After 33 years, the Canadian Finals Rodeo is changing the format of the cowboy championships, hoping it will improve the quality of the competition that just wrapped up in Edmonton.

Starting in January, the top cowboys who qualify for the CFR will be able to carry over the points they earn during the season from other rodeos into the championships. In the past, those records were wiped clean once the CFR started.

Changes mean CFR competitors, including saddle bronc riders, will now carry over points earned during the season.
(Northlands)

The CFR is one of Canada's highest-paying rodeos, offering $1.1 million in prize money and showcasing events including steer wrestling and bull riding.

Rod Hay, an eight-time Canadian saddle bronc champion, said the Canadian titles will mean more now that they're based on the whole season and not just five days of competition in Edmonton.

"I think the talent level will go up but also it will keep guys going harder and possibly better because you're making it more of a job instead of a weekend thing," said Hay, who lives in Wildwood, Alta.

The change by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association was made after pressure from cowboys.

The new format will also be a much-needed shot in the arm for dozens of smaller rodeos across Western Canada, as cowboys are now forced to compete in more events to rack up additional points.

"Cowboys now will have to pretty well attend every professional rodeo in Canada just to get enough dollars to qualify and carry on to win the Canadian championships," said Darryl Tucker, who runs the Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede every Labour Day weekend in Armstrong, B.C.

"So I think will entice cowboys to go down the road and compete in all the rodeos and not just the big ones in Canada."

The CFR, which ended Monday, attracts thousands of visitors to Edmonton every November.