To Handle A Sheep, Learn To Think Like One

Just because you can’t read a sheep’s expression doesn’t mean it isn’t feeling emotion, says animal behaviour scientist Temple Grandin. When sheep are sick or hurting, they tend not to show it, Grandin told a sheep symposium here recently. Lambs haven’t developed the ability to cover up their fear or pain, but adult sheep mask

Manitoba Hosting 2010 Finals

Virden will be the site of a special Manitoba moment in August 2010. Hosting the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals (CHSRF) on behalf of the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA), the welcome mat will be rolled out to teams of athletes and their families from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario for three days


Should You Stay Or Should You Go?

There’s a lot of soul searching on cow-calf operations across the country. Producers are wrestling with whether to stay in the business or cut their losses and get rid of the cows. With the fall calf run now in full swing, the immediate economic outlook has worsened. The rapid increase in the value of the

Miniota Family Embraces Lifestyle

– DANNY FENTY “It always helps if you have a good stock as that can make or break a run.” Sweaty, dirty, muscle-wrenching work may not be a lifestyle for everyone, but being ranch raised, a Birtle Collegiate and 2009 Manitoba High School Rodeo Associat ion (MHSRA) graduate was destined to be a cowboy. Following

Humane Society Protests Rodeo Calf Roping

“We police ourselves quite well, in my mind.” – JIM PIPPOLO, CPRA When the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition held its 46th annual rodeo in Morris last week, there was one group that wasn’t cheering for the cowboys. The Vancouver Humane Society is campaigning to ban calf roping (also called tie-down roping) from rodeos across Canada.


Much Talent At MHSRA Finals

The Manitoba High School Rodeo Association showcased athletic talents at the provincial finals last month in Hamiota. Rough stock champions were Landon Lockhart, Brandon – bull riding; Orin Larsen, Inglis – bareback; and Kane Larsen, Inglis – saddle bronc. Tanner Rutten of Redvers, Sask. who rodeos on Manitoba soil was the champion in tie-down roping

Spring Roundup

PHOTOS BY RICK HIEBERT Jerry Doucette, (left photo) owner of the Broken O Ranch near Spruce Woods, brings in a cow-calf pair that slipped from the herd during the annual calf roundup for tagging, vaccinating and “steering.” (bottom photo) The cows seem to know the drill, standing watchfully by while cowboys Rob Graham (left), Chard

Onanole Cowgirl Enjoys Rodeo

“Personally, I don’t think there is anything better than a cowgirl or cowboy lifestyle, and we are lucky to have it.” – JUSTINE CORNELSEN Onanole’s Justine Cornelsen enjoys being a member of the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA) as it gives her the opportunity to grow as a cowgirl, compete in unique events and


Time To “Cowboy Up” – for Feb. 5, 2009

“Cowboy up” is an expression which refers to a specific profession, but is often repeated in other walks of life. Its exact meaning can depend upon the situation, but basically it means work hard and stay true to yourself and your ideals. Some complain that urban youth have co-opted this phrase and are acting as

Wheat City Stampede keeps growing

“The really great part is that we are all good friends as well. It makes going to meetings fun – almost a social outing.” The last weekend of October has become a mainstay to anyone in the horse industry in Manitoba, particularly western enthusiasts. This is when the Manitoba Finals Rodeo comes to town, and