Champions crowned as agriculture competitions wrap up on final day of Calgary Stampede

Champions were crowned and the crowds filled the stands Sunday as three exciting agriculture competitions delivered a thrilling finish to the Calgary Stampede at the Nutrien Western Event Centre.

The three-day Cowboy Up Challenge capped off with 10 elite competitors vying for the championship title in a riveting, clean-slate final round. A multi-faceted, speed-oriented western equestrian sport, the Cowboy Up Challenge tests horse-and-rider teams through a series of challenging obstacles, showcasing exceptional horsemanship and the partnership and trust required to conquer the course.

Annie Chance and horse Black Gun Face captured the Grand Champion title, earning $10,000 and a Calgary Stampede buckle. 

“It’s such a blessing. I can’t thank the spectators and Stampede enough. I’ve travelled all over the world and there’s nothing like the Calgary Stampede,” said Chance, a three-time Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge champion.

Sophia Lowie and horse Remis Slidin Diamond were named Reserve Champions, earning $5,000 and a Calgary Stampede buckle. And Rafter MS Topsail received the favourite AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) horse award.

The Cowboy Up Challenge is sanctioned by the Extreme Cowboy Association.

All results for the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge can be found on this page. 

The Heavy Horse Pull, presented by BURNCO, also wrapped up Sunday with the heavyweight division, as powerful teams competed before a standing-room-only crowd.

Owner Terry Yoder and teamster Chris Hatfield claimed the heavyweight division with horses Doc and Roy, pulling 13,000 lbs. 

“We knew it was going to be a nail-biter, and we’re blessed to come out on top,” said Yoder. “The other team could beat us any day. They took two divisions (lightweight and middle weight). They had to allow us to take one. That’s good friends. What more could you ask for?”

Larry Burton received the Class of the Class award in the heavyweight division.

Ringmaster Judd Debnam, who has volunteered with the Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Pull Committee for 10 years, said competitors came close to setting a record during this year’s competition.

“The competition keeps getting better and better. I can see the records falling in the coming years. This was one of the best competitions we’ve ever had,” said Debnam, who also noted the strong, standing-room-only crowds throughout the event. “The atmosphere brings competitors here. It’s a special experience.”

All results for the Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Pull can be found on this page. 

Sunday’s agriculture action kicked off with the Western Elite Bred Heifer Invitational, which brings together top bred heifers from major junior shows across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan for a premiere junior bred heifer supreme showcase.

Reid Hunter of Waskatenau, Alberta, and KAYR Winnie 2529 were named Grand Champions, earning Hunter a $12,000 scholarship and $5,000 in cash. Katie Kolenosky of Perdue, Saskatchewan, and SVY Elsa 550N captured Reserve Champion honours, earning a $6,000 scholarship and $2,500 in cash.

“I’m ecstatic. It’s awesome. Stampede is something we look forward to all year, and when you do well, it makes it all worth it,” said Hunter, who won Grand Champion in the Junior Steer Classic at the Calgary Stampede last year.

Judges Jared and Bailey Boyert of Pleasantville, Iowa, returned to the show ring after judging the Junior Steer Classic on Friday.

“Your cattle are good. Your young people are good. In my opinion, this is about as good as it gets,” said Jared Boyert. “There is a lot of value in these cattle. The future looks bright.”

The Boyerts also thanked the Calgary Stampede for its hospitality.

“The hospitality here has been second to none. We’ve been treated like royalty here. We’ve had an incredible time. It’s truly an honour to be here,” said Jared. 

All results for the Calgary Stampede Western Elite Bred Heifer Invitational can be found on this page.