Kesler’s “Rodeo News” - 2018 Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductee

Kesler Rodeo Stock is synonymous with the sport of rodeo, world class bucking horses and southern Alberta.

So it’s no surprise that the legendary NFR saddle bronc, #46 Rodeo News, owned by the late Reg Kesler of Raymond area is being inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

While the formal induction ceremony will take place in October, today we are honouring Rodeo News in the same arena where another great Kesler horse, Moonshine, is buried.

Rodeo News was voted Reserve NFR Saddle Bronc twice, finished third in the World twice and was named top Saddle Bronc Horse in the World in 1970. (

This was the only animal award given that year.)

Rodeo News carried some of the best in the business to the pay window… but he was also known as a “buck-off” specialist.

Among the cowboys who climbed on the 1400 lb bay stallion during his career were Marty Wood, Mel Hyland, Winston Bruce, Joe Marvel, Bobby Berger, Ivan Daines and Hugh Chambliss.

The talented bronc cost World and Canadian Champion saddle bronc rider, Mel Hyland, the average win at the 1968 NFR bucking him off in the 9th goround.

In 1974, toward the end of his career, Rodeo News was out 38 times, bucking off 18 riders and placing 14 in the money.

Liz Kesler, widow to the late Reg Kesler, has travelled from her home in Texas to join Reg’s daughters, Jeanne Caesar and Pat Norton, and other members of the Kesler family as they celebrate the 2018 induction of Rodeo News into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

The formal 2018 Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction banquet and ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary, Alberta.

For details, go to www.canadianprorodeohalloffame.org

Photo contributed Longtime former Raymond resident and world renowned stock contractor, the late Reg Kesler, had one of his saddle bronco horses retired in the CPRA Hall of Fame.