Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association was developed to strengthen the sport of rodeo and to provide high school students with an opportunity to experience training and compete in the rodeo circuit.
2011 marked the first year High School Rodeo competition was held in conjunction with Canadian Western Agribition in Regina. Beau Tallis of Langham received top honours in the bull riding competition at Agribition last month and Jessica Willick of Blaine Lake placed top in the breakaway roping competition.
Beau began his career of bull riding four short years ago. Actually, Beau admits that his decision to pursue bull riding was made at a friend's house after the boys were attempting to ride livestock on a dare.
"I went home and told my parents that I wanted to go into bull riding," admits Beau, son of Jordan and Tammy Tallis of Langham.
"The first thought that went through my head was 'why?'; then 'Are you crazy?'" commented Tammy.
Witnessing their son's determination to pursue this sport, the Tallis' were committed to ensuring their son was equipped with knowledge and the proper equipment.
"We were not a rodeo family," said Tammy explaining that Beau enrolled in bull riding school in Vermillion. This educational opportunity provided Beau with the knowledge and preparation for this newfound career.
Beau recalls the toughest bull he has ridden named Zombie, "I have been on him four times but only completed a ride once."
Beau enjoys the adrenaline rush he receives from the sport as well as the development of new friendships and the cash earnings.
Throughout Beau's four years of participation in the rodeo circuit he has introduced his family to the cowboy life. Beau's youngest brother, 12-year-old Riley, has developed a desire to participate in junior bull riding and Beau's oldest brother, Curtis who is 20, became a bull fighter three years ago.
Riley is still too young to enrol in bull riding school but has reaped the benefits of Beau attending. Beau has taught Riley what he needs to know to succeed in the industry. Riley currently is in first place standing in the High School Junior competition.
The parents have been well christened into the rodeo industry. They share the excitement and rush of the rodeo and are extremely proud of how their boys have advanced in the industry.
Beau, a 17-year-old Langham Grade 12 student, has led the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) rodeo in novice bull riding for the past two years. Beau achieved year-end and finals champion in the 2010 season and this year he ended the season as year-end champion.
Jessica Willick, a 16-year-old student of Blaine Lake Composite School was raised in the rodeo life. The Willick name is synonymous with the rodeo industry as Jessica's father, Cliff, has been supplying rodeo stock for various events for many years. Her brother Tyson is currently in Texas enrolled in South Plains College in Levelland, Texas.
Jessica began her rodeo experience with barrel racing. She rides Kat, a six-year-old quarter horse mare, whose agility, strength and speed has permitted them to strive and achieve personal goals.
Once Jessica was comfortable with the rodeo process and competitive level, she began participating in the breakaway roping competition. For five years she and Grey Greythrive to achieve personal goals as the event focuses on speed and precision lassoing. She takes pride in training her own horse for the events she participates in. Grey Grey, a 10-year-old quarter horse gelding, is trained, experienced and skilled in breakaway roping, team roping and goat tying competitions.
"I am pretty competitive," says Jessica admitting she enjoys the adrenaline rush and excitement of competition.
Jessica has worked many hours to develop a strong relationship with both her horses. The relationship goes beyond friends; it is a strong working bond built on trust, respect and team work.
She is currently ranked first in High School Rodeo's senior girls' breakaway and goat tying competitions and is fourth in the overall standings. She mentions that the High School Rodeo Association is a great association to be affiliated with. "It's like a big family that encourages you to be the best you can be," commented Jessica.
Participating provides opportunities for students to earn scholarships to further their educational goals and earn cash or saddle prizes and the High School Rodeo circuit has been enjoying steady growth.
"We have been growing by about 10 per cent annually for the past couple of years. And this isn't just a rural sport - nearly half of the competitors come from urban centres," commented Howard Floyd, head of the Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association.
The rodeo athletes are making a name for themselves and the High School Rodeo Association is creating a new generation of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls ready to advance into the CCA semi-professional level.
