Bronc buster aims high

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Native high school cowboys did well here at the Kainai Agriplex, as the Kainai St. Mary's on the Blood Reserve and the Cardston high schools co-hosted a two-day rodeo recently, sanctioned by the Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA).

Local cowboy Jason Rabbit won the saddle bronc riding as he rode two Sundance broncs for a total of 133 points. The 17-year-old Blood started participating in rodeos with the help of his grandfather Bill. The older man is a former bronc rider himself who has been a big supporter of the boys steer riding event.

"I always wanted to ride broncs growing up, I see kids having so much fun at rodeos, I just really got involved in it," he stated with a smile.

Jason, a Grade 10 student, also rides bulls but got his hand injured recently. "I'll be getting back to the bull riding, but right now I just want to concentrate on the bronc riding and hope to make it to the National High School Finals in Jolet, Wyoming, in August."

Jason's win puts him in about fourth place in the current AHSRA standings in the bronc riding, the top four in each event go to the finals. "There are about four or five rodeos to go to and I'm going to try and hit all of them and hope for the best, "he said.

Another Ponoka Composite High School student, Kurt Ferguson of Paddle Prairie won the Bull riding with a two herd total of 137 points.

The win puts the 19-year-old, Grade 12 student in third place in the Standing after this rodeo.

Ken Black Water and Billy Heavy Runner won the team roping event with a two herd total of 17.18 seconds. Black Water was also named the rodeos all around champion.

Scotty Little Moustache of the Peigan Nation won the calf roping event, tying two calves down in 22.33 seconds. Andy Many Fingers of the Bloods was fourth with a 25.74.

Kevin Many Grey Horses of Standoff placed third in the steer wrestling event. Filip Williams of Raymond was the winner at 9.09 seconds.

Randy Wilson of Cardston was named the girls all-round champion, placing second behind Raylee Walter of Lethbridge in the barrel racing, and was also behind break away roping winner Trina French of Pincher Creek.

Trent Woolford of Okotoks won the bareback event with a two herd total of 135 points.

Stacey McInenly of Vulcan won the pole bending at 44.22 seconds, while Kim Kramps of Crooked Creek, Alberta won the goal tying winner at 20.94 seconds.