When more than 100 teens descend on Stampede Park from all over Alberta to compete in the 4-H Invitational Rodeo, they’ll embrace the 4-H motto of learning to do by doing. Not only will they compete in events like cow riding but they’ll learn from the likes of professional bareback rider, Dave Shields Sr.
“The dream is to someday see Stampede Rodeo champions come through our 4-H Rodeo program, using this event as a stepping stone to high school rodeo or the pro-rodeo circuit,” says Sharon Yeast, the Stampede’s Agriculture event co-ordinator. “Ultimately this is more than rodeo training though. We strongly support the 4-H vision of promoting leadership, communication, and life skills to strengthen communities.”
Each morning, competitors begin with an hour-long sports medicine clinic with Mark Barrett, owner of Strong Cowboy, Strength and Conditioning. He teaches them the importance of nutrition and puts them through their paces with five or 10 conditioning exercises. “There is usually a little discomfort,” laughs Barrett, who also works with some of the top rodeo athletes featured at the Stampede. “But I explain to them why strength, conditioning and flexibility are important. Many don’t understand that it makes them a better competitor and more importantly prevents injuries.”
After working with Barrett, the participants learn techniques from professional rodeo athletes such as the proper way to get off a cow after a ride, or the proper way to tie a goat. It’s not until the afternoon that they get to put the theories into practice under the Big Top with the timed events happening on Saturday and the rough stock events on Sunday. The public are encouraged to attend the free afternoon events on Sept. 13 and 14 starting at 1 p.m. in the Big Top.
“If they learn one thing in these sessions that helps them be better prepared for competition, we have accomplished a lot,” says Norma Ansloos, chair of the 4-H committee.
The Calgary Stampede is dedicated to supporting and enhancing youth programs such as 4-H. For more information on 4-H, contact Sharon Yeast at 403.261.9316 or click here.
