Peters enjoying a little team riding
This is a rodeo go-round where the chant of “Go Team, Go” is right at home.
The first night of the Bucking & Barrels Pro Can-Am Challenge rode and raced into the Exhibition Park Grandstand Thursday night, pitting the top-16 pro Canadians against the top-16 Pro American riders in saddle bronc, bareback, ladies barrel racing and bull riding.
And when the last barrel was rounded and bull ridden — or not ridden — battle between north and south was declared an unofficial deadlock, tied at 22-22 as the second round takes the chutes tonight at 7:30 p.m
Having trekked an hour down the road from Pincher Creek to compete in the event for the first time, bareback rider Bobby Peters was enjoying the team aspect being showcased in its second year as the Canadians look to defend their title.
After all, it’s not like the riders from both sides of the border are strangers.
“It’s cool because most of these venues are like that,” said Peters. “It’s like 50-50 Canadians and Americans. We’re pretty close to the border, so we see these guys all the time. Nothing like a little friendly competition. Team rodeo is a new thing and I’m glad they’re pushing it a little bit. I think it’s better for the audience to understand because it’s really such an individual sport. But when you can mix it up you want your buddies to do just as well, cumulative points, I think it’s better for sport.”
On opening night Thursday, Peters did his part for the Maple Leaf crew, kicking off the evening with an 83-point ride.
“I was happy,” said Peters. “This is actually my first time at this event. It’s a straight-up invitational deal. They told us they were going to bring buckers all weekend, especially for the short round. Saturday is going to be all NFR horses. I was pretty happy to be here. We live in Pincher Creek, so it’s only an hour away.”
On his own, Peters is 13th in Canada and right on the bubble for berth in the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
However, you won’t find him actively perusing the overall rankings with the fall schedule right around the corner.
“To be honest with you, I haven’t looked at the standings, they just announce it every once in a while,” said Peters. “I’ll check at the end.”
However, Peters has done his part to help his cause in earning his first berth at the CFR.
“I’ve probably never been healther,” said Peters. “I only missed may two weeks of rodeo in July and I healed up right away. So I’m looking for a really strong fall.”
After riding on behalf of his country this week, Peters is off to Armstrong B.C. for the tour final featuring the top-eight contestants in Canada.
“I edged into there, so it’s another chance for some money,” said Peters.