â–º Listen Live

Local boys ride their way to the Calgary Stampede

The 106th Calgary Stampede is underway and some 10 and 11-year-old boys from the Lakeland are looking to bring home a win in the Wild Pony Race. Griffin Purdy, Carter Shideler and Ethan Evans are all from Bonnyville. They qualified for the Calgary Stampede and will see their first stampede action tomorrow.

Ethan Evans is Shankman on the MPI Oilfield team. He says his job is to keep the pony within the control of the mugger so the rider can hop on.

As for tips on how he gets it done, Evans says he figures to use a little more brawn and a little less thinking.

“Don’t be smart when you’re a cowboy. If you’re smart you won’t be able to cowboy.”

The boys got the opportunity to head to Cowtown through strong showings at a few CPRA and Lakeland Rodeo Association events.

Mugger Carter Shideler says he’s proud of some of the arenas the boys have got to compete in.

“We had to do good last year. I think the two rodeos that sent us to Calgary this year are K-Days Rodeo (in Edmonton) and Wainwright.”

Shidler says the boys have been a team now for just over a year. While they know their wild pony days won’t be forever, they all want to have a future in the rodeo circuit.

Rider Griffin Purdy says this may just be the beginning when it comes to buckles and prize money.

“I would want to do Steer Wrestling and Team Roping.”

The boys first chance at a title comes Monday during day four of Stampede action. Stampede action can be seen all week on CBC.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall
News / Afternoon Host
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Cold Lake council offering 1,000 free kids tickets for RCMP Musical Ride

The RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Cold Lake on July 24 and the city is making it easier for families to attend by giving up to 1,000 free children's tickets. 

Cold Lake adjusts sponsorship for RCMP charity golf tournament

During the June 24th council meeting, Cold Lake city council approved a request to move $3,500 sponsorship grant for the upcoming RCMP Charity Golf Tournament after the original sponsorship level became unavailable. 

Safety upgrades pushed for St. Brides intersection following deadly crash

St. Paul councillor is calling for safety improvements at the St. Brides intersection following a deadly crash in April that claimed three lives. 

Two arrested after firearm and drug seized in Elk Point

Two people are facing firearm and drug-related charges after Elk Point RCMP stopped a vehicle on the mourning of June 19.

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.
- Advertisement -