The Canadian Cowboy Challenge returns once again to Cochrane Sept. 20 at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds.
Scott Phillips is the vice president of the Canadian Cowboy Challenge Association. He said that this event differs from a lot of the other competitions in that it is focused on horsemanship and workmanship rather than just speed.
“It seems like at a lot of events, it is all about the sooner you can get going and the faster you can get it done. In doing that, a lot of times we forget about the animal that we are sitting on,” said Phillips. “We really focus on the communication between the rider and the horse.”
He explained that riders are judged on ranch based and trail riding skills including how well they ride and how well their horse responds.
“Instead judging strictly on what they are doing, we look at how they do it,” he said.
The Challenge features several different divisions ranging in age from seven to over 55.
There are also specialized divisions for horses who have never competed before, a non-pro event and a pro event.
He said the competition would have a maximum of 50 runs in the day, so he encouraged people to pre-register.
Local companies including Mixcor, Cochrane Toyota, RidgeLine Roofing, TriOil, Tony’s Western Wear and North Forty Feeds have donated prizes for the event.
The Canadian Cowboy Challenge only began three years ago, but Phillips said there has been interest in this type of event for a long time.
“We have so many horse activities already but they either get too competitive, and they lose the fun aspect,” he said adding that there is a strong social element to this challenge.
Currently they operate competitions in Alberta and Saskatchewan, but Phillips said there has been interest in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
“I think next year you will see a lot more around the country,” he said.
The finals are going to be held this year in Pincher Creek on Oct. 18 and riders must have attended at least two events during the season and accumulated enough points to be eligible.
The Canadian Cowboy Challenge in Cochrane begins at 9:30 a.m. and admission is free for spectators.
For more information visit canadiancowboychallenge.com.
