Extreme Cowboy Alberta (ECA) wrapped up its season on Oct. 7 and several of the competitors are now preparing to compete in the World Championship in Glen Rose, Texas, Nov. 1 to 5.

"The season was excellent, says ECA president Rick Wickland. "Really good sportsmanship, really good horsemanship."

Extreme Cowboy challenges a rider and their horse to complete a series of trail & farm-based obstacles. 

It's a timed event that is tailored to age or skill level, with classes for everyone from Young Guns to Pros.

Wickland says they typically had 50 people compete in each of their events that begin with play days in January and February. Races began in mid-March. The majority of the competitors are from across Alberta, with a few from British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Riders earned points throughout the season to qualify for the World Championship.

He expects about 14 from ECA will be competing in Gen Rose, with about seven of them coming from the Cochrane area.

"We always have a strong showing at the Worlds," says Wickland. "We make up about 12 per cent of the contestants and we bring home 30 per cent of the buckles.

Here on the grounds of the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society, they compete both indoors and outdoors.

"We have all as good obstacles and our facilities are as good as anywhere in the world, including the Calgary Stampede."

ECA walk throughRiders receive a walk through of the obstacle course layout prior to their run. The course changes to reflect the age and skill level of the riders competing in each class.

An awards banquet was held in the lower barn of the ag society. Recognized were:

High Point

Young Guns: Jordyn Brown & Gato

Novice: Blake Wickland & Chrome

Beginner Youth: Brianna Black & Mr. King Jett

Green Horse: Melissa Glowinski & Jewel Dunit Wright

Youth: Sophia Lowie & Remis Slidin Diamond

Intermediate: Jennifer Ammirati & Louie

Non Pro: Jennifer Ammirati & Louie

Ride Smart: Rick Wickland & Johhny Cash

Pro: Sophia Lowie & Remis Slidin Diamond

JenniferJennifer Ammirati & Louie came first on the season in the immediate and non pro classes.

Season Champions

Young Guns: 1st, Sophie Garrington & Y'all Check This Out (Buddy); 2nd, Jordyn Brown & Gato, 3rd, Hayden Beebe & Max

Intermediate: 1st, Jennifer Ammirati & Louie; 2nd, Black Wickland & Chrome, 3rd, Nadine Dumont & Rico

Novice: 1st, Lorie Black & GS Prince Charming, 2nd, Blake Wickland & Chrome, 3rd, Alexa Birchall & Missy Unicorn

Beginner Youth: 1st, Brianna Black & Mr. King Jett, 2nd, Sophie Garrington & Y’all Check This Out (Buddy), 3rd, Sadie Johannesson & Colonel Bear Frost

Green Horse: 1st, Melissa Glowinski & Jewel Dunit Wright (Rojo), 2nd, Trevor Mertes- Aria, 3rd, Trevor Mertes & Emmy Lou

Youth: 1st, Sophia Lowie & Remis Slidin Diamond, 2nd, Tori Ammirati & Maverick, 3rd, Sophia Lowie & Smokin Sweet Babe.

Non Pro, 1st Jennifer Ammirati & Louie, 2nd, Shannon Luyendyk & Little Big Man,  3rd Tori Ammirati & Maverick

Ride Smart: 1st, Rick Wickland & Johnny Cash, 2nd, Brenda Glowinski & Reed’s Mystic Creek (Rosie), 3rd, Al Lemoine & Doc

Pro: 1st, Sophia Lowie & Remis Slidin Diamond, 2nd, Christina Hambrook & Kit, 3rd Nicole Hirsekorn & Miss N My Lucky Star (Sue).

Generous sponsors help to make ECA a success. Stepping up to assist were Cochrane Toyota, Cinch, Modern West Advisory, D&S Ag, Elevation Energy Consulting, Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo, OP Elite Wealth Raymond James, Tony’s Work and Western Wear, Greenhawk,  Mr Mikes, Jented Ventures Inc., Alexa Birchall in memory of Pat and Brian Birchall and Deb and Rick Wickland.

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