story by Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Association Representative
The Western States Ranch Rodeo Association is expanding the opportunities for ranch rodeo competitors; not only in the United States but also in Canada. By ensuring that the ranch rodeo heritage will continue for generations to come, the WSRRA is excited to be a partner with the Ranch Rodeo Cowboy Association (RRCA) of Alberta, Canada.
The Ranch Rodeo Cowboy Association (RRCA), was formed in the winter of 2015. Alberta has had many ranch rodeos however they were largely a local or regional type. “The ranch rodeos in Alberta have different rules and events at each one. The judging is very inconsistent and there are only a few ranch bronc ridings,” stated Alton Wood.
The RRCA was started by Harlee Wilson and Alton Wood, both are cowboys that had an idea to create a ranch rodeo association that showcases real cowboys in Canada. Harlee and Alton’s idea become a reality, and the RRCA was formed to sanction rodeo events that will showcase cowboys and their everyday ranch skills, including stockmanship and professionalism.
“This past winter we got on the phone, and with the help of some prominent ranch rodeo competitors, cowboys, and their wives, and together and we all made a plan,” Wood explains.
The RRCA credits Matt Robertson for getting the WSRRA involved with the new ranch rodeo association. Robertson, who is originally from Wyoming, has competed in the WSRRA Ranch Bronc riding, as well as sanctioned ranch rodeos in the United States, but makes his home in Canada.
In early July in 2016 the RRCA has had two co-sanctioned ranch rodeos, and three stand-alone ranch bronc ridings. One of the ranch bronc ridings was held during the Rod Hays World Famous Bronc Riding in Wildwood, AB. The RRCA has two more co-sanctioned ranch rodeos planned for August 2016; both will feature ranch bronc riding. These sanctioned events will be hosted by Alton Woods at his ranch, north of Drayton Valley, AB. The 2016 RRCA finals will be held in Rimbey, AB in early September (DTBD). The RRCA will be sending two qualified ranch rodeo teams and ranch bronc riders, to the WSRRA National Finals, November 3 – 6, 2016 in Winnemucca, Nevada.
“I am certain in time that we will really grow; we already have lots of interest from BC to the west and SK to the east. We are already talking about the possibility of setting up rodeo circuits as the association grows. Going forward the RRCA is proud of the association’s growth and happy to be a partner with the WSRRA,” Wood explains. “We have a winter place in Arizona and my family came to Alberta from Nebraska so I already know our western states and provinces have a special kinship and this is just icing on the cake.”
The WSRRA is proud to announce that the RRCA is the official sanction body for all Canadian events.
The WSRRA welcomes the RRCA and all its membership.
