Jessica Burtnick

Multimedia Journalist

The Strathmore Stampede Rodeo was the place to be August 3-6, bringing new meaning to the old adage 'less is more'.

Formerly five days in length, the Strathmore Stampede was a day shorter than usual; a good move, according to announcer Robin Ingram, who emceed the event.

"We got two out of four shows completely, jammed, sold out, compared to a Thursday that never used to be a strong day," said Ingram.

Ingram has spent the past 60 years attending rodeos, including the Canadian Finals and rodeos in Vegas, but said that by far, the Strathmore Stampede Rodeo is the best.

"I've done 41 Calgary Stampedes, but this is my favourite rodeo," he said. "If (you) want to show people what this lifestyle is all about, there is no better place to bring your guests, right here to Strathmore.

"The action is right in front of you, it's not even at an arm's length. This is the best committee and the best bunch of people in the West."

Australian Jake Marshall riding out of Wardlow, Alta. claimed his first ever Strathmore Rodeo buckle in the bareback event with a score of 85.25, and shared a similar sentiment with Ingram.

While he felt he'd competed well over the past couple of weeks, he noted that his time in Strathmore was particularly good.

"It's a great rodeo," he said. "Anyone who can win one of these (buckles). well, it's a big deal."

American steer wrestler Chason Floyd of Lundlow, South Dakota, said he's already won a few events this season, but was also grateful for his first place win in Strathmore.

He beat out Wyatt Smith's (Rexburg, Idaho) lead score from Day 3 by only a tenth of a second, at 3.9 seconds, on the final day of the rodeo.

"It was much needed, because it was getting pretty close to the end of the (rodeo) year," said Floyd. "It's been good. It's been a learning season for sure."

Also making the cut for this year's winner's circle were Albertan Rylan Geiger of Duchess, with a score of 84.5 in saddle bronc; Hunter Herrin of Apache, Oklahoma in tie-down-roping at 7.4 seconds; ladies barrel racer Kelli Tolbert of Hooper, Utah won a tight victory with 17.383 seconds; and Alberta bull rider, Skyler McBride of Madden with a score of 86.75.