South Prairie Team Ropers Association finals slated for Sunday

Finals for the South Prairie Team Ropers Association will be held this Sunday at the Dunmore Equestrian Centre.

Kody Christianson, President of the SPTRA, said it’s been a good season.

“We only had to cancel one roping because of rain, which nobody complained about.”

The association held eight roping events this summer, four on weekends and four in evenings during the week.

“There was a pretty good turnout,” stated Christianson, “Right around 100 teams per roping. Quite a few members and some new faces. This is my first year as president and I had a good group of guys to work with. Got a bunch of sponsors put in place this year and a good prize lineup for the finals.”

SPTRA, a not-for-profit group, have been around for about 20 years. The team roping competitions are put on each year and the group uses funds from casinos and other sources to help cover costs, such as stock charge and arena rental.

Each roping throughout the summer is held at the Dunmore Equestrian Centre.

“We volunteer our time and it’s an affordable place for families to come and rope against the same calibre roper as they are. We divide it up into different categories based on your ability and you compete against people who are in your same realm,” explained Christianson.

Thus, each team has a chance at winning as they aren’t coming in and going up against professionals.

The finals are open to everyone who has a membership in SPTRA and competed in at least three roping events throughout the summer. Prizes will go to the top four teams in each category. Additionally, a High Point Saddle is up for grabs to the team with the most points.

The higher numbered (more experienced) ropers start off the event at noon. SPTRA has a few professionals in the club, teams who have competed in the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Beginners will be roping at the end of the day, which will go until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on how many teams enter.

Christianson added he wants to thank all sponsors that have helped out the club this year. It’s a free event, and he encourages everyone to come out and watch.

More information can be found on the SPTRA Facebook page.