Five rodeos, seven days, big results
The July 1 slate of Canadian rodeos were as advertised—a gamechanger.
Several competitors backed the Brinks truck up to the pay windows as five Canadian rodeos in seven days—Fort Macleod (Midnight Days Pro Rodeo), Airdrie Pro Rodeo, Williams Lake Stampede, Raymond Stampede and the Ponoka Stampede—wrapped up in front of large, appreciative crowds and beneath (at least some of the time) blue skies.
The biggest winner was reigning Canadian Tie Down Roping Champion, Haven Meged as he claimed the two biggest jewels in the crown—Williams Lake and Ponoka. The Miles City, Montana superstar placed in both long go-rounds, was second in the short go (with times of 8.4, 8.5 and 8.3 seconds) to win the aggregate and then was a blistering 7.8 to capture the Showdown $7500 bonus as well for a total payoff of $20,062.
“I didn’t draw the best calves,” Meged acknowledged, “but my horse made all the difference. I made a horse change and took my horse that I ride everywhere outside and it paid off on those strong calves. That’s my favourite rodeo of the year; I just kept my head down and we were able to grind through it.”