The world of rodeo is no doubt a dangerous one. Fierce animals, weighing hundreds sometimes thousands of pounds, which the brave cowboy volunteers to get on and hopefully stay on for that long eight second ride. The adrenalin, the sweat, the hurt all make that sweet win worth it. And for 14 year old Jayce Richard, he’s hoping for that big win at the upcoming Strathmore Stampede.
Born and raised Chestermere resident Jayce Richards has just completed grade 9 at Chestermere Lake Middle School and is looking forward to finishing up his years of schooling at St. Gabriel’s, here in Chestermere. But before its back to the books in September, this brave teen has been hitting the rodeo circuit hard and is heading to the Strathmore Stampede on the August long weekend.
Jayce has been riding steers for 2 years and this is his first year riding in the CPRA (Canadian Professional Rodeo Association) where he competes against the top kids in Canada. He is also currently a competing member with the Foothills Cowboys Association (FCA) the Central Alberta Rodeo Association (CARA) and Out West Junior Rodeo. On Sunday July 26th, Jayce won the 2015 Out West Jr Rodeo steer riding championship. Now his sights are focused on his upcoming ride at the Strathmore Stampede.
Proud Dad, Dan Richard, says, “2 years ago when Jayce came to us and said he wanted to rodeo we enrolled him in the Johansen Bros Steer Riding School in Olds where he was mentored by Canadian and Calgary stampede champion Bull Rider Don Johansen (whom also lives in Chestermere) his brothers Bruce, Jack and Dale (whom I believe may be rodeo hall of famers) and Canadian and Calgary Stampede Champion Bull Rider Scott Schiffner of Strathmore. Certainly a highlight for any young cowboy”.
Dan went on to say, ” as his parents/family we never really encouraged rodeo as the kids grew up although Jayce was aware that his mom had dabbled in barrel racing at a young age and his dad rode bareback Broncs in the Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) and other various amateur rodeos in the area”. With the rodeo bug in the family, it is likely no surprise that young Jayce has his eyes set on the big prize.
“One of the biggest highlights for Jayce was riding in the Calgary Stampede but as the Draw would have it he ended up riding in the slack performance and not one of the main afternoon performances but the Calgary Stampede Rodeo committee did an amazing job making sure these young people were something special!! It was a surreal experience!!”, said Dan.
When Jayce isn’t on the rodeo road he can be found doing what all other kids do, playing video games, hanging out at the new Chestermere beach with his friends and in the winter playing hockey with the Chestermere Lakers. This will be Jayce’s last year as a steer rider as most association age limit is capped at 14 years old. He aspires to be a bull rider and bareback bronc rider competing in the AHSRA and the FCA.
Jayce rides in the Friday afternoon performance of the Strathmore Stampede which starts at 2:00 PM. The Strathmore Stampede takes place Friday July 31st to Monday August 3rd and is the third largest rodeo in Canada with more than $250,000 in prize money up for grabs.
For more information about the Strathmore Stampede and how you can get tickets, you can visit www.strathmoreag.com
