Calgary Stampede

They call it the greatest day in rodeo. And that’s not just the organizers saying that to market the event.

It’s the cowboys themselves, and they don’t make a statement like that lightly.

Rodeo contestants compete in a unique sports environment. They look after booking their own appearances, they pay their own entry fees, drive themselves to the next location, often bandage themselves up, and try to make ends meet for their families.

It’s a lifestyle they love, the independence they crave, and the risk they thrive on.

But the Calgary Stampede gives them a taste of what it’s like to be treated a rock star.

If they qualify through the regular season, the Tour Finale rodeo, or are invited, they get to be part of an elite group representing the best in the business in each of the major events.

Their entry fees are paid, rooms are provided, they’re wined and dined, and do corporate appearances. They get to stay in one place for at least four days at a time, without having to drive, at a normally crazy time of the year.

Then on this final day, the richest day in rodeo, they have a chance to make one ride or run for $100,000, in front of a grandstand full of thousands of cheering fans.

No wonder they’re thrilled to be a part of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Pressure's on for Showdown Sunday

The only downside is the whole situation can be a bit of a pressure cooker.

There’s no doubt that by the time it gets down to the final four in the Showdown Sunday afternoon, the skill level of the competitors is high and pretty equal.

What separates and makes champions is the ability to handle the challenge, and make the most of the stock they’re given.

It was a sunny afternoon here in Calgary. No surprise there, since they’ve never had a rainy afternoon at the Stampede since they started giving away the big money. Given the unpredictability of Alberta weather, that’s quite something.

When it came to the tie-down roping, each of the finalists knew the key word was fast. That objective seemed to override accuracy, and in the ten round, the crowd was shocked to see champions Trevor Brazile, Fred Whitfield and Stran Smith all miss their calves.

The man with the fastest time qualifying was Georgia’s Ryan Jarrett. Then in the Showdown, he kept up his momentum, tying another calf in seven seconds flat. That was fast enough to give him the big cheque and his moment on the stage.

Jarrett says he plans to use the cash for setting himself up in a place to rodeo from, admitting Georgia isn’t the easiest home base. The $100,000 will go a long way to help him do that.

Will Lowe back-to-back champ

The bareback riding was impressive, and when the four finalists went head to head, three were separated by only a point and a half.

Kaycee Field drew the Calgary Stampede’s own famous horse Grated Coconut, and while he rode through the storm, judges ruled he’d slapped the horse in the process and was disqualified. It’s hard to control all parts of the body when you’re up against that much power.

The cowboy who came out on top was Will Lowe, making him the Stampede Champion two years in a row. He’s got a one month old baby at home, and that kind of payday will buy a lot of baby gear!

Canadians were cheering to see two of their favourites make the final four in the steer wrestling. Three of the four rode Lee Graves’ horse Jesse, while Curtis Cassidy rode the family’s famous steed Willy. Graves set the pace with a 3.7, and Cassidy was a tenth faster, but broke the barrier.

Trevor Knowles came out with a 3.3 second run, and the first man to congratulate him was his buddy, Lee Graves. Then Stockton Graves had trouble and wasn’t able to throw his steer, giving Knowles the thrill of a lifetime and his first Stampede championship.

Again, in the saddle bronc riding, it all came down to a half point difference. The horses did their part and so did the cowboys, with four picture perfect bronc rides.

Icing on the cake for Muncy

Bradley Harter was 85, Dustin Flundra and Chet Johnson were both 87, and it was Taos Muncy with the half point edge at 87.5 for handling the great Cool Alley, who had an oustanding day.

Muncy couldn’t make last year’s Stampede due to a badly broken ankle, so he was extra excited about being here, and to take home the top prize was the icing on the cake.

Barrel racing is always a game of inches and all four ladies made snappy runs, but Tammy Key-Fisher and her horse Roundpen smoked their run in 17.26 seconds, to outdistance the field. It was an emotional victory, as Tammy shared with the crowd that she’d lost her son just two weeks before, as she dedicated the win to him.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as she talked about how wonderful it was for her horse to finally share this great triumph with her.

And then in the bull riding, it was a duel. Calgary’s bull Speed Dial outspun Zack Brown, but just barely. Devon Mezei made a game effort but North Star outmuscled him.

Then the crowd went crazy when the colorful Brazilian cowboy Renato Nunes conquered Green Johnson for 88.5 points, and delivered one of his popular backflips off the top of the chute gate. What could top that?

How about cool, collected J.B. Mauney, who beat out a 92.5 point tune on Wrangler’s Rock Star, to walk away with the biggest bucks of all.

Once again, the Calgary Stampede lived up to its billing. While there are six individuals who won the biggest cheques, pretty much every one of this year’s competitors went home with a wad full of cash, and the hunger to be back again next year.

There’s no better place to be than competing in Calgary on the richest day in rodeo.