It was standing room only during Canada Day rodeo action at the Ponoka Stampede.
After a flyover by a pair of smoke-trailing aircraft and a short presentation honouring members of the Ponoka Legion it was time for the rodeo contestants to get down to work.
The first event of the day was Professional Bareback Riding; while three cowboys made scoring rides, only Duffield, Alta., cowboy Strawbs Jones scored high enough to break into the top twelve, securing his place in Sunday’s finals.
Next up was Tie Down Roping; it was not a good day for ropers. Four riders scored times, but none were able to climb the aggregate to make it into Sunday’s finals.
Tie Down Roping was followed by Novice Saddle Bronc; Cochrane cowboy Cache Schellenberg and Sylvan Lake cowboy Colten Powell both scored points on their rides, joining seven others who already punched their ticket to the finals.
Boys Steer Riding followed Novice Saddle Bronc; though two riders tried their luck, neither added their names to the pair already making it through to Sunday.
The Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding finished its inaugural run on Canada Day. Following two successful rides, Millarville, Alta., cowgirl Pearl Kersey, the Canadian director of Women’s Bronc Riding, was awarded the buckle for winning the overall average.
Before the break, it was time for Steer Wrestling. The fastest time of the day went to Baillie Milan with a blistering 4.2 seconds which was good enough to move him into ninth in the aggregate standings.
James Struxness was hot on his heels with a ride of 4.3 seconds which, when paired with a 5.8-second run earlier in the day was good enough to move him into fifth place.
Following the intermission, it was time to head back to the chutes.
Six of the nine riders managed to score points, however with the tightly packed top 12 only Cash Wilson’s 85-point ride secured his trip to the Sunday finals.
The Wild Rose Trick Riders took to the infield as entertainment for the final time of the 2023 Stampede in between the broncs and the team roping.
Back at the timed event end of the field, the team roping was up with Ponoka’s Keely Bonnett and Logan Bonnette managing to punch their ticket into Sunday finals with a ride of 6.9 seconds, which was good enough to move the duo into sixth place.
Staying in the timed-event end, it was time for the Ladies’ Barrel Racing.
The fastest time of the day went to Dona Kay Rule with a time of 17.39 seconds, good enough to move her into second place.
Grace Gardiner also moved into the top-12 with a time of 17.53 seconds, good enough to move her into fifth place.
Finally, it was time for the bull riding!
Where seven riders attempted to stay on the large animals only two managed to stay on; Cole Hould’s 85.5 points was good enough to move him into fourth place and Cauy Schmidt’s 82 was good enough to put him into seventh place.
The stage is set for a wild finale on Sunday!
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