Calgary, AB: If you are looking to get involved in the sport of bull riding in any way, you’ve got a ton of opportunities coming up this spring. If you’re looking to touch up on your skills before the upcoming season, you’ve got no excuses if you don’t either with the level of talented people you’ve got the opportunity to learn from too.
The first one on the schedule from the 15th to the 17th of February is probably one of Canada’s longest running bull riding schools in Vermillion, AB. Bruce and Don Johansen will host this year’s Johansen Brothers Bull Riding School along with Scott Schiffner. All three are Canadian Champions and both Johansen brothers have been to the NFR as well while Schiffner is known today as Canada’s Winningest Bull Rider of all time. Scott Byrne will be running the bull fighting side of the school as per usual. He’s likely had a school longer than anyone else in recent years too. For any bull fighting questions you can contact Scott by email at scottbyrne62@yahoo.ca For the rest of the school information contact Lakeland College Coach Lee MacMillian at lee.macmillan
If you’re in the area, the Lakeland College, Buck the Cold PBR Canada Touring Pro will be on the night of the 15th. There’s $20,000 in prize money up for grabs and it’ll surely be a great event as it always is. Get there early as every seat fills up.
After that, you can move up over to another one of Canada’s Rodeo Colleges to Olds, AB for Devon Mezei and Scott Waye’s Bull Riding and Bull Fighting School on February 23rd and 24th. Devon has been to the CFR about six times already which is very impressive since he’s only in his mid twenties. Mezei has also made the PBR Canadian Finals about the same number of times. Scott Waye may or may not still be Canada’s tallest bull fighter but if you’re in a bind he’d be there for you. I couldn’t think of a better guy to teach. Waye has fought the Calgary Stampede now for a number of years. Olds College is who you’ll need to talk to about that school.
A couple weeks later, David Sandilands, Nathan Roy and Brett Thompson are hosting a bull fighting, bull riding and steer riding school at Dave’s house in Esterhazy, SK from March 8th to 10th. Sandman has fought everywhere from the Calgary Stampede to the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Without a doubt he’s the toughest bull fighter ever from up here. Both Nate Roy and Brett Thompson are Canadian Champions. Nate in 2007 and Brett in 2009. The cost for bull riding and bull fighting is $400 while steer riding is $350. For more information and to register, contact Dave Sandilands by email at dj.sandilands@yahoo.ca
From what I know, the second last school of the spring may very well be the best. With all the respect in the world for everyone and their schools listed so far, as their poster says, “Learn from the best.” Four time PBR World Finals Bull Fighter, Jesse Byrne along with one of the biggest stars in the entire sport, Luke Snyder will host their second annual school at the Max Clunie Coliseum just outside of Prince Albert, SK on April 30th and May 1st. Tuition is $500 with a deposit of $300 to hold your spot on March 1st. To get registered contact Ryan Byrne by phone at 306-764-8162 or by email at ryanbyrne00@gmail.com
Don’t forget either that the Clunie-Cooper Memorial will take place on the 3rd and 4th of May. In 2012 it was voted as the event of the year, if you haven’t been yet, come on up to PA to find out why.
Thanks to Lorne High for reminding me of this last school that I forgot to include the first time around. Speaking of the best Gary Leffew and Rob Smets will be in Delbunre, AB once again in 2013 from May 10th to 12th. I’ve personally been to Gary’s school and he’s helped me a ton. Once I get back to riding I’m sure I’ll be going back to see him again. Rob is the best of the best and will surely teach you what you need to know to be successful. This school like the other will surely fill up soon. Don’t hesitate to call. Contact Jason Holst for info on being in Delburne in May at 403-505-0742
Hopefully this information helps you out in your bull riding, bull fighting and rodeo career. Everyone is welcome to attend every school whether or not you’ve been on before, or you’ve been going down the road for years.
Best of luck to you in 2013!
Comments
Anyone know where a girl could give bull riding a try?
Could you possibly do a school list for 2014? It would be much appreciated! Thanks , Ross
The List of 2014 schools can be seen here https://everything-cowboy.com/uncategorized/rodeo-schools-in-canada-for-the-2014-season/. Hope this helps!