Community at the heart of Ralston Rodeo

Community is at the heart of the rodeo with local ranchers co-hosting the event with BATUS. Cowboys come from all over southeastern Alberta to share their lifestyle with the military.

“We want to be able to give back to this community,” said Robyn Gilliland, Ralston Rodeo co-host. “We’re neighbours, we have a ranch nearby so we enjoy the relationship we have with the military families. We’re just overjoyed to share our lifestyle with them and be able to have some fun.”

Members of the British troops get the chance to compete in some tradition rodeo events like amateur bull riding, calf-roping and mutton busting. Ranchers hope the opportunity to try the sport out will give British families an idea of what it’s like to live a western lifestyle.

“This is the real deal,” Gilliland said. “When they take an interest, or watch a John Wayne movie, we can at least show them this is how boots on the ground actually work for the cowboys and cowgirls.”

Soldiers and their families were eager to try out the sports, with many of them lining up to try out bull riding.

“I don’t know whether it’s bravery, stupidity or a mixture of both, but they were all massively enthused to do it,” said Ross.

Dillon Tateson is the stock contractor who provides the bulls and gives lessons prior to the rodeo. For him, this kind of event is about sharing his culture.

“I hope they get an awesome life experience and the chance to feel like a cowboy for a day,” said Tateson.

Those stationed at BATUS also get the chance to watch actual cowboys and cowgirls compete in other rodeo events, but the sense of community overtakes any sense of competition.

“My little eight year old son’s so excited to bring his equipment out to help them,” said Jolene Davies who competes in breakaway roping. “Let them borrow it and help them get on the bulls and help them experience our rodeo community.”

Regardless of the ability of the competitor, the crowd cheered equally as loud for each event, giving military personnel a chance a day to remember.

‘It creates a whole bunch of excitement in the stands when the British families are here and they get to see their loved ones competing,” said Gord Forbes, former Ralston Rodeo organizer. “They’d never get a chance to do it anywhere else.”

Members of the Siksika Nation also attended this year’s event as a way to share their heritage. Along with a drumming and dancing demonstration, the First Nation showcased its traditional rodeo event, wild horse racing.

“It’s slowly dying,” said Zacharay Good Eagle, President of KWHIA Equestrian Classic Horse Racing Association. “Well, it’s pretty much dead. We’re pretty much the last ones up here racing and doing it, and so we’re hoping to open eyes to try to keep the event going.”

The return of the Ralston Rodeo celebrated a significant milestone for BATUS, but Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Burke, Base Commander CFB Suffield, hopes this is just the start to bringing the community back together.

“We’re happy to have this up and going again, bringing everyone together and hopefully we can keep the momentum going for future years.”

by Meghan Cobb

Community at the heart of Ralston Rodeo

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