11th place in the standings. K’s has recovered from a hip injury and tied for second at his hometown rodeo in Pincher Creek this year.

Outside of pro rodeo, he is a rancher and horse trainer with a special interest in training dogs. His parents, Kirk and Shandel, are former CFR competitors in saddle bronc and barrel racing. Uncles Kyle and Cody Thomson are also former bronc riders.

 

Acorn earrings by Holly Yashi on ad for Blackburn Jewellers in Pincher Creek

 

Bradi Whiteside – ladies barrels and breakaway roping

Not only is Bradi Whiteside going home with winnings of about $18,000 in barrel racing and $7,200 in breakaway roping, she earned the title of All-Around Women’s Champion.

Bradi’s fifth-place rank in breakaway is unchanged after CFR but she moved up from seventh to six in barrels.

Her second-place in the average for barrels accounts for $10,400 of her prize money.

Round 1 – Barrels

Fourth with 13.88 seconds – $2,154.45

Seventh in total season earnings with $21,396.45

Round 2 – Barrels

Third with 13.98 seconds – $4,548.28

Second in the aggregate with 27.86 seconds in two runs

Seventh in total season earnings with $25,944.98

Round 3 – Barrels

Ninth with 14.29 seconds

Fourth in the aggregate with 42.15 seconds in three runs

Eighth in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 4 – Barrels

Sixth with 13.87 seconds

Third in the aggregate with 56.02 seconds in five runs

Eighth in total season earnings with $25,944.98

Round 5 – Barrels

Sixth with 13.92 seconds

Third in the aggregate with 69.94 seconds in five runs

Eighth in total season earnings with $25,944.98

Round 6 – Barrels

Fifth with 13.9 seconds – $957.53

Second in the aggregate with 83.84 seconds in five runs – $10,413.17

Sixth in total season earnings $37,315.68

Round 1 – Breakaway

Third with 2.3 seconds – $3,377.80

Fifth in total season earnings with $17,494.75

Round 2 – Breakaway

No time

Tied for ninth in the aggregate with 2.3 seconds in one 1

Fifth in total season earnings with $17,494.75

Round 3 – Breakaway

Tied for second with 2.0 seconds – $3,800.03

Seventh in the aggregate with 4.3 seconds in two runs

Fifth in total season earnings with $21,294.78

About Bradi

The 21-year-old Longview cowgirl turned pro in 2017 and is participating in her fifth CFR. This includes qualifying for breakaway roping in 2022 and 2023, and in ladies barrel racing from 2021 to 2023.

Bradi qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $14,116 and sixth place in the breakaway roping standings, and $19,242 for seventh in barrels. A highlight of her year was qualifying for the Calgary Stampede in both of her events.

Outside of pro rodeo, Bradi keeps busy as a horse trainer.

Her sister, Kylie Whiteside, is a CFR ’49 competitor in breakaway roping and, like Bradi, is a barrel racer. Their dad, Travis Whiteside was the 1997 Canadian bareback champion.

 

Santa floating in a round tube in the an ad for family passes to the Pincher Creek swimming pool

 

Shaya Biever – breakaway roping

Shaya’s first-place aggregate winnings propelled her to highest total earnings in breakaway roping and the champion’s saddle for 2023.

Coming to CFR ranked fifth in her event,  Shaya is going home in top spot and about $9,000 richer.

Round 1 – Breakaway

Fifth with 2.5 seconds – $1,688.90

Fifth in total season earnings with $20,199.73

Round 2 – Breakaway

Tied for first with 2.3 seconds – $4,644.48

First in the aggregate with 4.8 seconds in two runs

Second in total season earnings with $24,844.21

Round 3 – Breakaway

Seventh with 2.8 seconds

First in the aggregate with 7.6 seconds in three runs – $7,599.90

First in total season earnings with $32,444.11

About Shaya

The 23-year-old Claresholm cowgirl turned pro in 2022 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is her second (2022 and 2023).

Shaya qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $18,510.83 and third place in the breakaway roping standings. Highlights of her year include winning rides at the SMS Equipment Pro Tour Finals, Teepee Creek Rodeo and Wainwright Rodeo.

Outside of pro rodeo, Shaya works as a horse trainer with an interest in horse rehabilitation.

Her brother, Logan Biever, is a champion bull rider.

 

White car surrounded by auto parts on Pincher Creek Bumper to Bumper ad

 

Ty Taypotat – bareback

With an 87.25-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Fresh Check, Ty Taypotat won Round 4 of bareback riding on Saturday afternoon and had strong scores in all but his fifth-round ride.

Taypotat came into CFR ranked fourth and went out in the same position, with $55,723.23 winnings for the year. 

His round earnings in Red Deer totalled $23,938,33 with an additional $3,231.67 earned for placing fourth in the aggregate.

Round 1

Fifth with 83 points on Calgary Stampede’s Zulu Warrior– $957.53

Fourth in total season earnings with $29,510.53

Round 2

Third with 83.5 points on Duane Kesler Rodeo’s Payday – $4,548.28

Fourth in the aggregate with 166.5 points

Fourth in total season earnings with $34,059.04

Round 3

Second with 87.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party – $6,9548.28

Tied for third in the aggregate with 253.75 points

Fifth in total season earnings with $41,001.16

Round 4

First with 87.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Fresh Check – $9,335.95

Second in the aggregate with 341 points

Fourth in total season earnings with $50,528.77

Round 5

Seventh with 72.5 points on Big Stone Rodeo’s Mayhem

Fourth in the aggregate with 413.5 points

Fourth in total season earnings with $50,528.77

Round 6

Fourth with 85 points on Calgary Stampede’s Yippee Kibbitz – $2,154.45

Fourth in the aggregate with 498.50 points – $3,231.67

Fourth in total season earnings with $55,723.23

About Ty

The 31-year-old from Nanton turned pro in 2011 and is participating in his 11th CFR – 2011, 2012, 2014 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023.

Ty qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $28,553.23 and fourth place in the standings. The highlight of his year was getting married.

Outside of pro rodeo, you can find Ty flipping houses with his wife and fixing up the old Cummins.

 

 

 

Logan Bird – tie-down roping

Coming into CFR ranked second in tie-down roping, Logan Bird’s highest finish in six rounds was fourth place. He earned $3,111.98 in the go rounds and another $6,822.42 for third in the aggregate. 

While he dropped from second to fifth for total season earnings, he’s taking home nearly $10,000 for his efforts in Red Deer.

Round 1

Fourth with 9.5 seconds – $2,154.45

Second in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 2

Eighth with 10.5 seconds

Fifth in the aggregate with 20 seconds for two calves

Second in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 3

Seventh with 13 seconds

Fourth in the aggregate with 33 seconds for three calves

Third in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 4

10th with 13.2 seconds

Fourth in the aggregate with 46.2 seconds for four calves

Fourth in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 5

Seventh with 10.5 seconds

Third in the aggregate with 56.7 seconds for five calves

Fifth in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 6

Fifth with 9.2 seconds – $957.53

Third in the aggregate with 65.9 seconds for six calves – $6,822.42

Fifth in total season earnings with $44,555.40

About Logan

The 29-year-old from Nanton turned pro in 2013 and is participating in his eighth CFR – 2013, 2016 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $34,621 and second place in the standings. Logan won the Falkland, High River and Cranbrook rodeos this year.

Outside of pro rodeo, he is a horse trainer and a big sports fan. His sister, Lakota Bird, is a CFR contestant in breakaway roping.

 

White car surrounded by auto parts on Pincher Creek Bumper to Bumper ad

 

Lakota Bird – breakaway roping

Coming into Canadian Finals Rodeo ranked 10th in breakaway roping, Lakota Bird improved her standing to seventh with over $8,000 in go-round and aggregate winnings. She finishes the year with $19,742.41.

Round 1 – Breakaway

Fourth with 2.4 seconds – $2,533.35

Eighth in total season earnings with $14,253.56

Round 2 – Breakaway

10th with 4.4 seconds 

Seventh in the aggregate with 6.8 seconds in two runs

11th in total season earnings with $14,253.56

Round 3 – Breakaway

Fifth with 2.2 seconds – $1,688.90

Fourth in the aggregate with 9.0 seconds in three runs –$3,799.95

Seventh in total season earnings with $19,742.41

About Lakota

The 27-year-old Nanton cowgirl turned pro in 2019 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is her third (2021 to 2023). 

Lakota qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $11,720. and 10th place in the breakaway roping standings. The highlight of her year so far was splitting first at the Rocky Pro Rodeo.

Outside of the arena, Lakota works in accounting at the Cowboy Country Western Store.

Her sister, Logan Bird, is also at CFR ’49 in the tie-down roping event.

 

Cloud of smoke over the logo for Pincher Creek Vape Shop advertising the store

 

Kylie Whiteside – breakaway roping

Kylie Whiteside of Longview improved her ranking from 11th to ninth with a lone round win and fifth in the aggregate. 

Round 1 – Breakaway

Tied for sixth with 2.9 seconds 

11th in total season earnings with $12,138.83

Round 2 – Breakaway

Third with 2.5 seconds – $3,377.80

Third in the aggregate with 5.4 seconds in two runs

Ninth in total season earnings with $15,516.63

Round 3 – Breakaway

Ninth with 11.7 seconds

Fifth in the aggregate with 17.1 seconds in three runs – $2,533.30

Ninth in total season earnings with $18,049.93

About Kylie

The 23-year-old Longview cowgirl turned pro in 2016 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is her second. This includes qualifying for ladies barrel racing in 2018 and 2022, and in breakaway roping from 2021 to 2023.

Kylie qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $12,138.83 and ninth place in the breakaway roping standings. Highlights of her year include winning the Sundre rodeo and making the short-round at Wainwright.

Outside of pro rodeo, Kylie is an equine dentist and horse trainer.

Her sister, Bradi Whiteside, is a CFR ’49 competitor in breakaway roping and barrel racing. Their dad, Travis Whiteside was the 1997 Canadian bareback champion.

 

 

Hayden MacKay – junior steer riding

A solid final ride meant Hayden MacKay didn’t leave Canadian Finals Rodeo with empty pockets. His score of 79.5 was the top ride in the fourth and final round of junior steer riding, earning him $850 and bumping him to fifth spot for overall earnings.

Round 1

Bucked off

Round 2

Sixth with 66 points

Sixth in total season earnings with $4511.69

Round 3

SLAP

Sixth in total season earnings with $4511.69

Round 4

First with 79.5 – $850

Fifth in total season earnings with $5,361.69

About Hayden

Fifteen-year-old Hayden turned pro in 2022 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is his first.

The Nanton teen qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $4,511.69 and sixth place in junior steer riding. Hayden won the Pincher Creek and Raymond rodeos along with the Koye Larsen Memorial. A highlight was two go-round wins at the Calgary Stampede, with a score of 80 in the second round.

This young cowboy enjoys riding and running, and can be found getting ready for the next event.

Hayden’s dad, Ian MacKay, and grandpa Stuart Derochie were bull riders, while his mom, Layne Derochie, and sister Luxxin MacKay are barrel racers.

 

Shelves of bottled liquor in an ad for Town & Country Liquor Store in Pincher Creek

 

Jenna Dallyn – breakaway roping

Unable to break into the top five, Jenna Dallyn leaves CFR ’49 with no winnings and a drop from second overall to sixth for the year.

Round 1 – Breakaway

Tied for sixth with 2.9 seconds 

Second in total season earnings with $20,314.18

Round 2 – Breakaway

Seventh with 3.2 seconds

Fourth in the aggregate with 6.1 seconds in two runs

Fourth in total season earnings with $20,314.18

Round 3 – Breakaway

No Time

Ninth in the aggregate with 6.1 seconds in two runs

Sixth in total season earnings with $20,314.18

About Jenna

Twenty-five-year-old Jenna Dallyn of Nanton turned pro in 2021 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is her third (2021 to 2023).

She qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $20,314.18 and second place in the breakaway roping standings. Highlights of her year include winning co-champion at the Rimbey Rodeo and making the semi-finals at Cheyanne Frontier Days.

Outside of pro rodeo, Jenna works as an accountant and has a special interest in training horses.

Her dad, Rocky Dallyn, is a four-time Canadian champion heeler, while cousin Grady Quam is a two-time CFR qualifying header and uncle Jeff Quam is a multiple CFR heeling qualifier.

 

Cloud of smoke over the logo for Pincher Creek Vape Shop advertising online ordering

 

Pascal Isabelle – bareback

Pascal Isabelle drew out after the second round of Canadian Finals Rodeo. He finishes the season with total earnings of $20,250.94 and dropped from ninth to 11th place for total earnings when all was said and done at CFR.

Round 1

11th with 77.75 on Vold’s Mucho Dinero

Ninth in total season earnings with $20,250.94

Round 2

Ninth with 78.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Shadow Ride

10th in total season earnings with $20,250.94

Rounds 3, 4, 5, 6 – DR

11th in total season earnings with $20,250.94

About Pascal

Pascal hails from Montreal but calls Nanton home. The 31-year-old turned pro in 2015 and is participating in his fourth CFR – 2016 and 2021 to 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $20,250.94 and 11th place in the standings. Pascal was champion of Medicine Hat’s indoor and outdoor rodeos, won the long round at Salinas Rodeo, and qualified for the NFR Open and Cloverdale short round.

Outside of pro rodeo, Pascal is an entrepreneur who loves connecting with nature and sports like skiing, swimming, hiking, biking and climbing.

His girlfriend Rachelle Riggers and his brother Eric Isabelle are also rodeo athletes.

 

Brightly coloured floaties in an advertisement for pool parties at the Pincher Creek pool

 


 

Canadian Rodeo Champions crowned at CFR

Congratulations to the 2023 Canadian Champions!

Lynette Brodoway – Barrel Racing

Clint Laye – Bareback

Scott Guenthner – Steer Wrestling

Team Roping – Brady Tryan and Calgary Smith

Saddle Bronc – Zeke Thurston

Tie-down Roping – Haven Meged

Bull Riding – Edgar Duzao

Breakaway Roping – Shaya Biever

Steer Riding – Hayden Mulvey

Novice Bareback – Chase Siemens

Novice Saddle Bronc – Jaret Cooper

All-Around Cowboy – Logan Spady

All-Around Cowgirl – Brandi Whiteside

 

Go to rodeocanada.com for Canadian Finals Rodeo results. 

 

 

Cowboys Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler rope a brown calf.

Third round of CFR boasts record-setting performances

Southwestern Alberta’s rodeo athletes continue to show well at the halfway point of this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer.

Round-3 summary for all events can be found below the featured cowboys.

K’s Thomson – saddle bronc

An 84.75-point ride by K’s Thomson on Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior, landed him fifth in Round 3, behind Zeke Thurston, Logan Hay, Lucas Macza and Layton Green. After a clean round on Thursday, five saddle-bronc riders hit the dirt Friday night.

The Lundbreck cowboy sits third in the CFR aggregate, and 10th in total earnings for the year with $21,893.16.

Round 1

Fourth with 84.25 points on Big Stone’s Second Thoughts – $2,154.45

11th in total season earnings with $19,020.45

Round 2

Three-way tie for third with 84.75 points on Calgary Stampede’s Special Delivery – $1,915.17

Third in the aggregate with 169 points

11th in total season earnings with $20,935.62

Round 3

Fifth with 84.75 points on Outlaw Buckers’ Comeback Red – $957.53

Third in the aggregate with 253.75 points

10th in total season earnings with $21,893.16

About K’s

The 24-year-old from Lundbreck turned pro in 2021 and is participating in his third CFR – novice saddle bronc in 2019 and saddle bronc in 2021 and 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $16,966.11 and 11th place in the standings. K’s has recovered from a hip injury and tied for second at his hometown rodeo in Pincher Creek this year.

Outside of pro rodeo, he is a rancher and horse trainer with a special interest in training dogs. His parents, Kirk and Shandel, are former CFR competitors in saddle bronc and barrel racing. Uncles Kyle and Cody Thomson are also former bronc riders.

 

 

Logan Bird – tie-down roping

A time of 13.0 seconds kept Logan Bird out of the money for the second day in a row at CFR, but he remains fourth in the aggregate for tie-down roping.

Round 1

Fourth with 9.5 seconds – $2,154.45

Second in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 2

Eighth with 10.5 seconds

Fifth in the aggregate with 20 seconds for two calves

Second in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 3

Seventh with 13 seconds

Fourth in the aggregate with 33 seconds for three calves

Third in total season earnings with $36,775.45

About Logan

The 29-year-old from Nanton turned pro in 2013 and is participating in his eighth CFR – 2013, 2016 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $34,621 and second place in the standings. Logan won the Falkland, High River and Cranbrook rodeos this year.

Outside of pro rodeo, he is a horse trainer and a big sports fan. His sister, Lakota Bird, is a CFR contestant in breakaway roping.

 

Young girl in multi-coloured jacket and bright pink helmet and ski pants, grins broadly while skating with arms outstretched.

 

Ty Taypotat – bareback

An 87.25-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party was good enough for Ty Taypotat to take second place in the third round of CFR action on Friday night.

He is tied with Orin Larsen for third in the aggregate.

Round 1

Fifth with 83 points on Calgary Stampede’s Zulu Warrior– $957.53

Fourth in total season earnings with $29,510.53

Round 2

Third with 83.5 points on Duane Kesler Rodeo’s Payday – $4,548.28

Fourth in the aggregate with 166.5 points

Fourth in total season earnings with $34,059.04

Round 3

Second with 87.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party – $6,9548.28

Tied for third in the aggregate with 253.75 points

Fifth in total season earnings with $41,001.16

About Ty

The 31-year-old from Nanton turned pro in 2011 and is participating in his 11th CFR – 2011, 2012, 2014 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023.

Ty qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $28,553.23 and fourth place in the standings. The highlight of his year was getting married.

Outside of pro rodeo, you can find Ty flipping houses with his wife and fixing up the old Cummins.

 

 

Pascal Isabelle – bareback

Pascal Isabelle drew after the second round of Canadian Finals Rodeo. He finishes the season with total earnings of $20,250.94 and is 10th in the standings as of now.

Round 1

11th with 77.75 on Vold’s Mucho Dinero

Ninth in total season earnings with $20,250.94

Round 2

Ninth with 78.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Shadow Ride

10th in total season earnings with $20,250.94

Round 3 – DR

10th in total season earnings with $20,250.94

About Pascal

Pascal hails from Montreal but calls Nanton home. The 31-year-old turned pro in 2015 and is participating in his fourth CFR – 2016 and 2021 to 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $20,250.94 and 11th place in the standings. Pascal was champion of Medicine Hat’s indoor and outdoor rodeos, won the long round at Salinas Rodeo, and qualified for the NFR Open and Cloverdale short round.

Outside of pro rodeo, Pascal is an entrepreneur who loves connecting with nature and sports like skiing, swimming, hiking, biking and climbing.

His girlfriend Rachelle Riggers and his brother Eric Isabelle are also rodeo athletes.

 

Christmas is too sparkly, said no one, ever, brooch on sparkly silver background of ad for Blackburn Jewellers in Pincher Creek

 

Bradi Whiteside – ladies barrels and breakaway roping

With a run time of 14.29 seconds, a ninth-place finish Friday left Bradi out of the money in Round 3 and she dropped from second to fourth in the aggregate.

Round 1 – Barrels

Fourth with 13.88 seconds – $2,154.45

Seventh in total season earnings with $21,396.45

Round 2 – Barrels

Third with 13.98 seconds – $4,548.28

Second in the aggregate with 27.86 seconds in two runs

Seventh in total season earnings with $25,944.98

Round 3 – Barrels

Ninth with 14.29 seconds

Fourth in the aggregate with 42.15 seconds in three runs

Eighth in total season earnings with $36,775.45

About Bradi

The 21-year-old Longview cowgirl turned pro in 2017 and is participating in her fifth CFR. This includes qualifying for breakaway roping in 2022 and 2023, and in ladies barrel racing from 2021 to 2023.

Bradi qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $14,116 and sixth place in the breakaway roping standings, and $19,242 for seventh in barrels. A highlight of her year was qualifying for the Calgary Stampede in both of her events.

Outside of pro rodeo, Bradi keeps busy as a horse trainer.

Her sister, Kylie Whiteside, is a CFR ’49 competitor in breakaway roping and, like Bradi, is a barrel racer. Their dad, Travis Whiteside was the 1997 Canadian bareback champion.

 

 

Hayden MacKay – junior steer riding

The steers have been getting the better of Hayden MacKay as he has only one scoring ride after three rounds of junior steer riding at CFR.

After being bucked off Wednesday, Hayden MacKay of Nanton scored 66 points in his second-round ride the next night. With a slap in Round 3, he sits last among the group of six.

Round 1

Bucked off

Round 2

66 points

Sixth in total season earnings with $4511.69

Round 3

SLAP

Sixth in total season earnings with $4511.69

About Hayden

Fifteen-year-old Hayden turned pro in 2022 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is his first.

The Nanton teen qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $4,511.69 and sixth place in junior steer riding. Hayden won the Pincher Creek and Raymond rodeos along with the Koye Larsen Memorial. A highlight was two go-round wins at the Calgary Stampede, with a score of 80 in the second round.

This young cowboy enjoys riding and running, and can be found getting ready for the next event.

Hayden’s dad, Ian MacKay, and grandpa Stuart Derochie were bull riders, while his mom, Layne Derochie, and sister Luxxin MacKay are barrel racers.

 


 

Water Heaters with red & green Christmas bow on ad for water heater specials at Chief Mountain Gas Co-op in Pincher Creek

 

Record-setting performances on CFR night 3

Canadian Finals Rodeo Round 3 Summary
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

It was the greatest night of team roping in the history of the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The progression was this: one-tenth of a second off the record followed by ‘equals the record’ followed by two teams ‘breaking the record’.

The old mark of 3.7 seconds was first equalled by Tee McLeod and Brady Chappel, then quickly eclipsed by Brady Tryan and Calgary Smith, then Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler – clocking a pair of 3.5’s

NFR header Rhen Richard weighed in on the night’s success story.

“The average pays good here but it doesn’t pay good enough to not win in the rounds. I’m not saying I was backed in there trying to be 3.5 but I was going to take my first available shot. I got a really good start tonight for the first time … the steer was really good and made up fast. And that was kind of what made it work.”

While he was undeniably excited about the round win, World and Canadian Champion, Jeremy Buhler was clear.

“For me, I try to stay level either way. It’s dang sure a confidence boost to know that what you’ve been working on is the right thing. It’s honestly almost more of a relief after the last month when you’ve been working hard and paying attention to the process. To show up and execute validates your process and helps you have more confidence that your process is working.”

Oregon header and first-time CFR heeling qualifier Calgary Smith grinned.

“I’ve never been a three until tonight so I was excited. My whole family is here, even my grandma. And some of my high school buddies who came up for a couple of days to see me rope.”

“I made CFR five years ago,” Brady Tryan added. “I wanted to be here and have a chance to win this. I was 3.5 one other time, over a decade ago at the NFR. Anytime you’re a three, when you look at the clock, you’re shocked and you’re excited.”

Tonight’s effort, when added to a second place in Round 1 and a share of second in Round 2, have Tryan and Smith first overall with $49,482 and sitting second in the average.

Saskatchewan ropers Tee McLeod and Brady Chappel are only a couple of hundred dollars behind but lead the average, while Richard and Buhler are in fourth spot with $36,622 and third in the average.

Season leaders and defending Champions Dawson and Dillon Graham, who posted a no-time in Round 3, sit third but are out of the average at this point.

 

Clint Laye, a cowboy in dark hat and shirt, rides bareback

Clint Laye took the bareback win in Round 3 on Wayne Vold’s 73 True Grit.

 

 

Bareback rider Clint Laye earned his second straight CFR ’49 round win in spectacular style, with an impressive 88.75 ride on Wayne Vold’s 73 True Grit, a horse he’s long admired but never competed on.

“She’s been around a long time,” Laye observed. “Since about the time I started — and I’ve never gotten her. We’ve been in the same pen together, my travelling partners have had her, I’ve helped guys get on her but I’ve never drawn her. Everything I’ve ever heard about her is true. I’ve watched her so many times I kind of felt like I knew what to expect.”

With $60,852 in earnings, Laye leads his event and the average heading into Round 4.

But four Canadians, 2019 champ Orin Larsen, season leader Kody Lamb, travelling partner Dantan Bertsch and defending titlist Ty Taypotat sit within striking distance of the top spot with three performances to go.

On a night when hometown hero, Ashton Sahli thrilled the Red Deer faithful with an 88.5-point round-winning ride on the Vold bull, Wolf Bait, the race for the Canadian title continued to tighten.

Season leader Coy Robbins has gone zero for three as the Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo bull, 715 American Hats Chester, bucked off the Camrose cowboy and allowed those in pursuit to draw still closer.

2019 Champion Edgar Durazo is a man on the move as his fourth-place finish in Friday’s third round of competition keeps him on top in the aggregate race with its substantial payout, and pulls the Mexican-Canadian to within $5,300 of Robbins with Canadian champions Jared Parsonage and Jordan Hansen still within striking distance, and Sahli a slightly longer shot in fifth place.

 

 

After stunning an opening night Centrium crowd with a rare buckoff, only his second of the entire season, three-time Canadian and World Champion bronc rider Zeke Thurston is back in his customary spot at the top of the standings after the second of back-to-back wins, this one an 88.75 point effort on the back of the Calgary Stampede bronc, Y-38 Yesterday’s Delivery.

While the Big Valley superstar remains on the outside of an average payoff, he has a commanding $16,000 lead over second-place cowboy, Ben Andersen who was bucked off another Stampede bronc, T-77 Tokyo Bubbles Friday night.

Meanwhile Logan Hay continues to keep Thurston in his sights as he is now three for three and first in the lucrative average after his second-place 88.5-point ride on Calgary’s E-54 Exotic Warrior.

2019 World Champion tie-down roper, Haven Meged, took another step toward winning his first Canadian title as his 8.3-second run bested the field of 12 ropers, moved him to second spot in the average and kept him at the top of the standings.

Several ropers remain very much in the hunt for the elusive roping title that Meged narrowly missed in 2019, the same year he won the World Crown.

 

 

Six-time Canadian champion Cody Cassidy continued his climb up the steer wrestling leaderboard with an impressive 3.6-second winning run Friday to take over first place in the average and move to within $13,000 of leader and three-time titlist, Scott Guenthner, who broke a barrier on Friday night to drop back to third place in the average.

Veteran barrel racer and season leader, Lynette Brodoway remains in first place in the race for the champion’s buckle but it was the Texan, Carlee Rae Otero, who won the third round as she blistered a 13.53-second run on a five-year-old horse, KL Touch of Heaven (Dove).

Otero is fourth overall as rookie Blake Molle remains first in the average and trails Brodoway by just over $17,000.

Both Novice events wrapped up after three rounds of action that saw Jaret Cooper earn the Novice Bareback title and Chase Siemens take home the Novice Saddle Bronc award.

Brooks steer rider Hayden Mulvey marked 80 points for his second-straight round win and Rodeo Royalty played a big part in tonight’s performance when Miss Ponoka Stampede, Kaylee Shantz, was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada.

Go to rodeocanada.com for Canadian Finals Rodeo results. Check out www.cfrreddeer.ca/ for additional event details.

Nov. 4 is a big day with a matinee performance at noon and a 6 p.m. evening round.  If you cannot attend the event in person, sign up to follow the action on The Cowboy Channel.

 

 

Dairy Queen menu items – chocolate-dipped cone, chicken fingers and fries, blizzard, deluxe stackburger, pink orange julius and hot fudge sundae, on an ad for Pincher Creek DQ location

 

K's Thomson, cowboy in red shirt, dark vest and hat, and fringed chaps, rides saddle bronc at CFR.

Thomson third in the average after two rounds at CFR

Keep your eye on K’s Thomson! Heading into Round 3 of Canadian Finals Rodeo tonight, the local saddle bronc rider holds third place.

K’s Thomson – saddle bronc

Lundbreck cowboy K’s Thomson tied for third Thursday, with an 84.75-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Special Delivery.

Zeke Thurston’s 87.50 proved to be the best mark among the 12 riders in Round 2, while 85.5 put Leon Fountain in second. Thomson shared third spot with Logan Hay, Lucas Macza and Layton Green.

Round 1

Fourth with 84.25 points on Big Stone’s Second Thoughts – $2,154.45

11th in total season earnings with $19,020.45

Round 2

Three-way tie for third with 84.75 points on Calgary Stampede’s Special Delivery – $1,915.17

Third in the aggregate with 169 points

11th in total season earnings with $20,935.62

About K’s

The 24-year-old from Lundbreck turned pro in 2021 and is participating in his third CFR – novice saddle bronc in 2019 and saddle bronc in 2021 and 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $16,966.11 and 11th place in the standings. K’s has recovered from a hip injury and tied for second at his hometown rodeo in Pincher Creek this year.

Outside of pro rodeo, he is a rancher and horse trainer with a special interest in training dogs. His parents, Kirk and Shandel, are former CFR competitors in saddle bronc and barrel racing. Uncles Kyle and Cody Thomson are also former bronc riders.

 

K's Thomson, cowboy in red shirt, dark vest and hat, and fringed chaps, rides saddle bronc at CFR.

K’s Thomson of Lundbreck scored 84.75 for this ride on Special Delivery at Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer on Thursday.

Logan Bird – tie-down roping

While a time of 9,5 seconds was good enough for a paycheque on Wednesday, an additional second meant no cash on Thursday for Nanton’s Logan Bird and eighth place in Round 2.

Behind Bo Pickett, Erik Dublanko, Jason Smith and Kyle Lucas, Bird is tied with Haven Meged for fifth in the average.

Round 1

Fourth with 9.5 seconds – $2,154.45

Second in total season earnings with $36,775.45

Round 2

Eighth with 10.5 seconds

Fifth in the aggregate with 20 seconds for two calves

Second in total season earnings with $36,775.45

About Logan

The 29-year-old from Nanton turned pro in 2013 and is participating in his eighth CFR – 2013, 2016 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $34,621 and second place in the standings. Logan won the Falkland, High River and Cranbrook rodeos this year.

Outside of pro rodeo, he is a horse trainer and a big sports fan. His sister, Lakota Bird, is a CFR contestant in breakaway roping.

 

 

Ty Taypotat – bareback

With a score of 83.50 on Duane Kesler Rodeo’s Payday, Ty Taypotat landed third at Thursday’s CFR.

Round 1

Fifth with 83 points on Calgary Stampede’s Zulu Warrior– $957.53

Fourth in total season earnings with $29,510.53

Round 2

Third with 83.5 points on Duane Kesler Rodeo’s Payday – $4,548.28

Fourth in the aggregate with 166.5 points

Fourth in total season earnings with $34,059.04

About Ty

The 31-year-old from Nanton turned pro in 2011 and is participating in his 11th CFR – 2011, 2012, 2014 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023.

Ty qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $28,553.23 and fourth place in the standings. The highlight of his year was getting married.

Outside of pro rodeo, you can find Ty flipping houses with his wife and fixing up the old Cummins.

 

 

Pascal Isabelle – bareback

Coming into CFR ranked ninth, Pascal Isabelle has yet to see a payday in Red Deer.

Isabelle’s 78.25-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Shadow Ride was a ninth-place ride on Thursday, an improvement from 77.75 achieved Wednesday on Vold’s Mucho Dinero.

Round 1

11th with 77.75 on Vold’s Mucho Dinero

Ninth in total season earnings with $20,250.94

Round 2

Ninth with 78.25 points on Calgary Stampede’s Shadow Ride

10th in total season earnings with $20,250.94

About Pascal

Pascal hails from Montreal but calls Nanton home. The 31-year-old turned pro in 2015 and is participating in his fourth CFR – 2016 and 2021 to 2023.

He qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $20,250.94 and 11th place in the standings. Pascal was champion of Medicine Hat’s indoor and outdoor rodeos, won the long round at Salinas Rodeo, and qualified for the NFR Open and Cloverdale short round.

Outside of pro rodeo, Pascal is an entrepreneur who loves connecting with nature and sports like skiing, swimming, hiking, biking and climbing.

His girlfriend Rachelle Riggers and his brother Eric Isabelle are also rodeo athletes.

 

 

Bradi Whiteside – ladies barrels and breakaway roping

Bradi Whiteside of Longview has had two solid rounds so far in barrel racing at CFR ’49. A time of 13.98 seconds landed her in third place for the day and second in the average heading into Round 3.

CFR earnings so far of $6,702.73 (the most among southwestern Alberta competitors) bring her barrel-racing total for the year to $25,944.98.

Bradi also has $14,116 behind her in breakaway earnings for the season and three opportunities to grow this over the weekend. The first round of breakaway roping is Saturday afternoon.

Round 1 – Barrels

Fourth with 13.88 seconds – $2,154.45

Seventh in total season earnings with $21,396.45

Round 2 – Barrels

Third with 13.98 seconds – $4,548.28

Second in the aggregate with 27.86 seconds in two runs

Seventh in total season earnings with $25,944.98

About Bradi

The 21-year-old Longview cowgirl turned pro in 2017 and is participating in her fifth CFR. This includes qualifying for breakaway roping in 2022 and 2023, and in ladies barrel racing from 2021 to 2023.

Bradi qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $14,116 and sixth place in the breakaway roping standings, and $19,242 for seventh in barrels. A highlight of her year was qualifying for the Calgary Stampede in both of her events.

Outside of pro rodeo, Bradi keeps busy as a horse trainer.

Her sister, Kylie Whiteside, is a CFR ’49 competitor in breakaway roping and, like Bradi, is a barrel racer. Their dad, Travis Whiteside was the 1997 Canadian bareback champion.

 

 

Hayden MacKay – junior steer riding

After being bucked off Wednesday, Hayden MacKay of Nanton scored 66 points in his second-round ride the next night.

He earned his CFR spot with winnings of $4,511.69 for the year. Junior steer riding wraps up Saturday afternoon.

About Hayden

Fifteen-year-old Hayden turned pro in 2022 and this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo is his first.

The Nanton teen qualified for CFR with 2023 earnings of $4,511.69 and sixth place in junior steer riding. Hayden won the Pincher Creek and Raymond rodeos along with the Koye Larsen Memorial. A highlight was two go-round wins at the Calgary Stampede, with a score of 80 in the second round.

This young cowboy enjoys riding and running, and can be found getting ready for the next event.

Hayden’s dad, Ian MacKay, and grandpa Stuart Derochie were bull riders, while his mom, Layne Derochie, and sister Luxxin MacKay are barrel racers.

 


 

Bounce back night at CFR ’49

Canadian Finals Rodeo Round 2 Summary
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

Team ropers Dawson and Dillon Graham proved once again why they are champions. The Wainwright brothers settled atop the leaderboard on a solid night of roping with a 3.9-second run — just two-tenths off the arena record. This after a disappointing first round where the brothers finished out of the money.

“You know you’re not out of it if you have some bad luck,” Dawson noted philosophically. “It’s six rounds and you can make a lot happen in the last five. This is our fourth year here so we feel pretty at home.”

The pair were happy with their second-round cattle draw too. “The steer we had tonight was the one Logan and Keely [Bonnett] won fourth on in round one.”

Add the fact that they are competing on the Heading and Heeling Horses of the Year, Dawson on Outlaw and Dillon on Cruz, and it’s no surprise to see the athletes enjoy a victory lap.

Of their season in general, which saw Dawson end the year 19th header in the world, and Dillon, 16th heeler, with over $87,000 in earnings each, Dillon commented, “We had a great year. We roped well and had a lot of confidence coming into Red Deer. We came in with a game plan and we’re going to stick to it.”

Tonight’s success has Dawson in second place in the heading standings just $1,300 behind second-place roper Tee McLeod with Dillon holding down first in the heeling ranks.

 

Dawson and Dillon Graham team roping at Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Dillon and Dawson Graham

 

 

Zeke Thurston’s opening-round saddle bronc ride silenced the Peavy Mart Centrium. That’s because the three-time and reigning World and Canadian Champion did something this or any crowd seldom sees. The champ bucked off.

But on Bounce Back Thursday, Zeke was riding and the sell-out crowd was cheering as the champ posted a sensational 87.5 points on a young Calgary Stampede bronc F-53 Flying Carma.

“Yeah, I was after a little redemption after last night,” Thurston acknowledged.

“I honestly don’t know what I’d do differently. I thought I did everything right last night and she still got me.  But to draw that little horse tonight, Flying Carma, she was really getting it on and I just tried to help her as best I could and I guess it looked pretty good. She’s gonna be around a long time and have a great career and guys are going to win a lot of money on that horse.”

The win put Thurston back into the driver’s seat in the race for the Canadian title. In fact, even having dropped out of the average race for the time being, the second-generation bronc rider has the overall lead with second-place man, Ben Andersen $6,500 back and fifth in the average.

 

Crockets Trading Company building against an orange and purple coloured sunset on ad for Crockets local Christmas gift ideas.

 

It was pay back night for barrel racer Taylor Manning as well. After a rough start that saw the reigning champion hit two barrels, the Yellowhead County cowgirl clocked a speedy 13.86 to win the round. Lynette Brodoway maintained her hold on first place overall.

Another cowboy who evened the score on night two was Sundre bull rider, Wyatt Gleeson. The two-time Finals qualifier put his opening night buck-off in the rearview mirror and was 86.75 on Outlaw Buckers’ Afraid to Nod to collect the first-place cheque of $9,335. The win bumped Gleeson up to sixth in the standings, $25,000 back of season leader Coy Robbins who bucked off his first two bulls at this CFR.

3.9 seconds continued to be the magic number in the steer wrestling event. Three-time and defending champ Scott Guenthner shared the honours with Ponoka bulldogger Chance Butterfield. Season leader Dalton Massey continues to struggle, dropping to second spot, about $10,000 behind Guenthner overall.

 

 

Bareback rider Clint Laye demonstrated the consistency that earned the Cadogan cowboy the 2021 Canadian title and two NFR qualifications. Laye climbed aboard Big Stone Rodeo’s 313 Mayhem for 85.5 and the Round 2 win.

The Smith brothers and their Tie-Down Horse of the Year, Moon, kept it all in the family on night two. While Jason earned the Round 1 win, tonight it was Shane who enjoyed the victory lap after an 8.8-second run.

In the novice bareback, Turin cowboy Austin Broderson was 74.75 for first while Dylan Young marked 79.75 to earn the top cheque in the novice saddle bronc event. Brooks steer rider Hayden Mulvey picked up first in the junior steer riding with a 78.25-point ride.

Go to rodeocanada.com for Canadian Finals Rodeo results. Check out www.cfrreddeer.ca/ for additional event details.

CFR ’49 performance three starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the Peavey Mart Centrium, Westerner Park in Red Deer. If you cannot attend the event in person, sign up to follow the action on The Cowboy Channel.

 

 

Meals on Wheels logo on ad announcing that the service is coming soon to Pincher Creek

 

Logan Hay, cowboy in dark shirt and vest and light hat, rides saddle bronc at CFR.

Canadian Finals Rodeo: Round 1 highlights

Canadian Finals Rodeo kicked off Wednesday in Red Deer, with a number of southwestern Alberta athletes on the program, including local saddle bronc rider K’s Thomson.

Thomson put $2,154.45 in his pocket last night as a Round-1 payout. The 24-year-old Lundbreck cowboy placed fourth with an 84.25-point ride on Big Stone’s Second Thoughts. This is his third time at CFR after finishing the season in 11th place with earnings of $16,866.

A time of 9.5 seconds was good enough for Nanton’s Logan Bird to take home $2,154.45 and fourth spot in the first go-round of tie-down roping. He comes to CFR sitting second at the end of the season based on winnings of $34,621.

Ty Taypotat of Nanton and Pascal Isabelle of Claresholm placed fourth and 11th, respectively, in the first round of bareback riding.

Taypotat won $957.53 for his 83-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Zulu Warrior, adding to winnings of $28,553, which saw him finish the season in fourth spot.

Isabelle came into CFR ranked ninth for earnings of $20,250, but a score of 77.75 on Vold’s Mucho Dinero wasn’t good enough for a round-one payday.

Bradi Whiteside of Longview earned $2,154.45 for a fourth-place time of 13.88 seconds in ladies barrel racing on Wednesday. She finished the season seventh in barrels with winnings of $19,242 and sixth in breakaway roping with $14,116.

Kylie Whiteside of Longview, who also competes in both events, qualified for CFR on a ninth-place finish in breakaway roping with a season total of $12,138.

With only three go-rounds of breakaway roping at CFR, be ready to watch for the Whiteside sisters along with Jenna Dallyn and Lakota Bird of Nanton, and Shayla Biever of Claresholm in those performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Hayden MacKay of Nanton had no time for his effort in junior steer riding on Wednesday. He earned his CFR spot with winnings of $4,511.69 for the year. Junior steer riding wraps up Saturday afternoon.

 


 

 

Logan Hay, cowboy in dark shirt and vest and light hat, rides saddle bronc at CFR.

Logan Hay rides Elvira to win Round 1 of the saddle bronc competition at Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer on Nov. 1.

Strong first night for Logan Hay

Canadian Finals Rodeo media release

Logan Hay got the monkey off his back on night one of the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The third-generation bronc rider marked an impressive 85.75 points on Vold Rodeo’s 52 Elvira to top the field in a performance that saw the competitors take on the eliminator pen.

“I’ve never got a score in the first round at CFR in the three years I’ve been here,” the Wildwood, Alta., cowboy said.

“The first time was first-year jitters, then some bad luck honestly the next two. This year I knew I had one of the harder horses in there; she’s not easy. You have to go all or nothing as she bucks off a lot of people. All the guys had their hands full tonight. There wasn’t an easy one in there. A lot of guys stubbed their toes who don’t normally do that. I got by a tough one and I’m glad it worked out.”

Tonight’s performance was a re-match for the young athlete as he earned top honours on the same horse at the Strathmore Stampede earlier in the season.

“It’s always good to get the first one under your belt. It’s good for your confidence.” Hay added. Among the casualties on the night was three-time and reigning World and Canadian Champion Zeke Thurston who bucked off Calgary Stampede’s Cloudy Skies.

 

 

In the ladies barrel racing event it was 17 year old rookie, Blake Molle from Chauvin, Alta., who turned in the winning time – a 13.78-second run on her gelding Mercy. The tough roster of barrel racers enjoyed a strong first out with half of the runs under 14 seconds.

The first performance steer wrestling lead was shared by three men: North Dakota cowboy Riley Reiss and Albertans Ryan Shuckburgh and Ty Miller, all in at a solid 3.9 seconds.

In the bareback riding, 2019 Canadian Champion Orin Larsen teamed with Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Knockout for 86 points and the $9,335 cheque. The round win moved the Inglis, Man., cowboy into the early lead overall.

On a night when the team ropers as a group struggled, the combination of Tee Mcleod and Brady Chappel – both Saskatchewan athletes – took the round win with a 4.3-second run. The victory was doubly productive for Mcleod who moved to the lead in the All-Around race.

Tie-down roping saw Wimborne, Alta., cowboy Jason Smith earn top money with an 8.3-second run on Moon, Canadian Tie-Down Horse of the Year.

 

Crockets Trading Company building against an orange and purple coloured sunset on ad for Crockets local Christmas gift ideas.

 

And 2019 Canadian Champion bull rider Edgar Durazo was flawless in covering last year’s Bull of the Year, Duane Kesler’s Alberta Prime Devils Advocate. Durazo marked 89 points to move closer to season leader Coy Robbins who bucked off in the round.

In the novice bareback, season leader Chase Siemens won first with a 77.5 effort while defending novice saddle bronc champion Colten Powell was 72.5 to win his event in the first performance.

Brodi Beasley was awarded 82.5 points to claim the junior steer riding win in performance one.

And 2006 Canadian Bull Riding Champion and youth rodeo coach Tanner Girletz was presented with the prestigious Cowboy of the Year award sponsored by Legend Rodeo. Congratulations, Tanner!

Go to rodeocanada.com for Canadian Finals Rodeo results. Check out www.cfrreddeer.ca/ for additional event details.

CFR ’49 performance two kicks off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Peavey Mart Centrium, Westerner Park in Red Deer. If you cannot attend the event, sign up to follow the action on The Cowboy Channel.

 

 

Man with his arm around smiling woman kisses her on the side of the head in the doorway of a barn.

 

Cowboy in black vest and chaps and brown cowboy hat riding dark-brown horse with rear legs kicking in the air

Thurston wins third CFR with record-setting ride

For the second time in less than 48 hours, a new CFR record was established in the saddle bronc riding at Canadian Finals Rodeo. This time, the record-setting performance took the rider, Zeke Thurston, to his third Canadian championship.

It was fitting that the Big Valley cowboy matched up with an  old friend to establish the new mark — OLS Tubs Get Smart, who was making  his final appearance in Canada prior to his well-earned retirement following the National Finals Rodeo next month.

The 93.25 score bettered the previous mark of 91.75 set Friday night by both Thurston and Kole Ashbacher (on Get Smart). 

“That was pretty special for me,” the 28-year-old superstar stated.

“That little horse has pretty well made my career. I don’t know how much money I’ve made on him but it’s a lot. I was getting half emotional when I was saddling him — he’s been amazing forever.” 

Thurston, who came into the finals in fifth place, amassed just shy of $50,000 for a total of $80,000 for the year.

The two-time world champion was almost unstoppable in Red Deer with three go-round wins, a second, a fourth and the aggregate win as wel, over six performances. 

The second-generation bronc rider acknowledged the importance of family in his pursuit of the rodeo dream.

“I don’t actually remember wanting to be a rodeo cowboy, I just always was one,” Thurston said with a smile.

“I watch my little boy — he’s a year and a half old — and all he wants to do is buck and ride things, and I was probably the same way. I have a great family supporting me and that’s  been really important.” 

Steer wrestling

Another three-time champion was crowned at this CFR as Provost cowboy Scott Guenthner  earned his third steer wrestling title in five years.

Guenthner, who was named Cowboy of the Year earlier in the week, placed in four rounds and was second in the aggregate, earning $24,000 at CFR to add to his regular season earnings of $50,000.

The aggregate winner was two-time Canadian champion Tanner Milan, who finished third overall — right behind Stephen Culling. 

Bareback

A popular win at this CFR was Ty Taypotat’s first-ever bareback riding title after several near misses in recent years.

Taypotat, runner up for the title one year ago, turned in a spectacular 90.25 point performance on the Calgary Stampede’s world champion bareback horse Xplosive Skies in Sunday’s final round. 

“I saw the draw last night about midnight and I’m not gonna lie, I got pretty nervous,” Taypotat  admitted. That horse got me the last time I got on her.”

The Nanton, cowboy (originally  from Saskatchewan) enjoyed a consistent week with two firsts, two seconds and a third, along with the $14,000 aggregate win, to total $50,000 in CFR earnings and $89,757 for the year. 

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Taypotat added. “This is my 10th Canadian Finals, so I’m pretty darn excited to walk away with it, especially riding against the best bareback riders in the world.” 

Ladies barrel racing

It came down to the final performance in the ladies barrel racing and it was five-time CFR qualifier Taylor Manning who claimed the title.

The 18-year-old from Edson maintained the composure and consistency she demonstrated all week on the final day, with another solid run, made even more amazing by the fact that her horse, Bringin the Bling, is only five years old. 

“This morning I rode and worked on a few things with Bling but when I ran, I just tried to keep the barrels up,” Manning said.

“I’m really proud of my horse,” she added, “She’s only five and I was able to run her all five days.” 

Manning placed in five of six rounds (with a first go-round and aggregate title win) to pocket over $40,000 at the Finals.

Canadian and World Rookie of the Year, and Canadian season leader Bayleigh Choate, who came into CFR $18,000 ahead of Manning, finished in second spot. 

Team roping

It was the brother combination of Dawson and Dillon Graham who prevailed in the team roping event for their first Canadian championship.

The Wainwright cowboys had twice previously been season leaders. only to come up short at the CFR. This time around they started the week with two second-place efforts and a round-win before cooling off.

They were, nevertheless, able to hold off the hard-charging veteran duo of Clint Buhler and Brett McCarroll who finished  $8,000 back. 

Bull riding

The closest race of this CFR was in the bull riding, where Maple Creek, Sask., cowboy Jared Parsonage prevailed for his second-consecutive Canadian title.

It was anything but easy for Parsonage as Camrose bull rider and rookie CFR competitor, Coy Robbins, mounted a valiant  challenge for the crown by riding five of six bulls and winning the aggregate.

Parsonage earned over $22,000 at the Finals for a year-end total of $81,900. The margin of victory was a slender  $,1300. 

Tie-down roping

The only non-Canadian winner at this year’s CFR was San Angelo, Texas, tie-down roper Ty Harris. 

Competing at his second Finals, Harris overcame a no-time in the second round, putting together a first, a second, two thirds and a fourth en route to the victory.

Harris collected $33,000 in Red Deer for $60,500 total earnings — a $9,000 advantage over runner-up, Kyle Lucas.

The 2021 champion, Riley Warren, was this year’s aggregate winner. 

Ladies breakaway roping

Ladies breakaway roping, in only its second year as part of the Canadian Finals, saw 12 women competing, with Wardlow’s Kendal Pierson emerging as winner for the second time.

A former national high school champion, Pierson had to come from behind after relinquishing her season lead in the first of three rounds. She fought back with a pair of 2.0-second runs, and when Longview cowgirl Bradi Whiteside missed her final calf, the deal was sealed for 18-year-old Pierson. 

All Around titles

Granum roper Wyatt Hayes earned the men’s All Around title, while Kylie Whiteside of Longview won the first-ever women’s All Around award.

Novice awards

Blake Link of Maple Creek, Sask., won the novice bare back championship, while Innisfail’s Colten Powell earned the novice saddle bronc win. 

Nash Loewen, a 14 year old from Winfield won the junior steer riding event.

Stock awards                                      

A couple of repeat winners from the Macza Pro Rodeo highlighted this year’s CFR Top Stock awards — OLS Tubs Stevie Knicks in the bareback riding and, of course, OLS Tubs Get Smart in the bronc riding.

Duane Kesler’s Chester was selected top bull of the Finals. 

For complete results, go to Rodeo Canada.