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Saddle Lake stampedes through 13 years

The stands at Saddle Lake’s rodeo grounds were full of an appreciative audience, cheering for the cowboys and letting out collective “Oohs” as contenders hit the dirt or flew from a bucking bull during this past weekend’s Saddle Lake Stampede.
The 13th annual Saddle Lake Stampede took place over the June 16-18 weekend.
The 13th annual Saddle Lake Stampede took place over the June 16-18 weekend.

The stands at Saddle Lake’s rodeo grounds were full of an appreciative audience, cheering for the cowboys and letting out collective “Oohs” as contenders hit the dirt or flew from a bucking bull during this past weekend’s Saddle Lake Stampede.

The 13th annual event ran from June 16 to 18, with $3,000 in prize money up for grabs in each of the main events, as well as prize giveaways for spectators.

Elder Louis Moosewah, who is part of the Saddle Lake Stampede organizing committee, said Saddle Lake used to have rodeos far back in its history, but years ago, that rodeo action had died down. He and fellow rodeo enthusiast Alex Whiskeyjack, an elder who has since passed away, talked about bringing back that rodeo culture, and formed a committee to do so. Since then, the stampede has been going strong, he said.

“It’s an enjoyment for the people, for our community, and keep our young ones occupied, instead of going and doing drugs and alcohol - we wanted to keep them off these addictions. Since it’s started, it really changed a lot of these young people,” said Moosewah.

That love of rodeo could be seen in the stand with all generations watching - from young children clad in their cowboy boots and hats to elders drinking coffee and commenting on the action, with this rodeo part of the Indian National Finals Rodeo circuit.

Candace Houle, who, along with her husband Orville Memnook, is part of the organizing committee, gave her thanks to the band, its members, sponsors and the volunteers who made the weekend possible.

“Special thanks to leadership for all their guidance through the years,” she said.

Walker Manygreyhorses, Cayda Dodginghorse, and Iysiss Powderface were all winners of the bike giveaway, while Nevaeh Littlebear and Kyle Daychief won tablets.

Bareback - Cam bruisedhead

Saddle bronc- Jason Rabbit

Breakaway roping - Colleen Crawler

Steer Wrestling - Lane Littlebear

Junior barrels - Lita Crawler

Tie down Roping- Lane Littlebear

Team Roping - JR Kaquitts & Tristin Dixon

Senior Breakaway- Spider Ramone

Senior Team Roping - Hank Shade and Kelvin Fox

Bull Riding - Buckle was awarded to stock contractor BAR C5 (Vern McDonald), not one cowboy covered (rode) his bulls

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