The Manitoba High School Rodeo Association has been in operation for 26 years, and has its start earlier. In 1992, Sheena Boyes of Souris made the Saskatchewan High School Rodeo team. As time went on, more Manitoba riders made the same trek. A decision was made to try to create an association in Manitoba. The groundwork was laid at a meeting in Carberry on February 12, 1995. With 31 registered members, the first rodeo was held in Minnedosa in August of that year. In 2004, a junior division was started.

This season, there are 12 planned events, held in Virden, Rapid City, Oak Lake and Beausejour.

Already a few events have been held, with locals doing well in many competitions. In Virden on August 13, for example, Kesley McGee finished second with nine points in barrel racing and first with 10 points in breakaway roping, and third in goat tying. Kaity Janssens finished third in pole bending with eight points.

Competitors also go beyond the local circuit. Lexi Janssens went to Guthrie, Oklahoma to the National Junior Championship in June 21-27, one of 1,000 competitors from four countries. McGee was in Lincoln, Nebraska for High School Nationals from July 19-25.

Armstrong, Vorster and the Janssens sisters were also in Vermillion, Alberta for the Canadian High School Rodeo finals from August 7-9. Lexi finished third overall in barrel racing.

Most are continuing this season. One, Armstrong, is moving on. He is part of the rodeo team at Dodge City Community College in Kansas. He has spent time as McGee’s roping partner.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff