2013 PRO RODEO CANADA ATHLETE BLOGS |
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 LUKE BUTTERFIELD, Saddle Bronc Rider & Rodeo Canada Blogger
May, 2013
Hello everyone. This is my first blog for the CPRA website and am very excited at the opportunity to share my rodeo experience and thoughts with everyone. After winning the 2012 Canadian Saddle Bronc Riding Championship I decided to take some time off until the first big rodeo of 2013. I declined some invitational events as I figured I needed a break to physically and mentally recoup after the 2012 rodeo season in which I estimate I got on at least 150 bucking horses and traveled 150000 kms. During my time off I went to work as a welders helper on the pipeline for a friend of mine for later part of November and early December. This experience made me appreciate rodeo and I was eager for the 2013 rodeo season to commence.
My 2013 season started at Denver on the 23rd of January and I ended up making the finals there and came out with a decent check. When you get that first check at the first rodeo of the season it takes a lot of pressure off and helps one be confident and focused on rodeo. From there I went to Rio Rancho, NM and won a decent check and it just kept rolling all winter. I continued wining checks at Jackson, MS and San Antonio, TX until Tucson AZ where I ended up winning second and pushing my total earnings for the winter over $10,000. After Tuscon I had achieved my earnings goal for the winter. After narrowly missing the NFR last year, it has made me want it more than ever to compete in Las Vegas. I hope my winter success continues into the rest of the rodeo year.
I came home in the early part of April after being in the US for much of the New Year. I needed a few weeks to catch up on some business and tasks around home. I also was nursing a minor knee injury which occurred at a non sanctioned event in Denver. I would like to give a huge thank you, to Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine for all the help with regards to the injury and for helping all the rodeo athletes throughout the year. It is nice having knowledgably people that know what it takes to compete and to give us advice and treatment. I ended up missing a few rodeos but was fortunate that it was not a more severe injury. My first horse back in Red Bluff, CA did not go as planned and the knee was pretty sore but the following week I place at Clovis, CA and won 2nd at my first CPRA rodeo of the year Coleman and everything felt good. My main priority of every rodeo Season is to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and placing at Coleman started the ball rolling for me and I am hoping to keep the momentum going into the summer.
I would also like to thank all the fans and rodeo committees out there. Without them rodeo would not exist. I am also grateful for the support of Good Time Party Rentals, Justin Boots and Wrangler for all the support. All three companies are huge supporters of rodeo in general and are greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank my parents for everything throughout the years. Without them I would not be where I am. Until next time I hope everyone stays safe.
Long Live Cowboys
Luke Butterfield |
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 TANNER GIRLETZ, Bull Rider & Rodeo Canada Blogger
April 30, 2013
Well it's another rodeo season under way. And after I listened to the CFR on the old am radio last year, it struck a fire under my butt. This year so far I have worked harder at my bull riding then I ever have in my life. From the gym 3-4 times a week to getting on practice bulls; I have been working hard at it as I realized it isn't going to just come natural anymore.
So far so good though, I won Medicine Hat and placed at Trail. So I am on the board early in the season. With some good rodeos coming up and the bull ridings we go to, a guy has a chance to win a whack of money in the next few weeks. This year I am going to try and finish an entire season strong. I started strong last year and watched myself ride right out of the finals. So I am focused and ready for a great year.
Like to thank all the people behind me for this year’s season: Wrangler, Wild Hoggs Bucking Bulls, Flying High Rodeo Company, 3D Bull Riding and Strike Energy. Thanks to everyone else who helps out. I look forward to sharing our stories of the rodeo road again this season.
Keep it real,
Tanner Girletz |
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