Â鶹ÊÓƵeast Saskatchewan has a strong connection with their rodeo roots and an upcoming event is no different. Stoughton's New Hope Horse Club will be hosting their annual Rough 'N Ready Roughstock Event on Saturday, Aug. 30.
The event continues to grow and as it heads into its fourth year is set to deliver great action and provide an abundance of entertainment for the whole family.
A Canadian Cowboys' Association (CCA) event the rodeo will host some great names competing in roughstock from across the country. Not only will there be numerous big names, but local rodeo stock contractor Prime Time Rodeos based near Kennedy will provide an impressive display with their animals.
"The events are almost filled up, each on has about 10 in it, and we're just looking for a few more barrel racers right now," DeeAnna Lyke with the New Hope Horse Club, explained.
"There are still rodeo events to be held before this one though, so there is a chance of someone being injured and having to drop out though."
Held at the arena on the far west side of the Stoughton Fairgrounds the event not only focuses on the CCA, but celebrates the local horse club which is made up of approximately 45 horse enthusiasts from Stoughton and the surrounding area including people from Arcola, Griffin, and Corning as well.
The rodeo itself will begin at 6 p.m. and will include the typical roughstock events which are bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding. In addition to this, however, some young cowboys will get a chance to show their stuff in the mutton bustin' event.
Other rodeo action that day will include the wild horse races. Last year was the first for the wild horse races to be held and with the crowd approving they have been returned. This race essentially puts teams of cowboys up against a wild horse having to bridle, saddle, and ride it to win.
Though not everyone is a CCA contestant, there is an opportunity for the general public to try show their skills on a mechanical bull.
"We'll have a tent up and it'll be open for kids and adults to try between about 8 p.m. to midnight," Lyke explained.
A new addition to the day will include an open barrel racing competition.
Though the rodeo provides entertainment and action, the New Hope Horse Club is dedicated to making their events family friendly thus kids entertainment will be held between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bouncy castles, face painting, and pony rides are all part of the fun.
Keeping with the family connection, a cabaret for all ages will be held following the rodeo at 9 p.m. Here Rob McLean & Against the Grain will take to the stage providing live music.
Tickets for the rodeo are available in advance from the Stoughton Post Office at a cost of $10 and free for those 12 and under. Tickets at the gate increase to $15 for adults and $10 for youth, but remain free for those 12 and under. Cost of the ticket also includes entrance to the family cabaret for free.
Lyke says the event wouldn't be possible without the dedicated individuals involved, whether members of the horse club or simply community minded people.
"[We'd like to thank] the sponsors who have made this possible and all of the people who help us out all year," Lyke stated. "We have volunteers who are always there and when everything requires work their help is always appreciated. We have a really good group."
