Novice saddle bronc rider ties for first at CFR

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Ben Louis wrapped up his novice season as a professional saddle bronc rider by tying on points for first place at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. The championship, however, was awarded to Jonathan Blackmore of Cardston, Alta., because he had won three go rounds to Louis's one.

At the CFR, Louis, an 18-year-old member of the Okanagan First Nation near Vernon, B.C., rode against Blackmore and Michael Broderson of Vauxhall, Alta. To establish an overall champion, the CFR awarded 60 points for the win and 40 points for second place in each of six go rounds. In the first three performances, Louis scored three 40-point rides, earning himself a solid hold on second place, just 60 points behind Blackmore.

At the Saturday matinee performance, Louis came out first and was bucked off. Just as his week seemed about to unravel, Broderson, the third-place rider, was bucked off, too. Then Blackmore lost his stirrup, scored no points for the ride and stayed within reach. The fourth go round ended with no changes in over-all position.

Louis spoke with Windspeaker after his Saturday matinee ride. In spite of his disappointment, Louis reluctantly admitted to being pleased with his accomplishments this season.

"It feels pretty good to be at CFR," he said. "I've been aiming for it all year, so it's great." As far as the afternoon's ride went, "it looked pretty bad for a while there, but at least I didn't lose any ground."

Louis's road to the CFR took him to about 20 rodeos through the year. Of them all, he picked the Pincher Creek Rodeo as the highlight of the season.

"It was my first rodeo of the year, and I won, so it was pretty big for me." He had several other successful days, but none matched the thrill of the first win.

Louis can't remember a time when he wasn't riding. He started competing when he was 13, riding steers in amateur events. Since then, Louis has devoted more and more attention to saddle bronc riding, so that now it is his only serious competitive event.

"I do some team roping with another guy," he said. "But only saddle broncs for money."

Louis intends to ride for several years, and in fact plans to make a living at it. He is also preparing to work in the ranching operations at the Okanagan First Nation, or nearby. Louis now attends junior college in Walla Walla, Wash., where he is studying agricultural science and riding on the college rodeo team. The college team practices throughout the school year and competes all over the U.S. northwest as part of the national intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

"I'm missing a couple of rides right now," Louis admitted. "But this is bigger."

Louis completed his ride and scored a 73, enough to win the final go round. When Blackmore was bucked off, Louis moved into a tie on points for the week. Although the last-day win didn't secure even a share of the championship, it was a solid ride and promises a big future in bronc riding.

Louis plans to practice and compete through the winter on the college rodeo circuit. When the season ends and the pro rodeo circuit begins again, Louis will be back to ride as a full professional. Once again, his eyes will be on a berth at the 1996 Canadian Finals Rodeo.