Tips for a Safer A Cowboy’s Cow Boss TV Westerns

WE
MA

FR LE AF H A M
PLE T HE
AR
Calving Season Mike Ferguson Memorabilia Collection

OM T O
E

TH V EG PION
E AS S
C

!
HORSE
ARCHERY

Modern-Day Warriors

Western
Art Guide
Exhibitions,
Art Auctions
& Must-See
Museums
What Does it
Take To Be a
Pick Up Man?
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 • $5.95
PM# 40070720
 the
Coeur d’Alene
Art Auction
Fine Western &
American Art

The 2019 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction We are now accepting a limited number of quality
consignments for our 2020 Auction to be held
realized over $17 million in sales at
July 25 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev.
the single largest event in the field of Visit our website at www.cdaartauction.com
classic Western & American Art. tel. 208-772-9009 [email protected]
Charles M. Russell (1864–1926), Planning the Attack (detail), watercolor on paper, 9 × 12 inches, Estimate: $150,000-250,000
2 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020
 In This Issue FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | VOLUME 23, NO. 5

22
Features 30 WESTERN ART GUIDE
Emotion & Art
The big exhibitions, the
20 TRAILBLAZERS prestigious art auctions and
Mike Ferguson the “must-see” art events of
For years, cow boss the season
Mike Ferguson ramrodded
the herds of Douglas 39 Championship Updates
Lake Ranch Highlights from the Maple
Leaf Circuit Finals to
22 Cowboy Collector the WNFR
TV memorabilia collection
from Bonanza to Zorro
On the Cover
Kenton Miller in full
and all of the cowboys
in between
Departments
regalia competing in
horse archery under the
24 Horse Archery 5 My Point of View
Enthusiasts around
hot Arizona sun. Horse
the world are polishing 7 In the Corral
archery, or mounted
archery, is an interna-
the skills of modern 11 Western Art Review
day warriors
tionally acclaimed sport
12 Spirit of the West
rapidly finding its target 27 COWBOY WAY
audience in Canada. Beat the Calving Blues 14 Wheel to Wheel
Dylan Biggs outlines his
Photo by Genie Images/ methods and tips for a safer
16 Some Days Are Diamond
Jeanne Shepherd calving season 18 Reflections
PHOTO BY BILL BORGWARDT

37 Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

47 Clownin’ Around
50 Cowboy Poetry

cowboycountrymagazine.com 3
 THE 2020 SPIRIT OF THE WEST
Alaska Cruise & McLennan Ranch Visit

July 15 – July 25, 2020

Hugh & Billie’s cruise-hosting retirement February/March 2020 Vol. 23, No. 5
Editor  Terri Mason
[email protected]
Copy Editor  Tamara Aschenbrenner
[email protected]
Art Director  Zuzana Benesova
[email protected]
Graphic Designer  Erin Murphy
[email protected]
Publisher  Rob Tanner
[email protected]
Sales Manager  Kristine Wickheim
[email protected]
Sales Representative  Kathy Kelley
kathy@ cowboycountrymagazine.com
Traffic Coordinator  Cheryl Lindquist
traffic @ cowboycountrymagazine.com
Subscription/Circulation  Marie Tanner
circ @cowboycountrymagazine.com
Accounting Administrator  Catherine Staszkiewicz
admin @ tanneryoung.com
Customer Relations Manager  Marie Tanner
marie @ cowboycountrymagazine.com
Columnists
Tim Ellis, “Diamond” Doug Keith, Hugh McLennan,
Billy Melville, Bryn Thiessen
Contributors
Dylan Biggs, Bill Borgwardt, CrAsh Cooper, Daryl Drew,
Billie-Jean Duff, Dallas Duffy, Dianne Finstad, Clay
Guardipee, Howard Halbert, Adeline Halvorson, Dan
Hubble, Bruce Kiskaddon, Frederic Remington, Allen Sapp,
Gary Schildt, Jeanne Shepherd
Call Cruise Vacations of Winnipeg: 204-954-2095 Tanner Young Publishing Group
or toll free: 1-800-530-0131 #430, 8170–50 Street, Edmonton AB T6B 1E6
Tel: 780-465-3362 | Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336

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4
 MY POINT OF VIEW

Hope Springs Eternal

S
oon, those of us fortunate enough to We are still happily following the
live near native grass will see the first rhythms of the range and in this issue, our
gift of spring — the crocus. The wild esteemed cowman, columnist and clinician,
crocus only grows on land that has not felt Dylan Biggs, writes about some steps that
the bite of the plough. ranchers can take to have a safer and calmer
A few years ago, my sister, Wendy, and calving time. Also on the subject of calv-
her husband, Bryan, came to visit me, so ing, I want to thank the two accomplished
of course, we toured the Cypress Hills. The ranchers I interviewed, Stephen Hughes
steep slopes and deep coulees were a riot of of southern Alberta and Ryan Beierbach
lavender crocus, and she realised that she of eastern Saskatchewan, for sharing what
hadn’t seen a wild crocus since she was a works for them during this most wonderful
kid in tiny Sunnyslope, Alta. There’s some- time of the year.
thing about this delicate-looking flower So here it is, months — and in some
emerging from the snows of winter that cases, thousands of years — of work encap-
brings to mind the quote, “Hope springs eter- sulated in this one issue. Soon the snows
nal in the human breast …” (An Essay on Man, will melt, the rains will fall, and the laven-
Epistle 1, Alexander Pope, 1688–1744). der symbol of hope, the crocus, will once
Last summer I visited the Rock-N- again be unleashed from the earth, and
Rail Ranch by Olds, Alta., to interview once again, hope springs eternal — here in
the freshly minted champion mounted Canadian Cowboy Country.
archer, and to try my hand at the ancient
sport. Once you’ve watched Disney’s Brave,
archery off horseback looks easy. It’s defi-
nitely not as easy as it seems but I “get” it
— there was a tremendous feeling of accom- — Terri Mason, Editor
plishment as I stood maybe 20 feet away
and after numerous tries, finally thunked
an arrow into a target.

Subscriber Tip XXX XXXXXX

ILLUSTRATION BY LE STEVENS

JUN/JUL’21
Your mailing label on the magazine will tell you when your JOE SMITH
RR 1
subscription expires. Right above your name is an issue EDMONTON, AB T6B 2L5
date, which is the final issue of your subscription.

facebook.com/cowboycountrymag @CowboyCntryMag

5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS

Bill Greathouse
I just read your article on Bill Greathouse in the Oct/Nov
issue of your magazine. I had the privilege of growing
up on the ranch that was once owned by Wilkinson and
McCord. I do believe it was then sold to Roy Poynter and
then came to end up being the Dumaresq Bros. ranch,
encompassing some 17,000 acres split into two yard sites,
four miles apart. 1 2
My family lived on what is known as the “Poynter
place” and the Poynter barn still stands. Side note: Poynter
also owned the renowned bucking horse, Grey Ghost.
Over the years I have had the honour and pleasure of
being present while some of the local oldtimers told the
Bill Greathouse story and the lifesaving medicine run and
many other stories much like it. I find it gratifying to finally
see these stories in print. My hat’s off to you, Mr Drew.
— Darren Fischer, Rimbey, Alta.
(I grew up northeast of Consort on the west shore
of Sounding Lake.)

3 4

1 Dylan Biggs 3 Daryl Drew

CONTRIBUTORS

Cowboy Way: Part 6 Trailblazers: Mike

of 6, Beat the Calving Ferguson, page 20
Blues, page 27 Daryl Drew has been writing
For over 20 years Dylan has for Canadian Cowboy Country
traveled extensively, sharing for over a decade. A horse
his knowledge of low- trainer and historian, he
stress cattle handling with has horse packed into the
producers through livestock mountains from the Yukon
handling demonstrations. to Mexico.
Dylan, his wife Colleen and
children run TK Ranch near
Hanna, Alta. TKRanch.com
4 Dianne Finstad
PRCI: What Does it
Take? page 44
2 Bill Borgwardt With more than 30 years
Living Legends: Wytse behind the rodeo chutes,

Readers’ Survey deVries, page 22

Multi-award-winning
that’s still Dianne’s happy
place, covering the sport
photographer and feature she loves best. The much-
Hey Mr Tanner, writer Bill Borgwardt has feted reporter is an inductee
I was trying to complete this 2019 Reader Survey, but been a part of the country into the Alberta Sports
there is just so much that I cannot fill in. I thought that I’d music scene in Canada and Hall of Fame.
the U.S. since 1966. He covers
just mention why I enjoy your magazine.
well over a hundred country
I am nearly 17 years old and my goal is to own and run music events each year.
a large cattle ranch as soon as God allows. Your magazine
gives me a lot of inspiration and advice that I am saving,
for if that day comes. I read a lot on animals, ranching, and
farming and your magazine is one resource I read regularly.
I find most of the content very enjoyable, and eagerly await
every new issue!
Thanks for everything!
— Anoymous Reader

6 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 IN THE CORRAL
NEWS, VIEWS & HAPPENINGS FROM ACROSS THE CANADIAN WEST

Lakeland Champs!
Top row, from left: Kale Peterson
(Header & Timed Event High Point),
Cory Dunlop (Heeler & Timed
Event High Point), Ty Ward (Steer
Congratulations to the 2019 Lakeland Rodeo Association Champions,
PHOTO BY WILDWOOD IMAGERY/CHANTELLE BOWMAN

Wrestling), Beau Cooper (Tie-Down

whose fates were decided at their Showdown Finals in St. Paul, Alta.
Roping), K’s Thomson (Saddle
The relatively young rodeo association was founded in 1979, with
Bronc, Bull Riding, Rough Stock
rodeos held mainly in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
High Point and All-Around), Justin
The association has figured prominently in some formidable rodeo
Randle (Bareback), Luke Shield
careers, including Rod Warren (SB), Bill Boyd (BB), Tyler Pankewitz
(Novice Horse Rider).
(BR), Riley Warren (TDR), Curtis Cassidy (SW), Stacey Ruzicka (LBR),
Murray Linthicum/Rocky Dallyn (TR), Taylor Manning (Peewee Bottom row, from left: Keston
Barrels), Rene LeClercq (Jr Barrels), Kevin West (Jr Bulls), Kagen Loewen (Junior Steer Rider), Kallie
Schmidt (Jr Steers), Zeke Thurston (Novice Horse Riding), Dean Tuftin Beebe (Junior Barrels), Grace
(All-Around), and Travis Reay (Cowboy of the Year). Havens (Pee Wee Barrels), Lyric
The first rodeo of the 2020 season goes in April in St. Paul. Strzepek (Ladies Barrels), and
For more, visit lakelandrodeoassociation.com Darrion Ferrence (Junior Bull Rider).

7
IN THE CORRAL

Breakaway!
Jarrett Jackson’s
spectacular saddle bronc

Congratulations to breakaway roper Makayla

Boisjoli of Calgary, Alta., who now resides in
Stephenville, Texas, and won the Average at
the Women’s Professional Rodeo Assoc., World
Championships held in Waco, Texas at the end
of October.
What was once a junior rodeo event has
emerged as a popular, crowd-pleasing sport.
Money-wise, it rapidly went big time with the
top four earners in the WPCA World standings
topping $50,000 in as little as 12 rodeos. In
part, breakaway is proving popular due to its
blazing speed. How fast is it? At the World
Championships, Boisjoli roped four head in a

Makayla Boisjoli on her palomino

combined 10.7 secs.
Kelsie Chace of Cherokee, OK, was declared
the World Champion with earnings of $51,709.24
over 19 rodeos. Boisjoli finished 13th with
Future Super Stars
The key to a successful rodeo is the rough stock.
rope horse, Shooter, wrapping earnings of $12,441.44 in six rodeos and the only If the horses buck, then everyone agrees it was a
up the Average in Round 4 of the other Canadian in the standings was Lakota Bird good rodeo — it’s as simple as that. These days,
WPRA World Finals of Nanton, Alta., who finished 87th with earnings stock contractors are in a far better position to
of $2,650 in two rodeos. obtain the best stock because of the rise in exciting
bucking horse futurities.
In 2019, Red Deer enjoyed their first annual Red
Deer Classic Bucking Horse Futurity presented by
members of the World Futurity Assoc. The small
ort Wor

Where in the World

–F but rodeo-savvy crowd saw a great set of horses
th

matched with a great set of cowboys and, based on

, Texas –

its success, plans are already underway for another

futurity during 2020 CFR Week.

is Canadian Cowboy?
The Top Horse of the Futurity was Jarrett
19

20 Jackson’s 408 bay paint filly who marked 86 pts.

Jarrett also won the Top Remuda (a remuda is one
bareback horse and two saddle bronc horses) with
Fort Worth, Texas his second team with an aggregate score of 244 pts.
The top six futurity horses were:
Embracing their cowboy past is the hallmark of Texas, and nowhere is it more 1. 408 bay paint filly (SB)
evident than at Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Jarrett Jackson 86 pts
The 98-acre (40 ha) site pays tribute to the stockyards, which opened in 1866. 2. 513 Shamus (SB)
Today, The Stockyards consist of entertainment and shopping venues that capitalize Frank Wyzykoski 85.50 pts
on the “Cowtown” image of Fort Worth, including a boot company, Western wear 3. 573 Dark House (BB)
stores, a nightclub, an “Opry” and a weekly rodeo. As well, volunteers trail a twice- Barcode Buckers 84.50 pts
daily cattle drive of Longhorns through the stockyards. 4. 501 bay gelding (SB)
The National Register of Historic Places listed the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic Jarrett Jackson 84 pts
District in 1976, and the area attracts some 8.5 million visitors a year, including 5. 505 brown gelding (SB)
premiere WPCA chuckwagon driver, Obrey Motowylo and his wife, Angie, of Jarrett Jackson 82 pts
6/7. 28 Quigley (BB)

PHOTOS BY JULIANNA MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY; JAMES PHIFER; COURTESY ANGIE MOTOWYLO

Bluffton, Alta.
Billy McDonald Rodeo Co. 81.50 pts
6/7. 647 Can’t Touch This (SB)
MX Bar Ranch 81.50 pts
The cowboys also earned some jingle for their
jeans, and the top six test pilots were:
1. Pascal Isabelle, Okotoks
Barcode Buckers, 573 Dark House 83 pts
2. Lachlan Miller, Crossfield
MX Bar Ranch, 647 Can’t Touch This 77.75 pts
3. Justin Berg, Camrose
Frank Wyzykoski, 480 Supercool 77.25 pts
4. Jessey Lannin, Fort Saskatchewan
Jarrett Jackson, 508 red paint stallion 75.75 pts
5. Tanner Young, Eckville
Frank Wyzykoski, 481 Diamond Lil 75.5 pts
6. Chance Barrass, Yellowhead County
Sorken Rodeo, X71 Yellow Rose 74.5 pts
Pick up men: Colin McNiven and Philip
Schellenberg
Judges: Ken Ullery, Chris Koening, Devin Borton
and Doug Goodine

8 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 2019 CCA Champs!
The 2019 CCA Finals held in Swift Current, Sask., was a events. Alongside the five rodeo performances, the
big success and the future is bright for a continuation of event also featured a trade show, rope horse futurity,
the marquee event as the contract was extended to 2026. breakaway roping, high school rodeo and rodeo cabaret.
The CCA Finals Rodeo is one of Canada’s largest rodeo For more, visit swiftcurrent.ca.
events, featuring seven major events and two junior

The 2019 Canadian Cowboys Association Champions, from left: Brady Chappel (Team Roping, Heeler), Braidy Davies (Team Roping, Header), Brady
Bertram (Bareback), Coleman Watt (Saddle Bronc), Jeff Heggie (Steer Wrestling), Adam Gilchrist (All Around), Chad Hartman (Bull Riding), Riley
Warren (Tie-Down Roping), James Perrin (Junior Steer Riding), Kaybree Zunti (Junior Barrels), Dana Lovell (Ladies Barrels)

EMPTY SADDLES

Unique
PHOTO BY CHANTELLE BOWMAN/WILDWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE; JAYCONTWAY.COM

View
The Calgary Stampede unveiled
the 2020 Calgary Stampede
Poster created by 17-year-old
Ariel Clipperton of Calgary, Alta.
Jay Contway As the winner of the competition,
Clipperton is also the recipient of a
1935–2019
$10,000 scholarship, provided by the
Brandon Flock Foundation. The 2020
Jay Joseph Contway was born Feb 13, 1935,
Stampede poster will be distributed
in Malta, Montana, and passed away Nov
worldwide, with more than 30,000
21, 2019, in Great Falls, Montana.
printed and will be seen on official
During his storied life, he was a teacher, Stampede merchandise. Clipperton’s
watercolour artist, champion professional artwork shows a behind-the-scenes
roper and world traveller. He was perspective of the Stampede Rodeo.
internationally renowned as a Western The poster portrays a cowboy
artist, most notably for his bronze standing behind the bucking chutes
sculptures, which were awarded to the inside the Calgary Stampede
Calgary Stampede Champions for 31 rodeo arena. His back number is
consecutive years. It was said that “no one 108, signifying the 108th year of
made a better cow horse than Jay Contway.” the exhibition.

cowboycountrymagazine.com 9
IN THE CORRAL

Roy Honoured
The Calgary Stampede has named one heckuva draft horseman as one of the
recipients of the 15th Annual Western Legacy Awards. Congratulations to Bruce
Roy of Cremona, Alta., as one of the 2019 Western Legacy Award recipients.
A Calgary Stampede volunteer for 60 years, Bruce Roy has brought an
international profile to the Draft and Heavy Horse community in southern
Alberta. He is also one of the co-creators responsible for bringing in the Calgary
Philharmonic to play during the six-horse hitch, creating one of the most popular
classes among participants and spectators alike.
At 82 years old, Bruce continues to make valuable contributions, sharing his
knowledge and expertise locally and on the international stage and is humbled
when asked to speak on his many personal and professional achievements.
Congratulations, Bruce — well deserved!

Watch Fob?
In the last issue, I showed this photo and
asked if anyone knew what this was. It is inscribed:
“1912 Calgary Stampede” — but there was no
indication what this souvenir actually was.
We heard from the well-known collector and noted
historian Fred Hauck of Redcliff, Alta., who suggested
this could be a watch fob that was made specifically
for the 1912 Calgary Stampede.
A watch fob was attached to a pocket watch by
the leather strap and buckle. The fob itself hung
outside of the pocket and provided easy access to the
Bruce Roy (cowboy hat) and his grandson, Rein, driving a 12-horse hitch pocket watch.
of Clydesdales and Percherons

2020 Stampede
Royalty
The Calgary Stampede is proud to announce
Falon Manywounds as the 2020 First
Nations Princess. Six young women
participated in the competition, which
included public speaking and performances
of traditional dance.
Falon is 25 and a Jingle Dress dancer
from Tsuut’ina Nation. Falon’s Tsuut’ina
name is Lone White Buffalo Woman. It was
given to her by the late Fred Eagletail.
In a separate competition, the Royal
Trio were also crowned — 2020 Calgary PHOTOS BY NORBERT STOLL; TERRI MASON; COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE
Stampede Queen Kelcey Moore and
Princesses Janelle Mackenzie and Madeline
Kerkovius — following the final events of
their competition in horsemanship, public
speaking abilities and poise under pressure.
Queen Kelcey Moore is 22 and a
professional dancer, Calgary Stampede
Princess Janelle Mackenzie is 24 and
a journeyman heavy-duty equipment
mechanic, and Calgary Stampede Princess
Madeline Kerkovius is 22 and is a health
and benefits analyst.
Throughout their reign, Calgary
Stampede Royalty will make more than
400 appearances as ambassadors of the Above: The new Calgary Stampede Queen Kelcey Moore, Princess
Calgary Stampede, promoting Western Madeline Kerkovius and Princess Janelle Mackenzie
heritage and values in Calgary and around Inset: 2020 First Nations Princess, Falon Manywounds
the world.

10 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 WESTERN ART REVIEW | TERRI MASON
PORCH READS

Ranching
Under the Arch
Stories from the Southern
Alberta Rangelands
This book would have been a monumental task
to undertake, not just because of its sheer size but
because of the prodigious memories of ranch families.
The author, D. Larraine Andrews, faithfully includes
the history and anecdotes that make books like this
such a treasure.
When telling the story, she began at the beginning
with the arrival of the Spanish on North American
shores back in the 1500s. From there she builds the
narrative year by year and trail by trail — and, more

The Autry Masters Art importantly (and with fabulous details), ranch fam-
ily by ranch family. There’s also the salacious tale of

Exhibition and Sale the E.P. Ranch, once owned by the infamous King
Edward VIII.
The photography throughout the book is fasci-
The Autry is presenting their premier event, the 23rd annual Masters of the
nating and relevant. The historical imagery, often
American West. Artworks of paintings and sculptures by 64 contemporary
obtained from the Glenbow Museum Archives, pro-
Western artists, ranging from Tony Abeyta to Jim Wilcox, will be presented.
vides a glimpse into a time we’ll never see again, while
The opening weekend of Feb 7–8 includes presentations by renowned
the modern images add more anecdotes to the never-
Master artists Kim Wiggins and Billy Schenck, a luncheon, and the
ending tale of ranching in southern Alberta.
awards presentation.
If you are at all connected to ranching in the
Co-founded in 1988 by Jackie and
Canadian West, not just Alberta, this book will
Gene Autry and Joanne and Monte
suit the most exacting of historians and is a
Hale, The Autry showcases a broad Gopher Hole Museum recommended read.
spectrum of art, artefacts, cultural Torrington, Alta.
Jun 1–Sep 30
materials and library holdings.
It’s either a salute to taxidermy or a
The Masters’ artworks will
tribute to the crack shots of Alberta.
remain on view and be avail- Regardless, their quarry was not wasted
able for purchase through and are displayed in touching, funny,
March 22, 2020. sincere or campy dioramas. You haven’t
seen Alberta until you’ve seen this.
2020 Masters of the American Check the website for hours.
West, Feb 7–Mar 22. The Autry gopherholemuseum.ca
Museum in Griffith Park, 4700
Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles,
Calif., theautry.org

UPCOMING GALLERY SHOWS

The Russell Exhibition and Sale Wells Fargo Phoenix

March 19-21, 2020 Year-round exhibitions
C.M. Russell Museum Wells Fargo Museum
PHOTO COURTESY THE AUTRY

400 13th Street North 145 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ

Great Falls, MT
The museum showcases works by Ranching Under the Arch; Stories from
The Russell is much more than a N.C. Wyeth, Frederic Remington, Frank the Southern Alberta Rangelands by D.
western art exhibition and sale; it is Schoonover, and others. Larraine Andrews. Softcover, 302 pages.
a three-day western art experience. wellsfargohistory.com/museums/phoenix Published by Heritage House Publishing,
cmrussell.org/the-russell-event heritagehouse.ca

cowboycountrymagazine.com 11
SPIRIT OF THE WEST | HUGH MCLENNAN

A Close Call
On the Trail Less
Travelled

O
n September 11, 2017, I rode up the trail to the summer Later, when I settled into the chair for
dialysis, the nurse had the usual list of ques-
range on my good mare, Cody, to start bringing pairs off
tions: “Any chest pains?” she asked. “No,”
the mountain and into what we call “the Bell Place.” I replied. “Any vomiting or nausea?” “No.”
“Any shortness of breath?” “No.” “Any recent
By now, I’d been taking dialysis treatments The good news was that the windfalls falls?” That was the question I’d been wait-
three days a week for nearly three years. As were gone. The bad news was that halfway ing for. “Yes!” “How long ago?” she asked.
I rode out of the yard, Billie reminded me up that narrow passage, the cows started “About two hours,” I replied, and told her of
to be home before noon — my treatment running up the creek bed. Then Cody my adventure.
started at 1:00 p.m. in Kamloops. started to buck. The cows had stirred up a Nowadays, thanks to a priceless gift of a
By mid-morning, I had about forty nest of hornets and my mare was getting kidney transplant from fellow broadcaster
pair trailing nicely ahead of me. The Paul stung in the belly by the angry mob. I tried Louis “The Big Rig” McIvor, dialysis is no
Creek Canyon was between us and our to bail off before I got bucked off, but, in the longer required.
destination and it was a tricky place to get fracas, I ended up on my back watching her Later I told Billie, “I never ride up that
cattle across — especially if you’re alone. hind feet thrashing around, inches from my trail. If I hadn’t of made it back, you’d have
Two trails lead up out of the canyon on head. “Well this is ironic,” I thought. “Nearly no idea where I was.”
the other side of the creek and the one we three years with end-stage kidney disease “Sure I would,” she replied. “I’d just fol-
use is steep but fairly wide. To the left is and this is how I might check out?” low the vultures!” c
a narrow gorge leading out of the canyon. Apparently, my time wasn’t up. When I
Windfalls had made it impossible for a finally caught Cody, she was covered with Cattle rancher and horse trainer Hugh McLennan
horse and rider to navigate, but cows could welts and I’d been stung about four times. and his wife, Billie, run their cattle in the beautiful
PHOTO BY BILLIE MCLENNAN

rangeland outside of Kamloops, B.C. Hugh is the

still get through. I was late getting to the When I got home I couldn’t hide the host of the multi-award-winning weekly radio
spot where I could turn the cows up the evidence — mud on my jeans, my hat was program, Spirit of the West, heard across Canada
wide trail and instead, they headed up the caved in and my hair was full of sediment. and the U.S.
gorge. I tried following them and that was Billie took a few pictures as I related our
a big mistake! big adventure.

12 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 REMOTE BIDDING AVAILABLE
Make plans to be part of the excitement this year!

Charles M. Russell, Following the Buffalo Run, c 1894, oil on canvas, 23 ⅛ x 35 inches

M A RC H 19 ‒21, 2 02 0
The Russell is recognized as one of the most prestigious Western art events, attracting collectors,
artists, and patrons from around the country. It is the premiere fundraising event for the C.M.
Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana.
Full catalogue available online at cmrussell.org. For details regarding remote bidding options, please
contact Duane Braaten at [email protected] or (406) 727-8787.
Much more than a Western art exhibition and sale, The Russell is a Western art experience!

400 13 th Street North | Great Falls, Montana | (406) 7278787 | cmrussell.org

cowboycountrymagazine.com 13
WHEEL TO WHEEL | BILLY MELVILLE

and ultimately becomes a star, there’s a

lot of gratification. If a horse gets formally
recognised, there is a tremendous feeling of
satisfaction and pride. The drivers will tell
you that the real stars of the sport are the

The Dream Team

horses, but until the WPCA Equine Outfit of
Excellence was created, chuckwagon horses
were never formally recognised.
Back in 2005, this award was the idea

Equine Outfit of Excellence of veteran outrider Eddie Melville, and

he also developed an objective system
By BILLY MELVILLE for selecting the horses. If the honour
was to be embraced by the drivers, the

I
recognition had to be credible for it to be
n chuckwagon racing, success is a team sport. You have the meaningful. The impartiality of the award
is the key not only to its credibility but its
drivers, the outriders, the barn crew, the sponsors, and of
longevity as well.
course — the horses. What makes chuckwagon racing unique “As a horseman, you take a lot of pride
is that the driver is not only a competitor but must also wear the when your horse wins,” explains Melville.
Each year, the best six horses of the
hats of team owner, head scout and head coach, especially when WPCA season are honoured. A point sys-
it comes to the horses. tem is used to determine which horses will
ultimately be named to the Equine Outfit of
Drivers are tasked with recruiting and process. Like many sports, the number one Excellence. To earn a point, a chuckwagon
developing the talent, plus determin- draft pick doesn’t automatically become a outfit must crack the top five on any given
ing where the horse is best suited for star. But when a driver can bring a horse night for their horses to gain points. One
the team. For the most part, it can be an through the program, the horse finds its horse in each of the four positions on the
expensive, time-consuming and trying home on the team, realises its potential, chuckwagon (right lead, left lead, right
wheel, left wheel) and two outriding horses
are eligible to earn a point. In short, it’s not
a popularity contest; the horses get the job
done — or they don’t.
Drivers see their horses much like par-
ents see their children, and continuously
demonstrate that their horses are appreci-
ated. A tremendous amount of time, money
and love are invested in each horse. Like
proud parents, chuckwagon drivers like to
bask in the glory of their horses’ accom-
plishments. Still, it’s not just the drivers
who take pride — the barn crews, who are
primarily responsible for the care and well
being of these horses, are just as impressed
and sentimental.
Now 15 years later, the drivers continue
to recognise the WPCA Equine Outfit of
PHOTO BY SHELLIE SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY/DESIGN BY BILLY MELVILLE

Excellence as one of the most prestigious

awards they, or more appropriately, their
horses can win. Adds Melville, “The enthu-
siasm I get from the drivers when their
horses win has never diminished.” c

Billy Melville is an author, noted historian and

chuckwagon colour commentator on Rural
Radio (SiriusXM Ch 147) and CBC Sports. He is
the grandson of Orville Strandquist.
2019 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Logan Gorst’s Jack, named the WPCA
Equine Outfit of Excellence Champion — Right Leader. The driver receives a framed photo
and a cash award for each of their horses honoured to the dream team.

14 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 Kamloops Cowboy Festival --- March 19th - 22nd, 2020
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cowboycountrymagazine.com 15
SOME DAYS ARE DIAMOND | “DIAMOND” DOUG KEITH

In Lieu of Payment
his friend of many years At a camp or gathering he hauls every- Cowley in the Porcupine Hills. His tipi even
thing to take care of other folks. He cooks, had a phone in it (installed on one of the
fits the description of
ILLUSTRATION BY “DIAMOND” DOUG KEITH

shares a cold drink and a great conversa- poles by a head-scratching phone company
“one of a kind.” He is a tion… heck, you may even hear a song. He employee.) The historic tent was dug two
knows hundreds of them and will play steps down with the kitchen a further two
cowboy singer/songwriter and them on one of his many, many different steps down — making it a split-level two-
a cowboy poet. However, his musical instruments. storey tipi with a phone and stereo.
Just to emphasise his uniqueness, he Now Noel, my buddy, decided to have
greatest asset is the size of his and his wife at the time, as well as two a small cowboy gathering in Coalhurst,
heart — it is three sizes too big. small kids, lived in a tipi he built north of Alta. He phoned me up and said,

16 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

“Diamond, we really would like you to
come and perform your cowboy poetry
and storytelling at our gathering. There is
just one thing, we don’t have the money
to pay you. But we can put you up and
fill your belly while you’re here and then
we’ll fill your truck up with gas when you
leave.” Well, he has helped everyone and
their dog, so of course, I said, “Excited to
do it, I’ll see you then.”
It was an excellent weekend of cowboy
culture with unmatched hospitality. After
it was over it was time for me to leave. All
I needed was that full tank of gas. So my
friend says, “We have to go to the wreckers.”
You see, to fund his cowboy culture addic-
John Bear’s Horses – 1971 – Allen Sapp
tion he worked at the auto wreckers. And

“Powerful and sensitive images

that is where we were getting the gas.
I thought they must have a tank I could
pull up to, but no. He had yanked out of the Northern Plains Cree”
about twenty gas tanks before the vehicles
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Man. I recited poems, wrote a few more,
sang, cussed at all the drivers whipping by IN PRINT OR DIGITAL
me and did my best to stay awake.
I finally arrived at my ranch, went into
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18
REFLECTIONS | BRYN THIESSEN

Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

PHOTO COURTESY STOCK.ADOBE.COM/COUNTRYPIXEL; STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ CHRISTAS VENGEL
 The Difference
Between Genius & Stupid
Genius Has its Limits

“Genius” is a strange word even for me, but as I’ve his limitations” (Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry).
been trying to write this column, I was looking Jesus then said to the crew, “Don’t put all your
for inspiration, to the point of perspiration, fueled energy into building your cowherd or acquiring
by determination, thwarted by procrastination. more gear. Life consists of more than what you
I realised my situation was causing agitation, so have, it’s about who you are and where you’ll end
with some hesitation, I received a revelation. I up” (Combination of Luke 12:15, Mark 8:36 and
need no restoration, nor excessive salutations, the my words).
simple explanation is I needed excavation. I just It’s in bunching those words together that I
needed to take the time to let some things go. find the pasture I’d like to graze in a while. A well-
As I’m writing these words, I’m glancing back known nugget of cowboy wisdom says, “Hang on
over my day. I’d spent it shipping some cattle, both to your cow’s tail, she’ll pull you through.” I always
calves and cull cows. It’s been a few rough winters add, “That’s true, but you might look like you’ve
back here on the Helmer, and my cattle genetics been under a cow.” Cattle or any possession takes
and numbers are not what they once were. That, time and energy. Throw in some Dirty Harry logic,
combined with my theory that I don’t raise cattle and you have to decide what’s best for all. Is the
based on anyone else’s preference but my own. recompense worth the required effort, for both
(Even a politician can start to see the title making you and the possession? Ride the circle a little
sense.) Add to this that I’d given up some rented wider. It’s not the cost of the cattle that sinks me,
land farther out, taken on a more pastoral role with it’s what the cattle cost me of me, and what being
some folks and by the time you’re reading this col- me entails (with no limit on stupidity), that weighs
umn I will have achieved my goal of “60 is the new me down.
80.” (In other words, I celebrated a big birthday and Just as it was time to ship some cattle, it’s time
I’ve decided that I’d rather be a young 80 than an to bunch up these words and send them to town.
old 60.) As I’d stated some months back, “It might At this time as we celebrate with hearts and
be time to run less cattle and have less battle.” So chocolates, let us look at where our hearts are, for
I’m trying to let go of what I don’t really need — where our “treasure” is, our hearts are (Matthew
including my unlimited ability to be “stupid.” 6:21). Consider the cost of what you’re doing, and
If we trot down through the timber collect- remember, if there’s no limit to our ability to be
ing the stray thoughts on the way, we might find “stupid,” how much more unlimited is God’s abil-
some of these: “A ship doesn’t sink because of the ity to make things right? We just need to let Him
water around it, it sinks because of the water that be the one who leads. c
gets in it” (Unknown). “A man has got to know

Bryn Thiessen is a rancher, poet, cowboy and preacher at Cowboy Trail Church in Cochrane. Bryn and his wife Bonny
market grass-fattened beef from their Helmer Creek Ranch southwest of Sundre, Alta.

cowboycountrymagazine.com 19
TRAILBLAZERS PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST

Mike
Ferguson
A Cowboy’s
Cow Boss
By DARYL DREW

///

B
ack in the mid-1950s
when Mike Ferguson
was the cow boss of
the Douglas Lake Ranch, he
was responsible for one of
the most productive areas of
prime grazing land in all of
North America.

An effective cow boss establishes an efficient pat- in camp wanted the job, and a fight broke out when
tern for the daily operations of a ranch. To do that, one of the men tried to run him off. Ferguson dished
you have to balance the vagaries of weather, grass, out more than he got but was sent out to ride fence
markets, cowboys and management. It helps to have until things cooled off. A short time later he was pro-
ranching in your blood and the skills to be the cow- moted to cow boss.
boy’s cow boss. For Ferguson, the interest in the job came from the
Born in 1918 and raised in the southern Cariboo, daily changes and challenges. Back then, the ranch
Ferguson was the grandson of Johnny Wilson, who did not artificially inseminate, and the cows had to be
was known as the “BC Cattle King” in the late 1800s. constantly watched in case any came into heat, mean-
Ferguson began cowboying at age nine for his uncle ing not pregnant. For this, he needed to be mobile,
Harry near Savona, B.C. During WWII he served and as ranching changed, so did his approach. For the
mostly in Italy as an army mule and horse supply first 25 years he spent 10 hours a day in the saddle; by
packer and took up the cowboy life again when the the 1980s he worked mostly from a truck. “The clos-
PHOTOS COURTESY BCCHS

war ended. est way I can come to being in two places at the same
He worked for a number of B.C. ranches and com- time,” he once said.
peted in rodeo before settling down at the Douglas The herd of nearly 16,000 head — including five
Lake Ranch in 1949. In 1952 he was offered the job of per cent bulls — were kept up in the timber in the
cow boss, but he literally had to fight for it. Five men summer, saving the grass at lower elevations for fall

20 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

in a transhumance pattern. The terminal people showed up with the idea that they you don’t like.” Second, you had to be able
crossbred herd was 60 to 70 per cent wanted to be a cowboy. Often, the nature to stand all kinds of weather and take what-
Hereford, with Charolais, Simmental and of the job sorted out who would make it ever comes — including early mornings and
Angus comprising the rest. and who wouldn’t. Sometimes the sweat, heavy rain. And third, a cowboy needed
Douglas Lake was known for producing smoke and dust of spring branding would to be very dependable — all traits that
top cutting horses, and when working cattle, make the decision about cowboy work. described Ferguson himself.
Ferguson rode a Peppy San-bred stud named Regardless, if they had “try” they got a Mike Ferguson passed away in 1994.
Sanctuary. As cow boss, he was relied upon chance. His view was that cowboy skills are His ashes were scattered by some of the top
to grade replacement heifers and sale stock mostly learned on the job and not from a hands of his day on a hill overlooking the
in the fall. A keen judge of an animal’s book, and you have to start your apprentice- Douglas Lake Ranch, where he had been
weight, health and finish, he could accu- ship somewhere. known for about 40 years as the cowboy’s
rately access the amount of feed in a field Working for Ferguson meant giving cow boss. c
by riding through it. He could also recall the 100 per cent, even when a young hand was
life history of particular cattle and was well just learning, but sometimes things could
known for sorting cattle in pens of identical go sideways. He remembered when one
finish, conformation and weight. young cowboy missed a cow and roped
Mike also had to deal with disasters. Ferguson’s leg, pulling him from
On December 1, 1975, nearly 400 cows the saddle. That kind of mistake
wandered out onto the ice of Salmon Lake. comes from inexperience, and
When Mike arrived at the scene, over 100 that kind of inexperience can
head had broken through and were floun- get people hurt.
dering in the frigid waters. Ferguson called Ferguson always told new
in his crews and neighbours, organizing men what he was looking
them into teams of six so they could walk for in top hand material.
out onto the ice, rope each cow and pull it First, you really had to like
out. They saved 97 of the 121 head. the work and cowboy life-
Hiring and mentoring are also part of a style. As he said, “Life is too
cow boss’s job, and every year a few young short to work at something

An early photo of Douglas Lake Ranch

cowboycountrymagazine.com 21
LIVING LEGENDS

Wytse deVries
Cowboy Collector
By BILL BORGWARDT

I
t was 1949 when original Western films, produced
and edited for half-hour time slots, began appearing
on the new, small-screen medium — television.

It began with William Boyd, an actor who movie cowboys who took to
had starred in some four dozen Hopalong television and began selling merchandise the present day. One of the recent popu-
Cassidy movies. After the studio dropped linked to their characters, Roy Rogers and lar series was the Alberta-produced Hell
the series in 1948, Boyd, being a shrewd Gene Autry. on Wheels (which was covered in the
businessman, managed to scrape up The 1950s and ’60s saw the heyday of Oct/Nov 2013 issue of Canadian Cowboy
$350,000 to buy the rights to the films and the television Western. By 1959 there were Country Magazine).
his character and began putting together more than 30 different Western series airing Many of the television shows spawned
half-hour shows, utilizing footage from his in prime time, with Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, at least a few collectable items, as toy and
old movies along with new footage shot Have Gun — Will Travel, and The Rifleman game manufacturers realized there was a
to fill in new storylines. The series was a being the top four TV shows of that year. ready market in young viewers. This wasn’t
PHOTOS BY BILL BORGWARDT

hit and a shrewd Boyd began licensing The Western genre continued to dominate just a North American phenomenon, for
Hopalong Cassidy merchandise. In total, television until the end of the ’60s when viewers in Britain were also enthusiastic
over 2,200 different “Hoppy” items were interest began to drop off, but it has always cowboy fans and British manufacturers
authorized and produced, making Boyd had a place in the hearts of many viewers. produced their own products, often having
the king of the television merchandis- Close to 200 different television Western bolder, flashier graphics than the U.S. or
ers. His success inspired two other former series have aired from 1949 through to Canadian counterparts.

22 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 OPPOSITE PAGE:
Wytse deVries in his
1,000-square-foot private
museum

OPPOSITE PAGE INSET:

There was a wide array
of products available
for branding

RIGHT TOP:
Dusty Rogers (the son of Roy
Rogers and the leader of the
Sons of the Pioneer Band) and
Wytse deVries backstage in
2019 when the Sons came to
Western Canada on tour

RIGHT CENTRE:
When possible, Wytse has his
collections grouped, so all of
the Lone Ranger collectibles
will be found in one area

RIGHT BOTTOM:
Roy Rogers and his famous
horse, Trigger, are still highly
collectible, including these Roy
Rogers alarm clocks

LEFT BOTTOM:
From left, action figures
Little Joe and Pa, part of the
Cartwright family of Bonanza
fame. The series ran from 1959
to 1973.

Growing up on a farm in west-central

Alberta, Wytse deVries has been a television
cowboy fan for as long as he can remember.
He began collecting comic books but was
soon collecting other Western television
memorabilia, something he has been doing
now for close to 50 years.
As his collection grew, he showcased it in
his basement, but when he got married, his
wife Loreen got tired of the whole basement
being overtaken by cowboys, so it was time
for a new building — dedicated to all things
television cowboy.
The collection is now housed in his
nearly 1,000-square-foot private museum
and is now even outgrowing that space.
As an enthusiastic cowboy fan, Wytse has
attended cowboy memorabilia and fan
gatherings across North America, adding
scarce items to his collection and meeting
many of the actors who were involved in
the shows. When he’s not working on the
collection, you can find him watching epi-
sodes of the many TV Westerns he has in
his extensive DVD collection or showing
them to the younger generation, keeping
the Western tradition alive. c

cowboycountrymagazine.com 23
 Horse

Modern-Day Warriors
By TERRI MASON

This ancient
artwork depicts
a circa 1300 A.D.
Mongolian horse
archer shooting
backwards. The
Mongols are
credited with
creating steel
stirrups, and by
standing in their
stirrups, the
archers could
shoot even while
retreating, a
revolutionary
battle tactic at
the time.

I
n the 13th century, Genghis Khan, an illiterate horseman with a
relatively small army, conquered the largest consolidated land empire
in history. At its peak, the Mongol Empire covered some nine million
square miles (23 million sq km) of territory, and it was captured by a force
of almost entirely horse archers.

Some of the Mongols’ “secret” weapons were majority of the work, skill and training are placed
innovative — advance and retreat warfare tactics, on the rider. Hours and hours of practice and
incredible amounts of practice and the invalu- competent coaching is needed to accurately fire
able invention of steel stirrups, which provided a horse bow, let alone fire an arrow hard enough
a stable platform needed for the horse archers to to embed it in a target. From there, the enthusiast
stand in their stirrups and shoot at the enemy, graduates to nocking the arrow and shooting
IMAGE FROM TECH HISTORY/ESTHER INGLIS-ARKELL

even while retreating. from the back of a walking horse. As their skills
For over the past 800 years in many parts of increase, so does their speed.
the world, the requisite skills required of horse While becoming a competent archer is para-
archers is still practised, especially in China, mount, so is training the horse to respond directly
Japan, and Mongolia. Here in North America, the to knee and leg pressure. The sport is conducted
“most feared invaders” tactics have been trans- without the use of reins, as the archer is too busy
formed into a sport and are enjoying an upsweep rapidly shifting position while nocking and firing
in popularity. arrows at a myriad of targets on either side, over-
Unlike many events created to get or keep head (called qabaq) and behind the rider along
folks in the saddle, in this multi-faceted art the the staked-out course.

24 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 FIND A CLUB POSTAL MATCHES
In Canada, mounted or horse archery Because the horse archery clubs are
clubs affiliated with Canadian spread out and it’s difficult to travel abroad
Federation of Mounted Archery exist to compete in person, the International
in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Nova Horseback Archery Alliance have created
Scotia, while internationally, there a postal match series to keep enthusiasm
are clubs in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, high and give competitors an idea of how
Britain, Bulgaria, China, Finland, France, they are progressing.
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Japan, To participate in a postal match, a
Jordan, Russia, Korea, Luxembourg, club sets up the required course, timers
Malaysia, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, record the times and scores are recorded.
Qatar, Romania, Russia, South-Africa, Participants shoot the number of runs
The Netherlands, Ukraine and USA. required and the scores are submitted
To learn more about the sport, online. This way, archers can compete at
visit KaspianEquestrian.com. To find their local club and on a familiar horse.
a club near you or internationally, There are no prizes, but it is a verifiable
visit Canadian Federation of Mounted record of a shooter’s progress as an
Archery at canadian-federation- archer.
of-mounted-archery.com or the Each match is set by a club from the
International Horse Archery Alliance at affiliated nations. All postal matches have
horsebackarchery.info. Walk, Trot and Canter divisions.

Kenton Miller utilizing the same

posture as a circa-1300-A.D.
Mongol warrior at a recent
mounted archery competition
in Arizona. Kenton captured
Reserve Grand Champion with
shots like this.
PHOTO COURTESY KASPIAN MOUNTED ARCHERY

cowboycountrymagazine.com 25
 NOCK, NOCK,
North of Olds, Alta., is the Kaspian NOCKING…
Equestrian Training Centre, located on the Specialized equipment ranges from
Rock–N–Rail Ranch. The multi-zone equine horse bows to quivers, thumb guards to
facility includes a massive, spotless arena, arrows. Some clubs will have equipment
outdoor pens and rings that run the gamut for a beginner to try or even rent long-
from sand to grass, and pristine barns and term. As with all specialized equipment,
outdoor pens. Kenton Miller built the place try before you buy as each archer will
literally from scratch and the facility offers find an affinity for a specific type of bow,
boarding as well as instruction and coach- whose design goes back thousands
of years. Modern arrows are made of
ing in working equitation, dressage and
fiberglass and many are custom-made,
mounted archery.
while the unusual quivers that hold
Kenton, himself an international the arrows on the thigh or the back are
competitor who recently was crowned leather and often elaborately decorated.
the Overall Champion of the 2019 Texas
International Archery Festival, is as enthu- Kenton Miller in competition in
siastic as he is skilled. The archery club has full regalia shooting the qabaq,
attracted a broad cross-section of people a drum cymbal mounted on a
23-foot high (7m) pole
whose skills have rapidly gone from “How
to Hold a Bow” to scary-good shots. Kenton
is a precise coach heavily laced with kind-
ness. He is encouraging to newcomers, and
clearly enjoys teaching and watching his
students progress.
Kenton is also an enthusiastic and
popular international competitor who takes
pride in his skills and his appearance, pay-
ing homage to the great horse archers before
him. His horsemanship is as exacting as his
shots on target, and the combination has
earned him many awards.
In a nutshell, horse archery is a martial
art — and like all martial arts it’s not easy.
However, if it’s worthy of your pursuit and
if you have the passion to develop the skills,
then this might be the game for you — a
sport that has literally won empires. c

See more photos on our website:

cowboycountrymagazine.com

IMAGE COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; PHOTO COURTESY KASPIAN MOUNTED ARCHERY

It’s in Your Blood

An international group of geneticists
studying Y-chromosome data have
found that 0.5 per cent of the 
world’s male population, or roughly
16 million men, are descendants
of Genghis Khan.

26 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 COWBOY WAY

PART 6
OF SIX
CATTLE HANDLING

Beat
the Calving
PHOTOS BY COLLEEN BIGGS

Blues
By DYLAN BIGGS Tips for a Calm Calving Season

27
COWBOY WAY

C
alving season may everything easier during calving season. effective, working relationships with their
Cows that you can ride through or walk horses, then turn around and throw that
be underway on some
through without disturbing when checking approach entirely out the window when it
outfits; for others, it them is a pleasure. If your cows trust you, comes to working their cattle. So as difficult
isn’t too far off. 2020 will be my it's much easier to tag calves and assist a as it may be with time pressures and all the
cow if she needs help having her calf. That rest of the demands and stresses of ranch-
44th calving season. I started being said, I acknowledge that some cows ing, I always try to keep in mind that every
being given the responsibility simply have very poor dispositions. To what time I work cattle I have the opportunity
of calving the ranch cows extent it is inherited and/or a result of poor to make them easier to handle tomorrow.
handling is difficult to say. Some cows are Assuming your constant handling goal is a
when I was in my teens. Back extremely protective after they give birth. calm, quiet, trusting herd, then you are in
then we calved up at the yard. If these behavioural issues are extreme an excellent position to make the calving
enough to compromise your safety, then season both easier and more enjoyable.
For the last 30 years, we have culling them makes the most sense. Once you have calved enough calves
calved later and on pasture. Handling is cumulative. Every time we and heifers, you should know that, regard-
move, process, sort or work our cattle in less of ideal management, it is inevitable
Over the years, I have seen quite a variety of any manner we are teaching them some- that a cow or heifer will require assistance
situations, though I know I haven’t seen it thing about us today, something they will to give birth to a live calf at some point.
all. You never know what new twist may be remember tomorrow, next week, month or Once you’ve made the decision to help, the
lurking around the corner. year. We are continually setting the stage for first thing required is for you to keep calm.
One thing I am sure of is that a herd of how our cattle are going to respond to us in Anxiety and/or panic never helps ensure
cows that don’t mind being handled horse- the future by how we deal with them today. a positive outcome. In fact, it is highly
back and on foot, that yield to pressure What I find curious are the very skilled probable that it will contribute to a less
without getting anxious and upset, makes horsemen that develop very trusting, favourable outcome. The risk of getting the

28 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

cow bothered, panicked or even worse, get- in the moment is going to end up looking their foot when they quit pulling on it.
ting her on the fight will not help expedite more like drunk driving, a lot of oversteer- Then if you have someone on the ground
the assistance procedure. I always do my ing, over-braking and over-accelerating. and the cow can stay on her feet, they can
best to keep the cow at a walk, let her con- The other consideration is that, when slowly get chains on and start assisting and
tinue to think about calving — not about you do get the calf delivered and need it to the cow will still want to keep pushing. No
having to flee for her life from someone be mothered, the chances of immediate suc- chasing, no choking and the cow will help
who is chasing her in a panic. cessful mothering are reduced significantly you help her by continuing her contrac-
The thing about driving singles, horse- if the cow is all worked up or on the fight. tions. Then when the calf is out keep ahold
back or on foot, is that maintaining correct We calve on pasture, some years many of her until she starts mothering the calf,
position and pressure is critical. Getting miles from a set of corrals or a squeeze. talking to it and licking it. Over all these
them to yield their head so you can turn When the occasion arises that we need to years of doing this I have not had a cow or
them both directions and then pressuring restrain a cow or heifer to assist her, my heifer that didn’t claim her calf if handled
the hip to drive forward once they are point- preferred way of doing so is to rope a hind this way on pasture.
ing the right way requires that you pay full foot. Roping a single hind foot is relatively I grew up helping my dad calve through
attention to that animal’s every move. The easy, and if you position yourself to set up the 70s when he was using A.I. to breed
trap that lots of people fall into even when for a hip shot or scoop as the cow walks by cows to the new exotic European imports.
they aren’t dealing with a calving issue is you, there is no need to chase her to catch Excessively large birth weights and calving
instead of reading the cow and responding her. In my experience, neck roping a cow difficulties resulted even on mature cows
to what she is doing, people position them- is the surest way to get a cow upset and and panic was the norm during calving sea-
selves based on what they “think the cow is quite possibly on the fight and takes her son. It was a hard habit to break. c
going to do” not what she “is” doing. When mind and body off having her calf. Taking
driving a herd or a single, it is never, I repeat away oxygen is frightening for most
never, a good idea to position yourself based breathing creatures.
on what you anticipate. Your job is to read On the other hand, with a single hind
We also weigh
what the cow is doing right here and now leg catch you can stop them gradually the newborn
and respond accordingly. — don’t let them start running but don’t calves — here
Attempting to drive a cow in a calm, demand a stop on a dime. It usually only I have just
completed
controlled fashion when panicked and takes a few minutes before most cows learn that task. This
anticipating rather than reading the cow to yield to the rope if you let them have mother cow is
attentive but not
aggressive, so
I let her be.

cowboycountrymagazine.com 29
 WESTERN ART GUIDE

SPECIAL FEATURE

Cheyenne — “The
Daddy of ’em All”

&
EMOTION It all began in 1897, and to this day,
Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) is
famous for presenting the rich
traditions of the Western way of life,

ART
rodeo, and the spirit of community
involvement. The visual hallmark is
the Western Art Show, featuring the
nation’s top Western artists.
The on-site Old West Museum is
When it comes to art open year-round. Exhibits include
an extensive collection of western
— especially Western
carriages, a permanent display on
art — we love what we the history of Cheyenne Frontier
Days, and during Frontier Days, the
love. These galleries, Western Art Show and Sale. The
museums, exhibitions museum also hosts the CFD Hall of
Fame. Inductees include legends
and auctions all such as Lane Frost, Chris LeDoux,
cater to us and know Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels,
Reba McEntire, George Strait,
CFD 2019 Museum Purchase Award Winner Little Red
what appeals to us Man by Howard Halbert; 18.5" x 15" graphite drawing and Garth Brooks. x cfdrodeo.com
the most. To some,
serene watercolours
attract, while to
others, it’s the vibrant
oils that capture our
imagination. In our
Cowgirl Up!
In 2006, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum
world, that’s what art is created their annual exhibition showcasing the
brightest contemporary female Western artists and
about — imagination,
turned the spotlight squarely on women’s voices
emotion and and perspectives, serving up a more profound
understanding of the American West.
recognition. Read on to Cowgirl Up! is a crossroads where artists, collectors,
find out what’s coming and art enthusiasts come together to explore what
it means to be a Western artist and to freely ride the
up at some of the range of techniques, styles and mediums.
favourite exhibitions An exhibition first and a sale second, the art
featured remains on display until the exhibition closes
happening this year in early May, allowing viewers to experience the art
“all in one place, at one time.”
across the West.
x westernmuseum.org

Photo courtesy Caballeros Western

Museum Desert/Tim Zeltner

30 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 WESTERN ART GUIDE

The Coeur d’Alene

Renowned in Western art circles, the Coeur d’Alene
Art Auction was named one of the Top 25 auction
houses worldwide. They are also the largest auction
house in the country specialising in Western and
American artwork.
The auction principals have over 100 years of
combined experience in selling fine art and have
netted their clients over $325 million in the last
fifteen years alone and hold over 160 actual world
record prices — the highest of any auction in
the field.
Frederic Remington (1861–1909) Casuals on The Coeur d’Alene is the auction house of choice
the Range (1909), oil on canvas, 18” × 26”, for major museums, corporations, and notable
signed and dated lower right. Sold at the 2019
Coeur d’Alene Art Auction for $981,750. private collections. They also handle extensive
collections and individual works in a highly
professional manner to maximise their value.
x cdaartauction.com

Allen Sapp
Self-taught Aboriginal artist Allen
Fredrick Sapp (1928 – 2015) lived
a life of incredible hardships and
loss — later followed by a chance
encounter with a benefactor
and a life of international fame,
achieving awards and merits
beyond his wildest dreams.
The Allen Sapp Gallery features
The Gonor Collection, a permanent
selection of many of Sapp's
works. Leah Garven, Curator and
Manager of Galleries for the City
of North Battleford has created
an exhibition called Landscape
Perspectives, inspired by a
national project about magnificent
Canadian landscapes that
produced a book called The Good
Lands: Canada Through the Eyes Loading Hay by Allen Sapp, 24" X 36", acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of the
Allen Sapp Gallery — The Gonor Collection
of Artists.
The Good Lands project began in 2016
when a group of curators and writers would choose for his work,” said Garven. and the sense of place and feelings that the
gathered to discuss how we see Canada and “Allen Sapp is a self-taught artist whose juxtaposition evokes.”
the land through art; the project included a work is created by the eyes of his youth. Canada is blessed to have the extensive
work of Allen Sapp, The Caboose. He is well-known for his bird's-eye-view collection of Allen Sapp’s works in the Allen
“This made me look at our collection perspective, but this exhibition will also look Sapp Gallery in North Battleford. This is a
and the unique viewpoint that Allen Sapp at other unique vantage points of his work must-see gallery. x allensapp.com

cowboycountrymagazine.com 31
 WESTERN ART GUIDE

SPECIAL FEATURE
Whyte Museum of the
Canadian Rockies
The Whyte Museum has a long-standing
tradition of respect with the mountain culture
of the Bow Valley and beyond.
The founders themselves hosted
international clientele, friends, mountain
climbers, artists and photographers, as well
as collected a vast catalogue of art relevant
to the region.
Today the Whyte Museum is home
to some of the more diverse collections
relative to the area’s 10,000-year history of
inhabitants and those who call the Banff area
home. Along with their impressive permanent
exhibitions of masterful artworks, the Whyte
is hosting upcoming exhibitions, including the
photography of Danny Singer and Projecting
Illusions, a showcase of lantern slides.
These exhibitions are a part of Exposure:
Outfitters, Gateway to the Rockies Exhibition,
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Alberta’s Photography Festival and run from
Photo courtesy Whyte Museum January – April. x whyte.org

Gary Schildt (b.

1938), The Parade,
1997, Oil on canvas.
Collection of the C.M.
Russell Museum;
Gift of Dan R. and
Mary Ann R. Fiehrer.

Charlie Russell
The C.M. Russell Museum is dedicated
to the art and life of the iconic Western
artist, Charlie Russell, and friends. Charlie
Russell is, without a doubt, the cornerstone,
the patriarch, the end-all-and-be-all of Coming up in June, visitors can also Cawdrey who created a series of large,
Western artists. experience Andy Warhol: Cowboys and colourful silk paintings honouring the large
If you are not familiar with his works (and Indians and Billy Schenck: Myth of the West. mammals who live or have lived in Glacier
who isn’t?), then this is the museum that you The Warhol exhibit explores how the father of Park. And of course, the much-anticipated
must see to understand Canadian songwriter American pop art highlighted classic Western Sundance Series by Gary Schildt begins
Ian Tyson’s famous lyrics in “The Gift,” archetypes and called attention to myths of in October. This remarkable series of 42
the song he wrote about Charlie when he the American West. Billy Schenck: Myth of the paintings by Blackfeet artist Gary Schildt
sings, "He could paint the light on horsehide West illustrates how the “Warhol of the West” represents the most meaningful aspects of
shining…” The museum is host to fantastic fashioned a new movement — Western pop — the annual Medicine Lodge ceremony.
permanent exhibitions plus the sizeable inspired by Andy Warhol’s techniques. x cmrussell.org
sculpture garden and the exciting annual Also beginning in June will be Forever
events and exhibitions. Glacier: A Legacy Project by Nancy Dunlop

32 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 WESTERN ART GUIDE

EVENTS
Just Long Enough
by Adeline Halvorson.
Oil on gallery wrapped
canvas, 12" x 10" Calgary Stampede:
adelinehalvorson.com Western Showcase
JULY 3–12, 2020
Western Oasis, BMO Centre
Halls D & E
1410 Olympic Way SE
Calgary, Alta.
x calgarystampede.com

Celebrating Western Arts & Culture Cheyenne Frontier Days

Old West Museum Exhibits,
Extended Hours
Internationally known as “The Greatest Featuring multiple disciplines of arts and JULY 17–26, 2020
Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary culture ranging from photography to oils, CFD Old West Museum
4610 Carey Avenue
Stampede has also earned an international watercolours to bronzes, here collectors
Cheyenne, Wyo.
rep as Canada’s “go-to” Western art show and fans can meet the artists from x cfdrodeo.com
and sale. throughout North America and purchase
For the 10 days of the Stampede, this original artwork. Coeur d’Alene Art Auction,
massive area known as the Western Oasis The Western Oasis also features non-stop 35th Annual
offers a respite to the frenetic rodeo and music and entertainment at the Window on JULY 25, 2020
Grand Sierra Resort,
midway. Its cool and relaxed ambience is the West Stage and a Wine Garden.
Reno, Nev.
the welcoming home to the artists and the x calgarystampede.com x cdaartauction.com
art lovers.
Cowgirl Up! Art from the
Other Half of the West
MARCH 27–MAY 10, 2020
Desert Caballeros
Western Museum

The Art of
21 N Frontier Street
Wickenburg, Ariz.
x westernmuseum.org

the Cowgirl! Great Western Living

The Art of the Cowgirl is a fresh, new & Design Exhibition
annual gathering primarily of like-minded MARCH 19–22, 2020
Montana ExpoPark,
women. This part event, part mentoring Four Seasons Arena
opportunity and part lifelong friendship- Great Falls, Mont.
making soiree, feature events to learn, to x thegreatwesternshow.com
be entertained, and many opportunities
to shop. March in Montana, 33rd
First on any cowgirl’s shopping list Annual (Coer d'Alene
Art Event)
would be the Elite Ranch Horse Sale MARCH 19-21, 2020
that offers a select group of horses from Great Falls Elks Lodge,
some of the handiest women in the Great Falls, Mont.
x marchinmontana.com
ranching industry. There is also a trade
x cdaartauction.com
show featuring hat makers, silversmiths,
home décor and clothing.
The Art of the Cowgirl is a multi-faceted event that focuses The Art of the Cowgirl
The big gala is all about fabulous on cowgirl skills and a whole lot of fun while learning. JAN 22–26, 2020
art and will feature a live art auction of Photo by Nicole Poyo Buckeye, LaVeen Village,
original art. & Gilbert, Ariz.
x artofthecowgirl.com
Equine events include the World’s
Greatest Horsewoman, the Ranch Rodeo,
and clinics ranging from stock dogs to
riding side-saddle. x artofthecowgirl.com

cowboycountrymagazine.com 33
WHAT WORKS FOR US

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Fresh Grass, New Calves By TERRI MASON

 I
’ve never met a rancher yet who didn’t look forward to calving time. Sometimes
there are tragedies — horrific storms or predators — but all in all, this season is the
reason they got into the business in the first place.
This time we’ve asked two top ranchers who march to the beat of their own drum
to speak about what works on their outfits. The Chinook Ranch is snugged up against
the Eastern Slopes, and the High Plains Ranch is dang near in Manitoba — but it’s
uncanny how closely these two ranches operate in terms of breed and style.
And like always, we’re not here to tell anybody how to ranch, but we’re sure inter-
ested in finding out what works on their place.

CALVING IN
POTHOLE COUNTRY
RYAN BEIERBACH
We start calving by May 10 and fin-
ish the first part of July. After the first of
May, we’re usually safe when it comes to
weather. It’s warm enough that you don’t
have to worry about the calves getting
cold. Plus, the green grass is starting so
they can spread out and graze.

We calve the heifers two weeks earlier so four times a day; the cows we check morn-
they have a little time to breed back. We ing and evening. The crew is me, Tania and High Plains Ranch
keep them on an 80-acre field near the our three kids; Lara is 15, Rana is 14 and Owners: Ryan and Tania Beierbach, Lara,
yard, and we watch them a little closer. Jace is 12. Rana, Jace
We also keep the heifers separate from the We’ve found that by calving in May we Nearest Town: Whitewood, Sask.
cows until after they’ve calved so we can don’t have scours or sick calves. They are
watch them, as they might have trouble healthy. For sure it adds pounds to them,
— whether they need some help calving and it also makes them grade better, and
(we don’t pull many calves), or sometimes their health is better in the feedlot. The bred Established: 2002
a heifer will leave her calf or get mixed up heifers we sell do better because they’ve Elevation: 598 m (1,963 ft)
and want somebody else’s calf. With our never had that stress from being sick. Annual Precipitation: 24 inches
cows, we don’t have to do anything with The terrain over here is called pothole Cattle: Commercial, black Angus/
them. Having the Hereford/Angus cross, country. We have rolling hills, with little
PHOTO BY TANIA BEIERBACH

Hereford cross
they can do it on their own because they’re sloughs in the low spots with some wil- Cattle brand
hardy and they’re sound. lows, and the odd poplar bluffs, but a lot and location:
We typically check the cows and heif- of the fields don’t have much for shelter. slash T (Left Hip)
ers on horseback, but sometimes we drive If they’re calling for a storm, we’ll move
through. The heifers we try to check about them to a field with shelter. We move them

34 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

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WHAT WORKS FOR US

every three or four days during the grazing year-round because the grass doesn’t have are done out here. I’m not afraid to try new
season. It’s easy to move them; we just open enough nutrients. things. Sometimes they work; sometimes
the gate, and they head to the next field. When we first moved here, there were they don’t.
It’s different ranching over here because a few people that were sure I was doing And there is one other thing — good
the grass starts a little later in the spring things the wrong way. Maybe some of it was horses and the ability to rope or load a cow
and a lot of the guys that are running cows wrong, but I learned a little faster because I to deal with a problem if we do have one. If
are mixed farmers. But there are a few was willing to do some different things than we couldn’t do that, we wouldn’t be able to
guys like me who just ‘do’ cows. We had the guys that kind of got stuck in the ‘this is move them and calve them away from the
some poorer farmland, so we seeded it to the way things have always been done’ atti- yard — and that’s what works for us.”
grass around the wetlands. Over here, the tude. Plus I also came with some different
grass grows a whole lot more than where ideas because things were done differently
it’s dry, so we need to supplement mineral south of Maple Creek than the way they

CALVING ON THE pair them out; we

move everything

EASTERN SLOPES
as a herd from mid-
April to mid-June.
Hopefully, by June
STEPHEN HUGHES 1, we’re on the new
years’ grass.
We turn our bulls out July 15, which The two-year-
olds calve at home.
to me is a due date of April 26, and it’s
Somehow I haven’t
generally on cue that the first calf shows got over that hurdle
up April 14–15. Then we trickle along yet to have them
until about April 20th, and then we get calve out on the
really busy until mid-May, which is range. We supple-
when most of our calves come. ment them a little
better, with a little
Our heaviest snowfall months are March more protein and watch them closer but as
and April. I try to get us calving in the back soon as they calve they’re back out on grass. Chinook Ranch
half of April because where we are it’ll snow We’re pretty ‘no frills’, and we’re not touch- Owners: Stephen and James Hughes
until June, but once we get past mid-April, ing them when they calve; ear tags and such Nearest Town: Longview, Alta.
we shouldn’t have killing temperatures, but are added at branding. We don’t intervene
we can sure get snow. That’s the one thing at all unless they need colostrum and I
that pushed our herd from being more don’t fault anyone for that. I make a cull list
Hereford to more Angus was that dark pig- throughout calving, but I’m entirely hands- Established: 1950
ment and not [bag] burning cows. off, and I’m all right with that. As long as Elevation: 1,240 m (4,068 feet)
That timeline seems to work best for us. they don’t need help and I can see the calf is Annual Precipitation: 491 mm (19 inches)
I find our cows are re-breeding OK, and the up and sucking, they’re good to go. Size: 6,000+ acres
flip side is, I don’t want to take our calves That’s one thing about my cowherd,
Cattle breed: Commercial, Angus/
into winter too light. after 23 years of year-round grazing they’re
Hereford; Simmental terminal cross
This year, I’m pretty much the only pretty capable. The first three weeks of calv-
one checking cows; my kids [Kayla, Josie ing, I try to go through them three times a Herd size: 500–550 mother cows
and Erin] are in school or university. Last day, and then I ease off. They are well-sup- Cattle brand
year my middle daughter, Josie, took some plemented; I’ve got a good handle on the and location:
time off and helped out a lot, and my dad’s plane of nutrition, but the cows do the vast Hay knife brand
wife, Karen, helps out too. I’ll check on majority of the work. (left rib)
PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN HUGHES

horseback, or if I’m in a hurry, I’ll use the I’m pretty pleased with our cows and
Japanese horse. how they go about their business. It’s funny,
Back in 1996, we set out to graze year- when you back off and let a cow be a cow at
round, so our cows rotate fields all the way calving, just how capable they are. We inter- it should be. I love calving time. It’s a hard
through calving. We range calve on rough vene so little. If you’ve done your job, and I way to spend your life if you don’t love it —
fescue; it’s more important to me to try and think we have, they get a lot of that calving and that’s what works for us.” c
make sure they’ve got lots of cover. We don’t done, and I just see it after, and that’s how

36 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 Pro Rodeo
CANADA INSIDER

WORLD
CHAMP
AGAIN!
Two-time World Champion Saddle Bronc
Rider Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alta.,
earning his second World Championship one
buck at a time at the 2019 Wrangler National
Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

RODEOCANADA.COM CANADIAN COWBOY COUNTRY

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
PROUD TO
BE IN OUR
COMMUNITY

1-888-Finning | Finning.com
346-6464

38 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 C.P.R.A.

2020 Canadian
Professional
Rodeo
Outstanding! Association
The 2020 Canadian Professional Schedule
Rodeo Season is underway after
an outstanding 2019 season that FEBRUARY
was capped off with an exciting Claresholm, AB * (BR).............................. Feb 29
and successful 46th edition of the
Canadian Finals Rodeo, held for the APRIL
second year at Westerner Park in Picture Butte, AB * (BR)........................... Apr 10
Red Deer, Alta. Congratulations to our Champions! Tofield, AB * (BR)........................................ Apr 11
Fans also enjoyed cheering on CPRA competitors at the Wrangler Medicine Hat, AB....................................... Apr 17–19
National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Congratulations to all Camrose, AB pending.............................. Apr 24–26
— with special compliments to Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alta., who cap- Crowsnest Pass (Coleman), AB........... Apr 24–26
tured his second World Saddle Bronc title. Shout out as well to Tie-Down
Roping Champion, Haven Meged, and Bull Riding Champion, Sage Kimzey, MAY
both of whom competed at CFR in November 2019. Drayton Valley, AB.................................... May 1–3
Canadian stock contractors had a stand-out year on both sides of the Stavely, AB................................................... May 7–9
Innisfail, AB * (BR)..................................... May 9
border as well. A particular highlight was seeing Northcott-Macza’s 242
Falkland, BC................................................. May 16–18
Get Smart, earning top saddle bronc in both Canada and the U.S.
Swift Current, SK * (BR)........................... May 23
The inaugural Maple Leaf Circuit Finals presented as part of Canadian
Grande Prairie, AB FINNING.................. May 28–31
Western Agribition in Regina, Sask., at the end of November, officially
Leduc, AB...................................................... May 28–31
kicked off this year’s event roster. In addition to providing Champions
Hand Hills, AB............................................. May 30–31
and overall Circuit Winners with an opportunity to compete at the RAM
National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, FL., later this spring, money won at JUNE
the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals counts toward the 2020 CFR. Brooks, AB................................................... Jun 5–6
Bull riders enjoyed the Rebel Energy Xtreme Bull Riding on January Lea Park/Marwayne, AB........................ Jun 5–7
11 in Red Deer and are looking forward to competing at the Chad Besplug Rocky Mountain House, AB.................. Jun 5–7
Invitational on February 29. April will see a return to a busier rodeo Innisfail, AB.................................................. Jun 12–14
schedule for all competitors. Wildwood, AB * (SB) date change....... Jun 13
Breakaway roping has been approved as a CPRA optional event for Wainwright, AB FINNING....................... Jun 18–21
2020. Fans and competitors can look forward to seeing the addition of Sundre, AB................................................... Jun 19–21
this women’s event at a number of rodeos. (Contestants interested in High River, AB............................................. Jun 20–21
competing in breakaway roping at CPRA rodeos can contact the office at Williams Lake, BC FINNING................... Jun 25–28
403–945–0903 to find out about obtaining permits or memberships.) Ponoka, AB FINNING................................ Jun 25–Jul 1
And thank-you to our sponsors, our fans, our rodeo committees and Airdrie, AB.................................................... Jun 26–28
their volunteers. We very much appreciate your support and look forward
to having you as part of our 2020 season.
Wishing everyone a happy and successful 2020. See you on the *Indicates Special Event
rodeo trail. Finning Canada is the Title sponsor
of the Pro Tour
Terry Cooke,
President, CPRA All dates are subject to change. Please visit
RodeoCanada.com for up-to-date information

cowboycountrymagazine.com 39
Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

Watson and Dawson Hay. Watson was sec-

CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE ond in the final round with an 89.5 point
ride and $20,730. He finished sixth in the
average, won over $127,000 during the ten-

CHAMPIONS CROWNED
day Finals and checked in at $236,406 for
the year — sixth overall.
Hay, a WNFR first-timer, completed
the Canadian trio’s tremendous showing

61ST WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

as he was part of a 3/4/5 final round split
with Thurston and Ryder Wright; Hay
added an eighth-place average cheque of
By CPRA/BARB POULSEN $6,346 for an NFR total of $97,435 and
season earnings of $197,747 — good for
Zeke Thurston is first and foremost a win- give him WNFR earnings of $170,064 and seventh place.
ner, and he proved it again at the Wrangler an overall season total of $347,055. California bareback rider Clayton
National Finals Rodeo en route to his sec- “I wanted this one even more than I Biglow came to the WNFR with a com-
ond world title. In the final go-round, the wanted that first one,” the 24-year-old sec- manding lead, increased that lead in the
Big Valley, Alta., saddle bronc rider posted ond-generation bronc rider admitted. “I’ve first nine go-rounds and in the tenth
an 88.5 score on C5 Rodeo’s Kitty Whistle had more fun this year than I ever have. round, tied the arena record he set a
to split 3/4/5 in the round to add $11,141 to This is awesome, just awesome.” year ago; this time the 93-point score
his round earnings. And Thurston added a It was also a terrific week for Thurston’s was recorded on the Canadian Bareback
fourth-place average payout of $31,431 to travelling partners, bronc riders Jake Horse of the Year, Northcott-Macza’s Stevie

World Champion Tie-

Down Roper Haven Meged
roping off his spectacular
black mare, Beyoncé. “I
bought her off Facebook a
couple of years ago,” said
Meged in an interview.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by

Dan Hubbell

40 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 C.P.R.A.

Knicks. The $26,230 first-place cheque,

coupled with his win in the average
($67,269) gave the four-time qualifier a
record season total of $425,843.
2019 Canadian Champion and five-
time WNFR qualifier Orin Larsen finished
fourth in the final go-round ($11,000) and
held on to fourth place in the average for
another $31,731 to bring his season total to
$296,403, second only to Biglow.
The second of the Canadian bareback
riders, Cadogan, Alta., cowboy, Clint Laye,
rode all ten of his WNFR horses and fin-
ished 6th in the average for $16,500 to take
home almost $79,000 at his second WNFR
and a season total of $170,415.
It was a dream season for 21-year-old
tie-down roper, Haven Meged, The Miles
City, Montana WNFR rookie prevailed with
a season total of $246,013, just $1,182 ahead
of 2013 World Champion Shane Hanchey.
Hanchey split the final round with a 7.1 sec-
ond run with Texan Adam Gray, each man
collecting $23,480. The Meged-Hanchey 1-2
finish was the exact reverse of the Canadian
Championship battle they staged at CFR 46
in Red Deer.
Bull rider Sage Kimzey had set his
sights on tying the great Jim Shoulders’
record of six consecutive world titles, and
the 25-year-old Oklahoma sensation did it
with authority. Kimzey was 88 points on
Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s River Monster to win
Jordan Hansen of Okotoks, Alta.,
second in the last round, finish first in the scoring 90 points on Bridwell Pro
average ($67,269) and put a ribbon on a Rodeo’s Jive Turkey to win second in
season that saw him top $480,796 in earn- round three WNFR action.
ings, another record.
PRCA ProRodeo photo by Dan Hubbell
2016 Canadian Champion Jordan
Hansen topped the field in round ten with
an 88.5 point ride. That $26,230 payday,
along with an eighth-place average cheque to maintain fifth in the average ($22,846) Heeling Championship with an impressive
of $6,346, gave the Ponoka, Alta., bull rider to win his first World title with $234,491 $249,180 for the season, $161,884 of which
an NFR total of $100,044 and a season total in total. came from earnings garnered at this year’s
of $214.792. Two-time and reigning Canadian Finals with California heading partner,
It came down to the final performance Champion Scott Guenthner pocketed Cody Snow.
before defending Champion Hailey Kinsel- $46,102 for his 2019 WNFR efforts for a The WNFR Top Stock Awards saw four
Lockwood was declared 2019 Ladies Barrel 12th place $148,853 overall. Canadian horses get the nod. C5 Rodeo’s
Racing Champion. Seven placings through In the Team Roping event, it came down F13 Virgil and Northcott-Macza’s X81
the week, including two round wins, gave to the final round with Oklahoma’s Clay Spilled Perfume split Reserve Bareback
the Cotulla, Texas cowgirl $141,153 in NFR Smith taking home his second consecutive honours. In saddle bronc, Ward Macza
earnings for a grand total of $290,020. World Heading title. The five-time WNFR took home another prize with a tie for
It was third time lucky for Helena, qualifier and his partner Jade Corkill placed Reserve Champion between Northcott-
Montana steer wrestler Ty Erickson. The in six of ten rounds ($118,307 total NFR Macza’s 242 Get Smart, Calgary Stampede’s
lanky bull dogger came to the Thomas & earnings) with Smith earning a season total T-65 Tiger Warrior and Frontier Rodeo’s
Mack Arena twice before in the lead and of $268,819. Medicine Woman. c
was unable to seal the deal. While Erickson And it was Texas heeler, Wesley
did not place in round ten, he clocked a 4.4 Thorpe, who enjoyed his first World

cowboycountrymagazine.com 41
Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

Wills was especially impressed with the who garnered $4,252.22 each from the
CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE overall production at the Finals. “The peo- four-day event.
ple in Regina ran the rodeo great, they were Overall Maple Leaf Circuit winners
very professional, and it was cool to see all include Ky Marshall of Bowden, Alta., in
those fans in the stands.” bareback; Ben Andersen of Eckville, Alta., in
The 24-year old’s outstanding perfor- saddle bronc; Kyle Brown of Didsbury, Alta.,
mance wasn’t the only one that highlighted in bull riding; Layne Delemont of Chauvin,

MAPLE LEAF the $149,678 Regina-based Finals. Carbon,

Alta., bareback rider Cole Goodine won
three go-rounds en route to his Maple Leaf
Circuit Finals aggregate title and the second-
Alta., in steer wrestling, Keely and Logan
Bonnett of Ponoka, Alta., in team roping;
Blair Smith of Wimborne, Alta., in tie-down
roping and Brooke Wills in barrel racing.

CIRCUIT highest payout of $6,123.20.

Other champions include Kolby
Wanchuk of Sherwood Park, Alta., in the
bronc riding with $5,612.93; five-time
In addition to having their money count
towards the 2020 Pro Rodeo Canada sea-
son, all of the Finals Champions, along with
the overall Maple Leaf Circuit winners, earn

FINALS Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion Cody

Cassidy of Donalda, Alta., ($5,442.85);
Glentworth, Sask., tie-down roper Jesse
Popescul and Dawson Creek, B.C., bull rider
qualifications for the RAM National Circuit
Finals April 2-4, 2020 in Kissimmee, FL.
(Official RNCF qualifiers will be confirmed
later this week.)

A SUCCESS
By CPRA/BARB POULSEN
Jacob Gardner — both with $5,102.69; and
team ropers Clay Ullery (Two Hills, Alta.),
and heeler, Riley Warren (Stettler, Alta.),
For complete results, see
rodeocanada.com c

I
Canadian
T’S BEEN A FANTASTIC Champion
and Maple
MONTH (ACTUALLY 34 Leaf Circuit
DAYS) FOR BARREL RACER champ
Brooke Wills
BROOKE WILLS. of Kamloops,
B.C., on her
The Kamloops, B.C., cowgirl followed up her eight-year-old
Canadian championship title and $35,640 mare, Fames
in CFR earnings with an equally impres- to Blame
(Famey).
sive win at the inaugural Maple Leaf Circuit
Finals at Canadian Western Agribition in
Regina, Sask. Wills and her eight-year-old
mare, Fames to Blame (Famey), won two of
the four go-rounds at the Brandt Centre and
finished second in the other two to capture
the aggregate title and $6,803.65 — the larg-
est paycheque of the Finals.
“The last month has been incredible,”
Wills acknowledged. “The win here in
Regina, the awesome way the competitors
were treated and qualifying for Kissimmee,
FL (the RAM National Circuit Finals) capped
off this dream month we’ve had.” Wills also
PHOTO BY WILDWOOD IMAGERY/CHANTELLE BOWMAN

made the point, “And the money we won

here gives us a really nice head start for the
2020 rodeo season.”
Wills was confident in her mare head-
ing into the Circuit Finals. “I didn’t run her
between Red Deer and Regina, and I figured
she might need one run to really get going
here. She just loves her job and loves to
win and gets stronger at these multiple-
run events.”

42 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 C.P.R.A.

ROAD TO THE CFR

ORIN LARSEN
NO MORE Orin Larsen riding Northcott-
Macza's multi-award-winning mare,

BORDER BLUES
X81 Spilled Perfume

By TIM ELLIS

P
ERFORMING WELL AT
window each year to do that and I wasn’t “Horsepower played a role, but when I
THE CANADIAN FINALS able to do it. I had to go to Omaha to get rode Spilled Perfume on Wednesday night,
RODEO HAS NEVER a special document signed by Homeland it gave me a whole new level of confi-
BEEN A PROBLEM FOR Security so I could cross the border while dence. I’d been on that horse about seven
BAREBACK RIDER, ORIN LARSEN. THE my green card was being processed. Then times before and rode it once. I’ve had that
my wife and I had to go back to Omaha horse make me look plum stupid before.
WORRY HAS BEEN FINDING A WAY TO
for interviews to make sure our marriage “Everybody was riding so good and we
COMPETE AT THE REQUIRED AMOUNT wasn’t a sham. It was two years of spend- brought the buckers. There were no big,
OF REGULAR SEASON RODEOS TO ing money and fighting with the help of fluffy hoppers that anyone could spur. It
QUALIFY FOR THE CFR. a lawyer. I’m glad it’s done and over with was so good that it literally came down to
for a few years.” a drawing contest.”
“I finally have my green card,” reveals Larsen, Despite his limited appearances in Larsen went on to win the last three
who now lives in Gering, Nebraska. “I can this country, Larsen has averaged wins of rounds of the Finals with scores of 87.5,
now cross the border without any trouble for over $1,100 per Canadian regular-season 90 and 89.5 points, giving him his second
a few years.” rodeo over the past four years. He’s also straight aggregate title and the champion-
That issue has been hampering Larsen’s won over $178,000 at the CFR in those ship buckle. Of his 11 CFR go-round wins,
ability to move freely from the United States four appearances while winning or split- 10 have come in rounds four through six.
to Canada during the rodeo season. He’s ting the win in 11 of 24 go-rounds. And He’s hoping to be able to add to that
entered just 16 CPRA events in each of the this year, Larsen won his first Canadian impressive resume in 2020.
last two seasons, one more than the neces- Bareback Championship. “It will be the same plan for this year,”
PHOTO BY BILLIE-JEAN DUFF

sary fifteen rodeos used as a benchmark for “I couldn’t have asked for a better CFR,” suggests Larsen, who lists Inglis, Man., as
qualification for the Canadian Finals. says the two-time College National Finals his Canadian address. “My travelling part-
“The problem was I had to be in the U.S. Rodeo Champion. “I was very fortunate. ners and I have a pretty good system. If I
for six consecutive months,” begins the All those guys that were there in Red Deer can make it up for a few more, that would
28-year-old. “I only have one very small are just as deserving. be more than great.” c

cowboycountrymagazine.com 43
Pro Rodeo Canada Insider

Wade Rempel picking up

bareback rider Dantan

PICKING UP
Bertsch from Calgary
Stampede’s T-17 Twin Cherry
at 2019 Strathmore Stampede

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

OPPOSITE PAGE
Pick up man Terry Leeder
giving Colton Ouellette a
helping hand off of Duffy
Rodeo's bareback horse, 
42 Scrufty
By DIANNE FINSTAD

S
OME OF THE BEST COWBOY ACTION AT
A RODEO OFTEN TAKES PLACE IN THE
SECONDS AFTER THE WHISTLE BLOWS.
THAT’S WHEN THE PICK UP MEN,
THOSE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE SPORT, RIDE TO
THE RESCUE AND HELP THE CONTESTANT GET
SAFELY TO THE GROUND.

44 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020

 C.P.R.A.

Canadian pro rodeo is fortunate to have At an average rodeo, Leeder uses three It also takes some cowboy smarts to
some of the most talented and experienced horses in a perf — more if it’s a bigger rodeo. know when to push and when to get out
pick up men in the world. It’s a specialized He has six head he can rotate through, of the way of the bulls. Being handy with a
skill set, and those who know it best say while Rempel has nine in his remuda, rope is another prerequisite for encouraging
it takes a couple of key factors for anyone including a young one he’s bringing along. wayward stock to head in the right direction
wanting to join their ranks: practice and Approaching a bucking horse in close or for securing a horse if a bareback rider
good horses. Plenty of both. range isn’t something all saddle horses gets hung up.
Wade Rempel of Kyle, Sask., has logged aspire to — some can learn, others take to it Unlike rodeo competitors, pick up men
thousands of hours in the rodeo arena in more naturally. But both cowboys know it are guaranteed a paycheque at the end of
his 45-year career. He’s been helping rodeo takes lots of training to get one to the reli- the day, a responsibility that requires true
cowboys, often with his brother Gary, since able stage. professionalism.
they were kids at the Matador community For both horse and rider, the task “You have to pay attention to your job,”
pasture in Saskatchewan. They got started requires intense concentration and antici- Rempel emphasizes. “The contractors look
when stock contractor Jerry after their horses, and we have
Myers spotted them and to treat everyone the same
began to call when he needed — get the flank off as quick
an extra hand. That led to as you can. It’s their money
work with other contractors, bucking. Treat every cowboy,
including a still-regular gig every horse, with respect.”
for the Rempel brothers at the At most rodeos, there are
Calgary Stampede. two pick up men in the arena,
“You’ve got to know how to but at some larger shows,
ride, that’s one thing for sure,” there can be double that.
emphasizes Rempel. “It’s a team effort,” adds
But that’s no ordinary Leeder. “You can’t do it by
‘sit-in-the-saddle-on-a-sunny- yourself because you’ve got to
day’ horsemanship ability. It’s work as a team with one guy
more of a ‘ride-into-a-thunder- on each side, usually. When
storm-and-pull-someone-out’ they come out, if the horse
kind of riding. goes one way, it’s that guy
“You need to get to a prac- who goes in, and you fall in
tice pen first, and have horses behind. If it comes your way,
that want to work,” he adds. you go for it, and the other guy
Terry Leeder of Buck comes in behind.”

“ 
Creek, Alta., lives not far from Despite the padded chaps
stock contractor John Duffy, and that’s For both horse and they wear, pick up men are still in the line
how he got his entrance into the game. of fire, and Leeder laughs that sometimes
“I got going to practice pens with rider, the task requires you don’t see all the bruises until the shirt
him and started picking up there,” comes off at night. Both have had their
Leeder recalled. intense concentration and share of broken bones from flying hooves
He’s been working at rodeos for more over the years. But they wouldn’t change
than 20 years now, mostly in the amateur anticipation throughout it for the world. Especially the times when
ranks at first, and now mainly in the pros. they can sit around the campfire after a
The positions don’t open up often, but
the entire rodeo.” flawless performance of great rodeo action.
PHOTOS BY BILLIE JEAN DUFF; DDD PHOTOGRAPHY/DALLAS DUFFY

you need to be ready if they do. “We enjoy it,” states Leeder. “You don’t
“There are so many good pick up men pation throughout the entire rodeo. Plus, get rich doing it, so you’ve got to enjoy what
in Canada,” Leeder points out. “You’ve kind good ‘stock sense’ is another critical asset. you do. It’s nice to be there for the cowboys.
of just got to wait your turn until someone “You’ve got to be able to read things,” Everybody knows everybody, and it’s just
retires and you can get in there.” Rempel explains. “If you can see somebody fun to hang out.”
The horsepower quotient is huge for getting in trouble, you can take two or three “I’ve probably got the best seat in the
a pick up man, and while a good, strong steps and be that much closer.” house for watching the guys ride buck-
horse is an immeasurable asset, Leeder says “So, you’ve got to be ready, maybe look ing horses,” says Rempel. “I’ve seen some
another quality is even more important. ahead a bit, yet stay out of their road. They good rides, good horses, and met a lot of
“They’ve got to have a big heart. They’ve (the contestants) own those horses for eight good people.” c
got to get in there and stay in there, do their seconds ‘til the whistle goes. You get in there
job. Sometimes you’ll go through some too early and bugger them up, it’s no good
horses that just don’t want to do it.” for anybody.”

cowboycountrymagazine.com 45
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46 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020
CLOWNIN’ AROUND | CRASH COOPER Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery

If vegetables are so good, why

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cowboycountrymagazine.com 47
The Ol’ Ugly Special
Ol’ Ugly — aka John Glawson — is a great comedian and
storyteller from Nanton, Alberta. He will send you into a good
belly laugh or sometimes bring a tear to your eye, but you’ll
always find a grain of truth in his tales. Be sure to take in his
performance if he’s in your neck of the woods, and you can
also follow him on Facebook. This is one of his favourite
recipes because, according to Ol’ Ugly, “You can never have
too much pie!”

Shoo Fly Pie

Crust ( for a 9” single
pie crust) Filling
3/4 cup hot water
1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp. cold butter
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt 1 large egg (room
3/4 cup mild-flavoured
1/3 cup cold butter temperature), beaten
molasses or dark corn
3 to 4 tbsp. cold water syrup 1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
2/3 cup firmly packed
brown
sugar

PHOTOS COURTESY STOCK.ADOBE.COM/NATALLIA; STOC.ADOBE.COM/ NEILLANGAN; PIXABAY.COM/

Directions
a pastry fork
eat th e ov en to 400˚F. wl , then cu t in the butter with
B Pr eh
combine the flour
and salt in a bo moisten the flour,
B For the crust, mb s. Ne xt , mi x in enough water to
resembles coarse cru minutes.
until the mixture d refrigerate for 30
ug h int o a ba ll, wrap it in plastic an h cir cle , th en transfer it into a
then shape the do dough into 12-inc
PONCE_PHOTOGRAPHY; ILLUSTRATION BY ERIN MURPHY

rol l th e ch ill ed en crimp or flute

O n a lig ht ly flo ured surface, ml y ag ain st bo tto m and sides, th
fir
te. Press the dough
B
9” deep-dish pie pla a until dissolved.
the edges. a bo wl , an d mi x in the baking sod sugar, then
pour the hot water
in e flour and brown
B For the fil ling, as ide . In a se con d bowl, combine th Re se rve ha lf the
lasses, and set rse crumbs.
B Stir in the mo ing un til th e mi xture resembles coa
bin
cut in the butter, com ur
until well mixed. Po
mixt ur e, an d set as ide .
e mo las se s, eg g an d vanil la, and stir an d ba ke for 10
ing crumbs, add th mb mixture,
B To the remain cru st, sp rin kl e with the reserved cru mi nu tes mo re (or
prepared to 40
the fil ling into the 350°F, and bake 35
Ne xt , red uc e th e oven temperature to an d se rve .
minutes. whipped cream
). Let cool, top with
until fil ling has set
48
COWBOY CHURCHES
Nechako Valley Cowboy Church
Last Sun. of every month, 7 p.m., Nechako
Community Church Building, Hwy 16 E,
Vanderhoof, B.C., 250‑567‑4960
Open Valley Cowboy Church
Every Sun., 6:30 p.m., Head of the Lake Hall,
past the O’Keefe Ranch on Hwy 97, Vernon,
B.C., 250‑503‑0707
Boomtown Trail Cowboy Church
2nd and last Wed. of every month, 7 p.m.,
Elnora Drop‑In Centre, Elnora, Alta.,
403‑749‑2047
Clearwater Cowboy Church
Every Thur., 7 p.m., Dovercourt Hall, Hwy 22,
north of Caroline, Alta., 403-844-6641
Community Cowboy Church
Every Tue., 7-8 p.m., Niton Community Hall,
Main St., Niton, Alta., 780-795-2326
Cowboy Trail Church
Every Tue., 7 p.m., Cochrane Ranche House, Corporate branding &
101 Ranchehouse Rd., Cochrane, Alta., personalizing available
403‑638‑4254
Heartland Cowboy Church
1st and 3rd Tue. of every month, 7 p.m., 587-317-8448
Stettler Agriplex, 4516‑52 St., Stettler, Alta., [email protected]
780-877-2331
James River Cowboy Church
Every Wed., 7 p.m., James River Community canadaleathers.com
Hall, 2.5 km S of James River store or 11.5 km
N of Sundre on RR 53, Alta., 403‑638‑6439
Pipestone Cowboy — Cowgirl Church
2nd Mon. of every month, 7 p.m., Pipestone
Café, Hwy 795, 11 km north from junction
Hwy 13 and 795, Pipestone, Alta.,
780-312-8653
St. Albert Cowboy Church
Every Fri., 7 p.m., 60 Liberton Dr., St. Albert, Simple, safe, cost effective
Alta., 780-459-2222 horse fencing. ElectroBraid is
The Cowboy Church your answer!
Every Fri., 7:30 p.m., Centre Park Church,
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WShipping across Canada
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780‑918‑5530
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Viking Cowboy Church
Last Fri. of every month, 7:30 p.m., Viking
Auction Market, junction of Hwy 26 and 36,
Viking, Alta., 780‑384‑2114
Willow Valley Cowboy Church
2nd Sun. of every month 10:00 a.m., 26016
Hwy 595, 15 km east of Red Deer, Red Deer
County, Alta., 403-347-0206
Battlefords Cowboy Church
1st and 3rd Thur. of every month, 7 p.m., THE
Legion Hall, 22 St., Battleford, Sask., MOST
306-937-2733
UNIQUE
Diamond C Cowboy Church
Every Tue., 7:30 p.m., 208 Sidney St., Maple
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cowboycountrymagazine.com 49
COWBOY POETRY

Her
Her
Colt
Colt
By BRUCE KISKADDON By BRUCE KISKADDON
Other hosses takes an interest in a colt that’s young and small
The way they act you’d think they’d never seen a colt atall
They would nip him and torment him if his mother wasn’t there
But they don’t do much inspectin’ when they meet up with the mare

Other hosses takes an interest in It’s her that makes ’em savvy not to monkey with that colt
a colt that’s young and small She backs her ears and peels her teeth; you bet she’ll take a holt
The way they act you’d think they’d If that don’t make ’em understand, they’ll learn the way it feels
never seen a colt at all When she lashes out and takes ’em in the ribs with both her heels
They would nip him and torment him
if his mother wasn’t there She must watch the other hosses, she must teach that colt to mind
But they don’t do much inspectin’ And there’s times perhaps the bosses gits a little out of line
when they meet up with the mare She knows he ain’t no problem child. He’s just like all his brothers
And she’s a mare that’s got a colt, the same as all the others
It’s her that makes ’em savvy
not to monkey with that colt Of course she hasn’t read no books how children should be raised
She doesn’t keep a record of her family’s birthdays
She backs her ears and peels her teeth;
But if you watch from day to day you’ll find she’ll make it through
you bet she’ll take a holt
And do about as good as job as anyone can do.
If that don’t make ’em understand,
they’ll learn the way it feels
When she lashes out and takes ’em Bruce Kiskaddon (1878–1950) is one the most admired and recited classic
in the ribs with both her heels cowboy poets. Most of his works are in the public domain.

She must watch the other hosses,

she must teach that colt to mind
And there’s times perhaps the bosses
gits a little out of line
She knows he ain’t no problem child;
He’s just like all his brothers.
And she’s a mare that’s got a colt,
the same as all the others

Of course she hasn’t read no books

how children should be raised
She doesn’t keep a record
of her family’s birthdays
But if you watch from day to day
you’ll find she’ll make it through
And do about as good as job
as anyone can do.
PHOTOS COOURTESY VIRGONIRA; UNSPLASH.COM/ YURIY BOGDANOV

Bruce Kiskaddon (1878–1950) is one the most

admired and recited classic cowboy poets.
Most of his works are in the public domain.

50
 Nick Gulka
Jackie Rae

Stella Stevens

A.J. Keller

Greg Shannon

Serving up

Music
since November 2, 1954
cowboycountrymagazine.com 51
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52 Canadian Cowboy Country February/March 2020