ARCOLA - Krista Cieckiewicz is a young woman from the Wolseley area, and she, among other women, will be riding in the Trail to Cheyenne for the women’s ranch bronc championship at the Arcola Rodeo.
Cieckiewicz has always been an adrenaline chaser.
Raised around horses her entire life, her mom and siblings have always been involved in gymkhana, fun shows and drill teams, but she always enjoyed the rodeo atmosphere and wished she could be part of it.
She never cared much for barrel racing and did not want to haul a horse trailer around for breakaway.
For Cieckiewicz, rough stock seemed to be a good option.
Her first ride was in November 2022. She made the entire lap around the arena and made it to the pick-up man. From that moment on, she was hooked on the sport of riding ranch broncs.
There are schools and practice pens which help with the training.
Attending the Moose Jaw Rough Stock School this past May, four women took to riding for the next three days.
They began with practising on a bucking barrel, then moved up to a bucking machine and finally livestock.
“We want everyone to succeed and see the sport grow,” said Cieckiewicz.
They have a great support team, which makes for a nice environment.
Cieckiewicz bit the dirt and even had a horse step on her face. With a fat lip and scraps down her face, she still climbed back on and continued to ride.
Gear is important, with chaps, boots, spurs, a vest, baby powder and hockey tape.
Ranch riding is different then saddle bronc or bareback riding.
It requires a regular ranch saddle. One hand holds the bronc’s rein and the other holds a night latch or a rope, but both hands are holding on.
