Competing at Calgary

2017 marked the third time in a row that Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alta., earned the Calgary Stampede Saddle Bronc Championship. He is invited back to go for the record.

The Calgary Stampede officially revealed the names of the 120 rodeo superstars who have been invited to compete at Stampede 2018, July 6–15. Among them are 26 Canadians.

All six 2017 Calgary Stampede champions, including the lone Canadian, saddle bronc champion Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alta., will return in 2018 to defend their titles at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. They will be joined by the top competitors from the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Professional Bull Riders.

Canadian rodeo fans will be excited to see the return of veterans such as bull rider Scott Schiffner, a Canadian and Stampede Champion and brothers Curtis and Cody Cassidy of Donalda, Alta., plus talented young riders such as Jake Vold, Clay Elliott, Layton Green and Zane Lambert. In Ladies Barrel Racing, 2017 Canadian Champion Carman Pozzobon of B.C. joins Diane Skocdopole of Big Valley, Alta., as the lone Canadians in the group of 20 skilled horsewomen.

“It’s great to see so much homegrown talent,” says Justin Denis, Calgary Stampede Rodeo committee chair, adding, “We call it the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for a reason. You will truly see the best in the world compete in Calgary over 10 days this July.”

Not included on this list are the Novice Saddle Bronc, Bareback and Steer Riding competitors.

Here’s the list of the professional Canadian rodeo competitors invited to compete:

Saddle Bronc Riding

Justin Berg, Camrose, Alta.
Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alta.
Sam Kelts, Millarville, Alta.
Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alta.
Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alta.

Bareback Riding

Cole Goodine, Carbon, Alta.
Orin Larsen, Inglis, Man.
Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alta.
Jake Vold, Airdrie, Alta.

Ladies Barrel Racing

Carman Pozzobon, Aldergrove, B.C.
Diane Skocdopole, Big Valley, Alta.

Steer Wrestling

Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alta.
Cody Cassidy, Donalda, Alta.
Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alta.
Brendan Laye, Consort, Alta.
Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alta.
Straws Milan, Cochrane, Alta.