CPRA Year End Awards Recipients and CFR Personnel Announced
The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) is excited to announce the personnel awards, stock winners and Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) personnel selections for 2024. The awards are decided by votes cast by the top 20 contestants in all major events and CPRA contract members. Event specific awards are voted on by top 20 in that event only. Junior Steer riders vote only on steer riding contractor of the year.
Legendary rodeo announcer, Brett Gardiner, the man behind the microphone at numerous Canadian events, has been awarded a record 13th consecutive Announcer of the Year accolade. Gardiner displays unfailing excellence in his field, making him a deserving choice once again for this sought after award. “I am so very honored to receive this award, and so thankful to everyone who voted and continues to support me and my family,” the Sylvan Lake, AB practitioner commented. “ I love this sport and the people within it; it’s a privilege to tell their stories. It truly does mean the world.”
Shelby Pierson and Piper Yule have earned Specialty Act, Dress Act of the Year for the fifth time. The dynamic duo – from east central Alberta’s ranch country – are known across North America as outstanding horsewomen and performers. Both young athletes were thrilled to be recognized once again by their colleagues and peers.
“Receiving the Dress Act of the Year and being recognized by the rodeo industry is such an honour,” notes Yule. “I am truly a product of how great our Association is and how it guides and sets the highest standard of professionalism. I am thankful and humbled.”
Partner Shelby Pierson was equally happy upon hearing the news, “To be voted by our peers as Dress Act of the Year once again is an absolute honour. To win this award is something I’ve dreamed of ever since I started trick riding when I was 8 years old. There are so many talented acts going in Canada right now so to be voted in as Dress Act of the Year is something I will never take for granted. It makes the many hours spent on the arena and the road worth it and I’m just super grateful to win it with my talented neighbor and friend Piper!”
Another repeat winner is Karry Krystal. The Millarville, AB timer and rodeo secretary has been awarded the Janet Vold Memorial award for the fourth consecutive time. This award commemorates the life and contributions of the late Janet Vold, and recognizes women in the sport of rodeo who go above and beyond. The namesake of the award, Janet Vold, enjoyed a rodeo secretary career that spanned three decades. Janet was a person who took the time to visit with each contestant; she was respected greatly in the rodeo world with her larger than life love and knowledge of the sport. Karry Krystal’s passion for the sport, along with her diligence and positive attitude are much appreciated by contractors and contestants alike.
The 2024 winner in the Specialty Act, Comedy category–for the 3rd year–is Sherwood Park, AB’s Rick (Ricky Ticky) Wanchuk. The popular performer is part of a very active rodeo family.
With the 2024 rodeo season drawing near, it’s also time to recognize the animal athletes of our sport and those who raise and care for them. These awards are decided by votes cast by the top 20 contestants in their respective events. Junior Steer riders vote only on steer riding contractor of the year.
In the Stock Contractor of the Year category, Vern McDonald (Bar C5 Rodeo) is this year’s winner. McDonald and his team bring outstanding rough stock to rodeos on both sides of the 49th parallel.
The Steer Riding Contractor of the Year – voted on by the steer riders – is also a returning winner: Duane Ashbacher and the Lazy 2 Rodeo outfit. Duane has won this award since its inception.
Animal of the Year selections
The Ladies Barrel Racing Horse with the Most Heart is Fames to Blame (Famey). Owned, trained and ridden by 2019 Canadian Champion Brooke Wills, the outstanding mare continues to demonstrate athleticism, consistency and longevity in the industry.
The Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year winner is Daddys Shiner Cat (Peso), owned and ridden by Nanton, Alberta’s Logan Bird. The talented buckskin, now a third time Horse of the Year, has enjoyed another outstanding season mounting his owner and a number of other stand-out ropers.
And Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year is Dashin Haze or Tyson, owned by Curtis Cassidy. This exceptional equine athlete is a multiple Horse of the Year winner – having been celebrated by the CPRA five times and the PRCA three times. The race horse turned bull dogging legend well deserves the recognition as he continues to carry cowboys to the pay window at some of the biggest rodeos across North America.
For the first time ever, the CPRA is honoring the Hazing Horse – a key part of every steer wrestling team. Congratulations to Tanner Milan and his horse Patronmakesmeshiney (aka Tree Stump) who has earned this inaugural and important award.
For the third year, Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year is Hott For Teacher and Bradi Whiteside. Owned by Ben Bamford, Teacher, has been an instrumental equine partner in Whiteside’s success.
This year’s Team Roping Heading Horse of the Year is May Nick Kiss Her or “RB” owned by Tee McLeod. “This achievement means a lot,” commented McLeod. “It’s a huge accomplishment for RB. He gives me 110% every time I nod my head on him. Thank you to everyone who voted for him!”
And the Team Roping Heeling Horse of the Year is Knight Robber Son (Hoss) owned by Canadian and World Champion Jeremy Buhler. “This achievement means a lot to me,” Buhler notes. “Most of my career I’ve rode horses that I’ve had to train. Hoss is the opposite. I bought him when he was 17 from the Campbells and I’d say he’s been training me the last three years. I’m thankful and honored that he got recognized – especially in the line-up of heel horses out there right now.”
The Calgary Stampede is being recognized for both the Bareback Horse of the Year and Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year with celebrated A-91 Agent Lynx earning the Bareback title. The chestnut mare was sired by one of the greatest ever, Grated Coconut, and is out of Lynx Mountain. Winning The American, Houston, Ponoka and earning a regular spot in the Calgary Stampede’s Final Four round are just a few recent highlights for the 11-year-old bucking horse. “She has so much try and ability,” says Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager Tyler Kraft. “She gives it all she’s got every time she goes out and is just as strong at the end of the ride as she is at the beginning.”
T-77 Tokyo Bubbles is the Saddle Bronc award winner. CFR and NFR-selected and a winner at Ponoka and Calgary this year, the 17-year-old, well-mannered gelding has long been an elite horse. Kraft is excited to see him shine this year. “He’s earned high score after high score. And it’s unbelievable for him to gain this recognition at this age.”
The Bull of the Year for the second straight year is Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo’s 715 Rodgers Red Angus Chester. The 7 year old big brown bull weighs in at an impressive 1800 lbs and is one of the toughest contenders in the sport.
Winners and sponsors will be celebrated at the CPRA Night of Champions October 1 in Edmonton.
CFR PERSONNEL SELECTIONS
Among the CFR 50 selected positions for this year’s finals (October 2-5, 2024 at Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB) are:
Judges: Derek Adams, Larry Adams, Terry Cooke, Perry Gurski, Corey Prutton, Wayne Resch and Bernie Rivet.
Timers: Brenda Vold (19th year) and Karry Krystal (2nd appearance).
Pickup Men: Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager Tyler Kraft will work his fifth CFR alongside former Bull Riding Champion of Canada, Tyler Thomson who will be making his fourth appearance.
Bullfighters: Brett Monea will be making his 13th Canadian Finals appearance; he will be joined by Ty Prescott, making his seventh trip to the Finals and, Tanner Byrne–part of a family bullfighting dynasty–will be in Edmonton for a third consecutive CFR trip.
Arena Announcers: Brett Gardiner is making his 11th appearance behind the microphone and Doug Young will enjoy his fourth CFR.
Returning to the Cowboy Channel Broadcast Crew are Dave Poulsen and Katy (Lucas) Berg. Robert Schmidt is excited to be joining the team this year.
Rodeo Secretary: Catherine Laycraft
Official Veterinarian: Greg Evans, Moore Equine
Arena Director: Tanner Girletz
CFR Director: Amanda Frigon
Show Caller: Dustin Edwards
Rough Stock Chute Boss: Kyle Daines
Timed Event Chute Boss: Bob Wilson
Livestock Superintendent: Ward Macza
Ground Superintendent: OCD Earthworx
Music Director: Brad Narducci
Production Company: Feature Productions
Scoreboard: Sam Winslow (Copper Top Live)
* The Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team will also be in attendance.
Congratulations to all!
