Medicine Hat Broncs and Honky Tonks Spring Rodeo Highlights
Strong Start to the Season for Pascal Isabelle
Pascal Isabelle describes his Bareback riding career as a ‘work in progress’. If 2023’s first Canadian spring rodeo stop, the Broncs and Honky Tonks event in Medicine Hat, AB, is any indication, things are progressing nicely indeed for the Quebec-born cowboy.
Isabelle posted a stylish 84 point ride on Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Fabio for a first place cheque of $1499.30
“That was the fourth time I’ve been on the horse. The first time was at Strathmore in 2015, my first year in pro rodeo, and I made a pretty good ride on him. But this was his best trip with me.”
The likeable three time CFR qualifier came from a non-rodeo background. “My dad was a carpenter so I grew up in the construction business. My older brother, Eric, took me to some amateur rodeos out in Quebec, and I fell in love with the sport.”
One of the 29-year-old’s earliest pro rodeo memories is a trip out to the Williams Lake Stampede (B.C.) rodeo with veterans Denny Phipps and Michael Solberg, and working on his English during that trip. One wonders what pearls of wisdom Messrs Solberg and Phipps shared with the fresh-faced rookie during those many miles!
“I’m feeling pretty confident about this year,” Isabelle, who had a solid winter at the U.S. rodeos, added. I have high goals for myself. I want to be a Canadian champion. My travelling partner, Ty Taypotat, won it last year, so I know that feeling and I want it for myself. I’m still figuring it out. One per cent per day improvement.”
That’s the work in progress Pascal Isabelle alluded to and will be in evidence this coming weekend as Canadian Pro Rodeo heads west to Dawson Creek.
Taylor Manning is wasting no time in defending her 2022 Canadian Barrel Racing title. The 19-year-old Alberta cowgirl partnered with her gelding Little Sexcee Cowboy (aka Archie) for a 12.55 second run and $2575.60.
Other weekend winners were Tanner Milan (4.1 seconds, steer wrestling, $1994.45); Tate and Karen Schmidt (3.8 seconds, team roping, $2010.66 each); Logan Hay (84.5 points on Duane Kesler’s Bail Bond, saddle bronc riding, $1613.79); Murray Pole (9.8 seconds, tie-down roping, $2053.90); reigning Canadian Champion Jared Parsonage (86 points on Duane Kesler’s All Bananas, bull riding, $1632.87) and Hayden Mulvey (73.5 points, junior steer riding, $343.38)
For complete results, check out rodeocanada.com