The Wildrose Rodeo Association (WRA) has once again dazzled rodeo fans in Barrhead with top-of-the-line competition.
Huge crowds packed the rodeo grounds for two days of solid competition featuring some of the best talent on the rodeo circuit.
“The cowboys come here to earn points for the season. It’s an open rodeo, but only those riders with their Wildrose Rodeo Association card could participate,” said Ronald Schmidt.
The action was fast and furious.
The WRA has been coming to Barrhead for more than 25 years and is one of the major stops of the 35 events throughout the season.
“We had a great turnout of competitors and spectators here in Barrhead, and it’s great we can show off our town,” said Schmidt.
Spectators were treated to the major events like bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, ladies barrel race and calf roping. Added events in 2011 included junior barrels, novice horse, peewee barrels, jr. bulls, jr. break-a-way roping and the wild pony race.
Cheers erupted from the crowd following each event, but the most noise came for the wild pony race. Teams of three kids were tasked with subduing and mounting a small pony. Once on the pony, the rider had to complete a lap of the ring to earn points.
“I love watching this event. It’s kind of cute watching the kids trying to get on the pony,” said Kevin Reynolds.
Bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riders drew large support from the crowd.
A scary moment unfolded in the ring during the tie down roping event when Daryn Knapp pulled a hamstring while trying to wrestle the steer to the muddy ground. Knapp couldn’t finish his run and limped out of the ring.
“It’s no good for me. I’m a little discouraged, but I’m eager to get back out there,” said a hobbling Knapp.
The WRA has a major affect on Barrhead. It’s more than just the excitement of watching established athletes doing what they do best, or cheering on the younger generation as they take up the reins. There is a history between the WRA and Barrhead that goes back decades.
“You try to make it exciting for the folks out there. The rodeo has been coming here a long time, and Barrhead is right at the top for me. The people here take really good care of everybody in the show and the cattle. There is such great hospitality every time we come here, and the business always come through with their support. All the people that come out, whether it’s competitors or spectators, have to eat and sleep somewhere which obviously helps the town economically,” said Schmidt.
The future of the rodeo in Barrhead looks promising. The younger generation of riders are learning the tricks of the trade from the older generation and didn’t disappoint the large crowd on hand.
“My kids seem to love it. I may not feel good about them doing it, because it can be dangerous, but they want to do it and I’ll support them,” said Knapp.
Boyd Gerow from Fort Saskatchewan sat atop his dark-brown horse and surveyed the ring before competing in the peewee barrel race.
“It’s been really good out here. I’ve just been having a lot of fun,” said Gerow.
