The Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity will be happening once again this year July 10 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park.
This marks the third year in a row that the “all-star game for up and coming horses” will be held in Cochrane.
While most bucking horse competitions focus on the rider, a futurity turns the spotlight on the one doing the bucking – the horse.
“Its unique in that it showcases the horses and not just the cowboys,” said Jim Richards who organizes the event. “People can actually come and pick a team they like, or what have you, and cheer for the horses and not just the cowboys. “
Contractors are invited to enter teams of three horses that must be between four or five years old. They compete in front of a team of judges, spectators and representatives from rodeos all over North America.
Richards said there would be around 12 contractors entering the competition this year.
The judges, who will be sizing up the contenders, are all former competitors and judge traditional rodeos as well.
The best cumulative scores for each team of horses will be calculated and then the top teams are ranked first through fourth. This year’s prize money of $12,000 is divided amongst the winning teams.
The riders also win prize money based on scores awarded by the judges.
According to Richards, the horses are judged on their bucking ability, degree of difficulty for the rider and how high they jump and kick.
“If they cover a lot of ground then they are deducted points. The ones that don’t go very far and buck hard are the better ones,” said Richards.
Richards said he had first heard about futurities happening in the United States and thought they sounded like a good idea.
He also said that his futurity is the one of the only ones he knows of going on in Canada.
“It’s a good chance for everybody to get together and compare notes and see how everyone’s stock is coming along,” said Richards.
There will be beer gardens and concession for the event.
Tickets are $10 for adults at the gate.
