A group of rodeo trick riders from the area will be representing Canada in Las Vegas next month in the North American Championship.
A team of 15 riders from Canada will be heading to Vegas for the competition from December 5-7. Among them are four riders from the rural vicinity of Drumheller.
Mackenzie Jensen, 13, of Rockyford, Jayana Hale, 11, of Dorothy, Shelby Burns, 17, of Bassano and Piper Yule, 6, of Wardlow are on the team. Bella Da Costa, 12, of Stony Plain also rounds out the contingent.
“It is about the same time the National Finals Rodeo is held,” explains parent RoxAnne Hale.
While the North American Championships have been held for a number of years, the Canadian Trick Riding Association (CTRA) is only a couple of years old. To qualify, the girls competed in Edmonton during the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Sundre, Athabasca, The Calgary Stampede, Rockyford and Teepee Creek. At these competitions, they earn points to qualify. The championships were held in Lloydminster on August 19 and 20.
“I have only been trick riding for 2 1/2 years but I am so happy with how far my horses and I have come,” said Jayana. “I am very lucky to have been taught by RaeLynn Armstrong, Niki Cammaert Flundra and Madison MacDonald who are among the best in the North America. I am very excited and nervous to represent Canada and compete in Las Vegas this December."
The riders train together near Bassano.
These girls will get to go down and compete in their age categories,” explains RoxAnne. These range from under eight, up to 17 and older. “All the girls are competing in the individual part of the competition where they are judged on horsemanship, presentation, and on their tricks.”
There is also a team competition and Piper is on one of the squads.
“It is a pretty intense competition for these girls and we’ll see how they do,” said RoxAnne.
Leading up to the event, the team is doing a demonstration at the Canadian Finals Rodeo on November 9. They will also be selling raffle tickets to help fundraise for the trip. They are actively looking for sponsors to cover the cost of the competition and travel.
“Ever since I was a little girl, it has been a dream of mine to perform in Vegas. Through hard work, dedication, countless bumps and bruises, I have been able to turn that dream into a reality. I am very excited to be representing Canada this December in Las Vegas,” said Shelby Burns.
