The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Red Deer is in full swing this week, ending on Sunday.
The whole town was excited after a barrel full of thrilling events unfolded on Thursday night.
This year at the Finals, competitors have gone all out from bareback riding to steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, ladies’ barrel racing, and bull riding.
Yesterday saw some wild pull-throughs and comebacks!
Taylor Manning of Yellowhead rebounded from a dead-last run in Ladies’ Barrels in the first round on Tuesday to take first place on her second go! Now that’s a comeback!
Blake Molle of Chauvin stayed consistent throughout the night, snagging 1st and 2nd place in the two ladies’ barrel racing events. She is now ranked first overall this season!
Steer wrestling saw Scott Guenthner of Provost come out on top this season.
He’s earned a whopping 10K at the Finals Rodeo and is now ranked first overall!
In Bareback Riding, Clint Laye of Cadogan is killing it! He placed first yesterday and is ranked 1st overall for the season.
Ponoka’s Danton Bertsh has had a remarkable comeback after breaking his leg in June. He’s pulled through with a consistent 2nd place both Tuesday and Wednesday, a win well earned!
“When I came back, I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know if it was going to hurt or if my boot was going to fit on. To be here and be doing as well as I did today, I’m beyond thankful, and I couldn’t be happier,” he told the Red Deer Advocate!
And, of course, possibly the most iconic rodeo sport out there, Bull Riding, saw Wyatt Gleeson of Sundre snag first place yesterday with a score of 86.75 and Ashton Sahli of Lacombe in a close second with a score of 86.25!
These are just a few highlights! You can read through all the stats from each rodeo day as they’re updated here!
This will sadly be the last Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer after a five-year streak. The Finals will be moving back to Edmonton for the event next year, a bittersweet move for most competitors.
“I’m kind of disappointed to see it go. It’s the same as Red Deer’s first couple of years. They all have the growing pains trying to figure out how things work,” said Bertsch. “Once it finds a home and it gets going like this year, I mean, everything is running smooth.”
Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood had similar sentiments but an overall positive outlook on the Finals Rodeo’s move.
“[CFR] has given visitors a chance to see what central Alberta has to offer and provided a big boost to local businesses,” he says. “I am excited to welcome contestants and rodeo fans one last time, knowing that next year, the legacy of Canadian rodeo and agriculture will remain in good hands,” he told Red Deer News Now.
But at least the Finals Rodeo is staying in the province is welcome because, let’s be honest, no one in Canada does rodeo like Albertans.
Be sure not to miss the upcoming nights of rodeo action, as the best rodeo athletes from across Canada strive to win the top spots of the season and some hefty cash prizes!
The Canadian Finals Rodeo promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend, and it’s another reason to be proud of Alberta’s rich heritage.
