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Non-pro’s work pays off at Stampede

Working cow-horse: Black Diamond’s Phoebe Bushnell has strong first showing
Bushnell
Phoebe Bushnell and Low Ridin Cat DR work a cow en route to winning the Non-Pro bridle division at the Calgary Stampede’s Working Cow Horse Classic July 11. ( Natalie Jackman/Have-Dog Photography)

A Black Diamond rider is doing an awful lot of work to compete as a non-pro.

And that worked paid off as Phoebe Bushnell won the Non-Pro bridle division at the Calgary Stampede’s Working Cow Horse Classic July 11.

“As a non-pro you are not allowed to train or ride for money,” Bushnell said. “I guess you would call it a hobby but it feels so much more than that.

“It’s a lifestyle thing. I work a number of jobs to pay for him.”

"Him" is her long-time pal, her horse Low Ridin Cat DR, who Bushnell rode to a 146 in her rein work and 145.5 in her fence work to take the Stampede title.

Bushnell’s total of 291.5 was just ahead of High River area’s Jonathan Morrison and Cayley’s Terri Holowath’s 285.5 who finished tied for second.

“This was my first time showing at the Calgary Stampede,” Bushnell said. “This is his first year in the bridle, so it’s pretty exciting.”

She was antsy as she went out for the rein work, an intricate set of patterns, which displays the talent of horse and rider.

“I knew the judges had been really particular about how precise the patterns were,” Bushnell said. “I was pretty nervous. I was first up after the drag with a set fresh ground.”

Low Ridin did some high scorin’.

“It was a pretty tough pattern and a long one,” Bushnell said. “But he stopped really well and he turned around really well, which can be tricky for him.”

He turned the trick by posting a 146, tops among the 14 competitors.

Next up was the fence work — ideal for the cowwy Low Ridin Cat DR.

“He loves to work the fence, he loves to work the cow,” Bushnell said. “I just have to keep up with him and hope for the best.”

Unfortunately, Bushnell drew a cow with an attitude.

“Our first cow was really tough and pretty disrespectful,” Bushnell said.  “The judges saw fit to give me a new cow, which was awesome.”

Low Ridin kept the cow covered and received a 145.5, which was second only to Deborah Anderson at 147.5.

However, Bushnell found out the waiting is the hardest part. Her cow work was under review.

“It was down to the wire and I was very stressed out,” Bushnell said with a laugh. “I think I cried when I won. Tears of relief, lots of hugs, it was very cool.”

Despite cashing a cheque of about $2,300 she is still a non-pro. She and Low Ridin have a pro training them — Clint Swales from the Longview/High River area.

Bushnell has had Low Ridin for five years.

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