Fifty Years of Rodeo
Jack Daines has been immersed in the sport of rodeo for upwards of sixty years. Daines started riding steers when he was 12 years old, graduating to Saddle Bronc Riding shortly thereafter. The young cowboy won the Canadian Novice Saddle Bronc title in 1956 and ’57. While still in his 20’s, however, Jack dove into another element of rodeo… one that would last half a century and beyond.
The Innisfail Rodeo celebrated its fiftieth year just last weekend… and Jack Daines (along with family and friends) has been the driving force behind the popular event since its inception, as producer, promoter and announcer.
Jack built the Daines Rodeo grounds in 1961; the rolling green hills northwest of Innisfail, Alberta, where the ranch is located, were home to the Innisfail Little Britches Rodeo for 25 years, then the Innisfail Professional Rodeo. Also featured at the Daines Rodeo Grounds each year is the annual Jack Daines Bucking Horse Sale and Ivan Daines’ Country Music picnic. Among the announcers at this year’s event was Canadian Saddle Bronc and All Round Champion and nine time NFR qualifier; Duane Daines. Duane is Jack’s son.
Voted the top rodeo committee in Canadian Professional Rodeo nine of the last thirteen years, the event is one of the largest rodeos in Canada – attracting world-class contestants from across North America. Upwards of 700 rodeo athletes competed for huge payouts; a win at Innisfail can be instrumental in putting a cowboy/cowgirl well on the road to the CFR.
Barrel racing proved exciting and competitive with contestants from virtually all performances among the money earners. Defending and two time World Champion barrel racer (and defending Innisfail Champion), Brittany Pozzi shared the top spot with CFR qualifier, Sierra Stoney. Brittany rode her exceptional seven year old gelding, Yeah Hes Firen or ‘Duke’, the horse that was instrumental in her 2009 NFR win. Sierra rode a horse belonging to a member of the Daines family. Honor Before Fame is an own son of Dash Ta Fame out of dam, Lehigh Pepper Red x Jet Of Honor. The talented six year old is owned by Cheryl Daines. The success enjoyed by several of Innisfail’s top barrel racers will move them into the top ten CPRA standings.
Complete Innisfail barrel racing results follow:
1 Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, TX 15.54 $7,857
2 Sierra Stoney 15.54 7,857
3 Sherrylynn Johnson 15.59 5,676
4 Lisa Lockhart 15.65 4,365
5 Adel Hansen 15.69 3,492
6 Lindsay Sears 15.71 2,619
7-8 Rylee McKenzie 15.72 2,073
7-8 Carolyn Knapp 15.72 2,073
9 Colleen Duggan 15.73 1,746
10 Molly Powell 15.78 1,528
11-12 Judy Hyde 15.79 1,200
11-12 Brittany Fleck 15.79 1,200
13 Trudi Churchhill 15.81 873
14 Suzanne DePaoli 15.82 655
15 Rana Koopman 15.85 437
Additional Innisfail Champions include:
Rod Hay – Saddle Bronc
Kelly Timberman – Bareback
Steven Turner – Bull Riding & Steer Wrestling
Trevor Brazile – Tie-Down Roping
Patrick Smith & Trevor Brazile – Team Roping
1 thought on “Fifty Years of Innisfail Rodeo”
Is the Country Music Picnic on for 2011? How can i get involved. what is the start/end date.