Youth excellence, powerful heavy horses and mighty minis shine on Day 8 of the Calgary Stampede

The next generation of agriculture took centre stage Friday at the Calgary Stampede as youth competitors showcased their dedication, skill and passion during the OH Ranch Branded Beef Ambassador program and Junior Steer Classic, while the Heavy Horse Pull and Canadian National Miniature Horse Show rounded out another action-packed day of agriculture competition at the Nutrien Western Event Centre.

Prior to the Junior Steer Classic, the Calgary Stampede recognized participants in the OH Ranch Branded Beef Ambassador program. Launched in 2024, the initiative helps develop future agriculture leaders by pairing selected youth ambassadors, ages 14 to 18, with a steer calf provided by the OH Ranch. Since October 2025, ambassadors have cared for, trained and prepared their animals before returning to compete in the designated OH Ranch Branded Beef class at this year's Junior Steer Classic, sponsored by KAG – Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. 

Brooklyn Konynenbelt of Claresholm, Alberta, earned Grand Champion honours in the OH Ranch Branded Beef class, while Reese Morison of Rocky View County, Alberta, was named Reserve Champion. The OH Ranch Branded Beef steers, along with the Grand and Reserve Champion steers from the Junior Steer Classic, will be sold during today's International Livestock Auctioneer Championships.

The Junior Steer Classic continued to celebrate outstanding youth exhibitors aged nine to 21, reflecting the Calgary Stampede's commitment to developing the next generation of agriculture advocates through scholarships, mentorship and competition.

Kehler Eaton of Lloydminster, Alberta, and steer Lucky Strike claimed Grand Champion honours, while Brylan Rasmuson of Midale, Saskatchewan, and steer Honcho earned Reserve Champion. 

Judges Jared and Bailey Boyert, husband-and-wife from Pleasantville, Iowa, praised both the quality of the cattle and the competitors. "We're excited to be here. We want to thank everyone involved. The hospitality has been second to none," said Jared Boyert. 

"The cattle have been very good. The future looks bright for this show. It has blown away my expectations. I knew it would be good, but this is great," he said, adding. "We love this business. For us, this is a great moment."

Proceeds from the sale of the Grand and Reserve Champion steers will support the Junior Steer Classic Scholarship Fund. The event is presented by the Calgary Stampede Livestock Competitions Committee.

All results for the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic can be found on this page. 

Friday also marked the opening day of the three-day Heavy Horse Pull, presented by BURNCO, where powerful draft horse teams demonstrated incredible strength, precision and teamwork in the lightweight division.

Owner ZD Pickering Farms, with teamster Larry Burton and horses Duce and Lenny, captured the lightweight division championship after pulling an impressive 11,000 pounds. Allistair Hogg was named Class of the Class.

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

Meanwhile, the Canadian National Miniature Horse Show continued with its second day of competition, proving once again that the sport's smallest equine athletes deliver some of its biggest thrills. Competitors showcased their talents in halter, driving, jumping and obstacle classes before enthusiastic crowds in the Nutrien Western Event Centre.

"The first couple days have been great. The competitors are outstanding and we've had an engaged crowd," said Sarah Hunter-Schacter, member of the Calgary Stampede Horse Show Committee and ring steward.

Caitlyn Malyk and OMG Cruzin On Superstitions earned top honours in the Gamblers Choice class, taking home the $500 prize. 

The Canadian National Miniature Horse Show continues through Sunday in the Northern Lights Arena, while the Heavy Horse Pull returns Saturday with the middle weight division. The Heavy Horse Pull concludes Sunday with the heavy weight division. 

All results for the Calgary Stampede Canadian National Miniature Horse Show can be found on this page at the end of the event.