CORRECTION: The Bucking Horse Futurity is Thursday, July 9, not on the Friday as previously indicated.
What in the world is futurity? Something to do with time travel? Guess again - futurity “is really an all-star game for up-and-coming horses, ” according to the Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity's description.
The Jimmy Richards Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity will be happening the fourth year in a row July 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds.
“It's a proving ground, ” said Jim Richards, the event's organizer, adding that the event is mainly for younger horses and that a number have gone on to professional rodeos after competing in the futurity.
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.
The judges, who will be sizing up the contenders, are all former competitors and judge traditional rodeos as well.
Around a dozen contractors are entering the competition this year. Richards and his father are the only Cochrane contenders, while the rest are from other parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
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.
There will be beer gardens and a concession stand during the event.
Tickets are $10 for adults at the gate; visit foothillsfuturity.ca for more information.
