May Long Weekend Rodeo Action

The May long weekend has traditionally been a big weekend in Canadian rodeo circles with much of the action taking place in British Columbia. Unfortunately, what was once one of Canada’s biggest pro rodeos, Cloverdale, B.C., is now an invitational rough stock and barrel racing event – not sanctioned by either the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) or the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). That being said, it remains a big payday… and a win or even a placing at Cloverdale can translate into entry fees and diesel for the next few weeks of rodeo travel. The event is set up in two pools (with two rounds in each pool) and a short go on holiday Monday. Riley McKenzie of St. Paul, AB won the first Pool with a 16.1 and a 16.44 for a total of $4750. to lead the Pool A barrel racing qualifiers heading into Monday’s short go. Lauren Chad of Calgary enjoyed two solid runs as well, and will be among those contestants running on Monday. Pool B is currently underway with Colorado’s Sammi Bessert in the lead going into the Sunday afternoon performance.

On the CPRA roster this weekend is Falkland, BC and the only Vancouver Island-based pro rodeo, Luxton, BC. As of Sunday morning, (May 23), Elaina Black (originally from Kamploops… now living in Cochrane, AB) was leading Falkland with a 16.7 second run and Williams Lake cowgirl, Colleen Duggan was sitting second. 2010 Stavely Pro Rodeo defending champion, Jacqueline Stojan leads the Luxton event heading into today’s afternoon performance with Suzanne DePaoli in second spot.

The British Columbia Rodeo Association (BCRA) has two 2010 rodeos complete with former BCRA Champion, Laura James, leading the standings to date.

Alberta’s Foothills Cowboy Association has enjoyed two events, Taber and Drayton Valley. Placings at both have launched Cessford, AB barrel racer, Laci Suitor, well into the lead with $3500. won to date. Sonda Marks of  Sunnybrook is in second spot.

In the Lakeland Rodeo Association 2010 standings (which include High Prairie and Drayton Valley), Corleen LeClercq leads the way with $2800 won to date. Kip Newborn is the leader in the Wild Rose Association.

A number of rodeos in the Semi-Pro Associations are dual or triple approved… check the various association websites for details.

The Canadian Cowboys Association season is also underway in Saskatchewan/Manitoba with two rodeos complete, (Hamiota, MB – MRCA/CCA approved – and North Battleford, SK). 2008 and defending CCA Champion, SK barrel racer, Dannielle Dinius has the lead with $2400. in earnings. Lynette Brodoway of Brooks, AB holds down second spot with $2000. won. MRCA/CCA action goes to Mankota, SK next weekend.

The Ontario Rodeo Association kicks off their season next weekend with the Lindsay Benefit Rodeo.

Check back later in the weekend for further updates.