Young Guns – Logan Bird

In the May/June issue of Western Horse Review, we searched out some of the most accomplished and influential youth in the western horse industry and compiled our first-ever Young Guns – Top 25 Youth Under 25. We came up with six categories: Ambassadors, Artisans, Entertainers, Competitive, Entrepreneurs and Science. From self-discipline to unwavering focus, we were reminded that the dreams often fostered in young minds and hearts can translate to adulthood, and that good old fashioned determination can still achieve what many think is impossible. We loved the true western code of ethic each of our top 25 exude.

It evolved into such an inspiring piece we decided to recreate it online, with the fuller interviews and stories of each of our deserving Top 25. Look for them here at Screen Doors & Saddles over the next six months, as I\’ll reveal one every week or so!

Logan Bird

Logan Bird was born into the western lifestyle – horsemanship and talent course through his veins, passed down from the generations of cowboys before him.

Growing up on his family’s Rocking P ranch southwest of Nanton, AB, Logan was put on the back of a horse before he could walk. He traveled with his parents and little sister to FCA rodeos where the only event he could compete in at his age was the Adult/Child Team Roping. Once the Alberta Junior High School Rodeo started up, Bird entered the Breakaway, Ribbon Roping and Team Roping events.

“I love calf roping because it combines horsemanship, rope handling and athletic ability. I love going fast and in calf roping you really have to be in time with your horse to get off properly and set up a good run,” says Bird. “I like the competition and I like that the calf roping is just you and your horse, it is not a judged event – the guy with his hands in the air the fastest wins.”

At only 19-years-old, Logan Bird has qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo all four years, captured the Provincial High Point Boy award in Alberta High School Rodeo all four years and competed at his first pro rodeo at 16, filling his semi-pro card at his second rodeo.

Bird is well on his way to achieving his goals in the rodeo industry. “Right now my focus is on making the Canadian Finals in the Tie Down Roping. In five years, I hope to have (roped at) the Calgary Stampede and to have my PRCA card. As long-term goals, I would like to win a Canadian Championship, and win a go-round at the NFR.”

The young cowboy has not only made in mark in the roping arena, but also as an entrepreneur. Along with his Dad, Bird has started a timed event horses and cattle business. “We have team roping, tie down and dogging steers that we supply to the rodeos. We also have several young horses that we have raised, bought and trained in team roping and tie down that we offer for sale. In the summer we have 300 head of calves and they all have to be weaned, roped and conditioned to go to the rodeos so it takes a lot of horse power – we combine the two really well. We use the young horses to train the cattle and the cattle to train the young horses. It was kind of a natural thing for us to do. My dad has looked after the Nanton Ag Society Cattle as a bit of a side line for years and now that I’ve graduated we can do it full-time.”

Bird gives back to the rodeo industry he loves so much by putting on roping schools to help young kids who are just getting started learn the basics and fine tune their skills and teach them the little things that have helped him.

~Deanna Beckley