Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Hats

School at Lakeland has been back for two weeks and the Rodeo Club is in full swing. 

Most people would think that the Rodeo Club would be just for individuals who have horses, but there are many other ways to be involved.  From anywhere from helping out with rodeos and practice and even going to the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.

Throughout the year there are three Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeos, Alumni Rodeo, and Fun Rodeos and Barrel Jackpots each month. CIRA rodeos are for Rodeo Team members only, but the rest of the events are for all club members and the community. Fun Rodeos and Barrel Jackpots will be starting within the next month. Fun Rodeos cost $10.00 an event, and barrel jackpots are run in 3D style, and cost $25.00 a horse.

Lee MacMillan is the Rodeo Club’s head coach, with assistance from Rusty Quam with the barrels, poles, and goat tying. Practice nights are open to all students on the rodeo club except for Thursdays; they are only open to Rodeo Team members. Monday nights are also open to community members. Practice nights include:

Monday: Rodeo Meeting at 6:00 pm

 Team Roping, Calf Roping, Breakaway,

 and Steer Wrestling practice at 7:30 pm

Tuesday: Barrel, Poles, and Goat Tying practice at 5:30 pm



Wednesday: Rough stock Night at 6:30 pm



Thursday: Roping Practice at 5:30 pm (Only Rodeo Team competitors)

Sunday: Ranch Horse Club at 7:00 pm

There is designated open riding each day of the week, depending on practice times and Western Ranch and Cow Horse class schedule.



If you want more updates on the Lakeland College Rodeo Club click Here.

All Dogs Go To My Blog

The Stockdog Club at Lakeland College is about more than just training dogs; it is about training students.  This year's Stockdog Club consists of thirteen members, three of whom are returning members to the club.  The club is led by Deanna Krys, who herself took on the challenge of training her first stockdog at Lakeland College in 1993.  Assisting her in coaching are trainers Ted Wheat and Sarah Van Yken. 

Trainer Sarah Van Yken leads the Stockdog Club members in leash work exercises at a recent practice.

Typically, stockdogs in the club are a recognized herding breed such as Border Collie, Australian Shepherd,  or Kelpie.

This young Australian Shepherd is alert and ready to work

Only Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are enrolled in the Stockdog Club this year.  These dogs range from ten months of age to three and four years old. 

            The stockdogs are schooled in leash work before they are started on sheep.  The Stockdog Club uses sheep as they are both safer to handle and build confidence in dogs.  The dogs may later be introduced to cattle once their skills are more advanced.  Many of these dogs will return to cattle operations trained and ready to work the larger stock. 

            The Stockdog Club meets every Monday and Thursday evening for practices.  The club holds a clinic with world class trainer Elvin Kopp, and holds a demonstration at Little Royal in March.  Students involved with the Stockdog Club may also travel to other competitions.  Many hours are spent caring for and training these dogs, and by the end of the school year these dogs along with their owners will be skilled in the world of stockdogs.