The rodeo stars of tomorrow showcased their impressive skills at the Okotoks Agricultural Society Arena on April 16.
The Future Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society finals celebrated its 10th anniversary with a giant showcase of their 87 members – ranging in age from two to18 years old.
With children from across the region coming to compete, the one-day rodeo was a chance for the future stars to showcase their talents in a variety of events.
Future Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society vice-president Rhonda Wilson said the key to the event is introducing the rodeo events to the young athletes in a safe environment.
The festivities included games such as thread the needle, pole bending, barrel racing and goat untying competitions as well as a kid versus parents’ horse race.
For 11-year-old Carlee Bodkin of Okotoks, two events in particular were a highlight.
“I like the pole bending and barrels,” she said, adding she has been a member of the society since she was six.
New to this year was a “chicken-chase” which is a slightly modified rodeo game for the Future Cowboys and Cowgirls’ newest recruits (eight and under).
The fun didn’t stop there, however, as the 13 and older children got to be creative in the first annual Wild Goat Dressing competition.
Wilson said the games and competitions encourage children to participate and foster their love of the rodeo at an early age.
The society operates from September to April and exists solely to introduce children to the sport of rodeo in a safe and supportive environment.
As the group continues to expand, Wilson said they have had to turn away multiple applicants due to size constraints.
In fact, the popularity of the children’s rodeo has given way to an expansion into the Strathmore area with the Wheatland Future Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society.
“We are growing very quickly every year,” Wilson noted. “We’re getting more and more requests to expand further.”
When the youngsters weren’t participating in events, there was face-painting and glitter “tattoo” stations to provide constant entertainment.
Tatum Wilson of Okotoks was entrusted with opening and closing the day’s events by carrying the official flag.
The nine-year-old Wilson said she was pleased to be given the responsibility.
“I carried the flag for the morning and I’m carrying it again shortly,” she explained, while also noting she managed to compete in every event throughout the day.
Reva Wilson of High River pointed out each event requires a different skill set.
That said, the pole-bending competition remains Reva’s favourite because of the special relationship she shares with her horse.
“I like it because my horse knows what to do,” she said.
