ST. PAUL – Being a row of gates were several riders waiting their turns. As one of the gates swung open, a rider was released astride a bronco. Clad in chaps, the rider tightened their grip – twisting and bucking.
Ultimately, the rider would fall off after much great effort. And the crowd roared and cheered.
On Jan. 27, St. Paul held its second annual St. Paul Rough Stock Rodeo at the Ag Corral. An open rodeo available to people of all ages.
Riders competed in events like bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, women’s ranch bronc, and barrel racing. Over 70 competitors from across the Lakeland and beyond competed across all categories.
The stock was supplied by Wahsatnow Rodeo and Pelech Rodeo.
Simon Wahsatnow and Kayden Blackman organized the rodeo. Watsatnow said the youngest rider was under the age of 18, “and she did really good.”
The rodeo was about promoting young competitors, according to Wahsatnow, and bringing people together. “It was good, we couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Wahsatnow.
He thanked all the sponsors and the volunteers. Some of the volunteers were also from as far as Calgary. “They were a big part. We could not have done it without them.”
Of course, he also thanked the crowd, both locals and those who made the drive to St. Paul. “I’m very impressed with the crowd that we had... awesome support from everybody,” Wahsatnow said. “I’m glad that they came. I’m happy that they enjoyed the rodeo and we hope to see them next year.”
Wahsatnow says he hopes to see the rodeo continue to grow. This year, it was “just a totally different atmosphere,” he says, speaking to the success of the rodeo. “Huge shout out to everybody that came.”
Results
In Men and Women’s Ranch Broncs, Bull Riding, and Bareback, none qualified.
In Saddle Bronc, Kayden Blackman qualified with a score of 73.
In the Ladies Barrel Racing, Jacqueline March had the fastest run at 13.795 seconds.
