Rodeo’s a tough sport, no one ever said it wasn’t and Keenan Reinhardt, while taking his share of kicks in the rear, has still pulled himself back onto the back of an angry, saddled-up, kicking, bucking bronc. That’s saddle bronc (SB).
It’s been a wild year for the former Cochrane High graduate, moving up in the ranks from a two-time novice saddle bronc competitor to now, riding Novice-Pro (under-21) with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) and having the chance to travel the country.
“(CPRA) took me all over Alberta, B.C. and into Saskatchewan, and gave me opportunities to compete,” said Reinhardt, who finished first overall in at the end of this year’s Novice-Pro ranking.
As cowboys come, both his family and friends say Reinhardt is a pretty shy young man, but it takes a special breed of human to do what he does and he’s been busy at it.
Also riding on the Foothills Cowboy Association circuit, Reinhardt had the chance to travel with some seasoned competitors like Bailey Milan of Cochrane, who, along with his brothers Tanner and Straws, have been to a number of Calgary Stampedes and know their way around a barn.
“This was the first year I’ve gone pretty hard at (circuit rodeos) and it was neat to hit the road and travel with the guys,” he said.
Reinhardt has seen the back of a bronc from the High School Rodeo Circuit, all the way to the illustrious Calgary Stampede.
And with a full pro year under his belt, he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
“The plan next year is to go harder and the goal is to try and make the Canadian Rodeo Final (CFR), keep going with the FCA, CPRA and hit up a few more associations too,” Reinhardt said.
