Day one of rodeo action is in the books for the 2023 edition of the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede.
Taking place on June 9, 14 cowboys from B.C., Alberta, and one from as far away as Australia, took part in the bull-riding event.
The event was opened by Andrea Cress performing O Canada as a pair of riders from Stettler’s Ladies of the Heartland carried the national flag.
Split into two “go rounds,” the riders’ score was determined by the highest overall points after two rides.
The Ladies of the Heartland entered the arena a few times in between to show the flags of the event sponsors.
Things got off to a rough start; the first rider, Clay Flanagan, of Eudunda, South Australia, ended up breaking his arm on his ride and had to be treated by medics.
After two rides, Manning, Alta., cowboy Lane Jenson had the high score of 165.5 points, winning him the night. Coming in second place was Stettler cowboy Armando Davilla, who also scored on both rides.
In addition to the bull-riding action, members from the Royal Canadian Armed Forces Reserves were on hand showing equipment and trying to sign recruits, several food trucks were on site, and a cabaret with music was provided by Dally Up and Dance.
Day two continues on June 10 after a full day of activities in Stettler.
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