The Tsuu T’ina First Nations Rodeo

Barrel Racing Team

The Tsuu T’ina Nation’s reserve lands run on both sides of Highway 22x, The Cowboy Trail, as you approach Bragg Creek from the east.  Every year, the band holds a Rodeo and Pow Wow in July at their Beaverdome and rodeo grounds across the road from the Redwood Meadows Golf Course.

the rope

A very long ways down

Last light of the day

The event is attended by nations from all across North America.  The rodeo is a major pull for competitors and fans alike.  Drawing on a rich history of horsemanship and true cowboy toughness, these men and women put on an exciting, unpredictable and truly enjoyable show.

Cowboy Portraits

Cowboy Portraits

Cowboy Portraits

Here is a sequence showing a great ride ending with a hard, hard landing…

The Ride

The Buck

The Dive

The Landing

The Look

… I spoke to this gentleman afterwards where he had missed a full ride by less than a second.  He told me he almost had him and all he wanted to do was get back on tomorrow.  Awesome!  Pretty mean looking horse too.

Way, Way Back

I stayed late on Saturday night, with the sun leaving us in twilight, a moon drifting higher in the east and the bulls seeming to gain the upper hand over the would be riders.  It was a relief at the end, as there were a couple of bad tramples.  There may have been a couple of broken bones but not many moans.  It has been said how tough cowboys are and watching a bull stomp on a rider’s knee or chest, that comes to light in the aftermath.

Bull and Rider

Out of the Gate and Off for a Ride

That Hurts

The breath holding eased as the last of the riders made their way off the dirt.  Giving room for the beauty of the area and a great sporting event to take back center stage in the minds of the crowd as we shuffled out of the grandstands.

Moonrise

I already can’t wait for next year’s rodeo (July 22-24).  If you can make it, you will have a great time and meet some wonderful people.

The Last Boy Left