2012 HorseShoe Cup – Big Valley, AB

08 Feb 2012

Written by Rodeo Announcer Dustin Edwards. To see what Dustin is up to this season check out his link over on the right hand side of the site!

Big Valley,AB- We often take for granted the sacrifices that cowboys and cowgirls take in order to entertain rodeo fans all over the world. Sometimes we forget that if it wasn’t for the contestants people like announcers, stock contractors, bullfighters, and the entire supporting cast wouldn’t have the weekend income. Now rodeo is a business for many, but unlike your everyday 9-5 job the cowboys and cowgirls have no insurance or WCB if something goes wrong. Injuries can range in severity, but when something happens to the contestants of the CPRA or on the track in the WPCA it’s the Cowboy Benevolent Fund that steps in and helps with financial burdens they face. Throughout the year there are many fundraisers that help contribute to the benevolent fund, but coming up March 9th there is one any rodeo or wagon fan won’t want to miss.

It’s called the “Horseshoe Cup” and its 60 minutes of some of the most fun, intense, physical, and entertaining hockey you could witness. They trade in their boots and hats for skates and helmets, and for some it’s not an outrider by there side but a right winger. The CPRA will piece together a roster of rough stock, timed event, and whoever else might be brave enough to battle the drivers and outriders of the WPCA. The Horseshoe Cup has become an annual event and never fails to draw great crowds and raise a ton of money. I was first asked to be a part of this event about 3 years ago as a referee, and of course I thought “why not, it’s a charity event”! With a full house at the Big Valley Agriplex, it didn’t take long for me to realize these guys weren’t here to play shinny. The teams left nothing on the ice, and the game had some great goals, hits, and I even recall breaking up a fight between Kyle Daines and Troy Dorchester.
As the year’s have gone on the Horseshoe Cup has become a great event for fans and family to see these great competitors out of the rodeo arena and on the ice, and the 2012 edition won’t be any exception. Don’t miss your favourite rodeo and wagon stars battle it out for a great cause. Tickets at the door $5.00 Game/ $10.00 Dance. There will be a live auction and cabaret to follow at the Big Valley Hall. For more info or to donate items to the live auction call Tom (403-740-6575) or Dustin (403-740-5483)