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To assist young cowboys in developing their skills, rodeo promoter Pat Fitzpatrick started a bronc riding school at Wood Mountain in 1992."The kids learn the rules, how to work with people, sportsmanship, fair play and integrity. The kids have to learn how to ride properly because they are not strong enough to hang on otherwise."
- Pat Fitzpatrick
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Jeremy Harden, from rodeo school to the world's arenas2000
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Another young cowboy who started his rodeo career at Wood Mountain was Jeremy Harden who consistently competes for the Canadian All-Around Championship. Jeremy was the first competitor from the Wood Mountain area to travel to Australia and take part in rodeos there."I think, as far as rodeo's progressed, people have gotten to specializing in one event. Years ago everybody used to do everything, but I think now it's a rarity. It's difficult to keep your mind set, too. You have to think about what you gotta do right now in the bronc riding and then worry about the steer wrestling." - Jeremy Harden
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The Fitzpatrick Brothers at the CCA finals2000
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Three local graduates of the rodeo school who have done well are brothers Jay, Clair and Rhett Fitzpatrick who all qualified in the saddle bronc competition for the finals of the CCA rodeo in Saskatoon in 2002, with Clair coming out on top.19
High School Rodeo at Wood Mountain2000
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
20
As the Little Britches competitors grew up, there was a need for another level of competition. In the 1990's High School rodeo at Wood Mountain was often held in conjunction with the rodeo school.21
Cheyenne Ogle rides around the barrels.2000
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Rodeo at Wood Mountain has always been a family affair. Cheyenne Ogle is the fifth generation of her family to take part. Her great-great grandfather, William Ogle raced horses; her great-grandfather Jimmy Ogle was a stock contractor; her grandfather, Bill Ogle, roped calves; her father, Travis, is a rodeo director. Other families such as the Fitzpatricks have had similar involvement.23
Summer Series - Rodeo for Children2004
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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In 2000 the "Summer Series" was started at the rodeo grounds to give local children the chance to practice rodeo events such as barrel racing and team roping. Every Thursday night during the summer children, as young as three years of age, compete."My family travels with us as often as they can. George competes in the Little Britches rodeos. We all compete in the Summer Series in Wood Mountain - Michelle in barrel racing and goat tying, George and Zane in barrel racing and myself in steer wrestling."
- Curtis Marcenko
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Murray Linthicum goes for the Gold at the Olympics2001
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Rodeo is recognized as part of the world of sport. At the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City a local cowboy, Murray Linthicum and his partner Rocky Dallyn won the gold medal in team roping, a demonstration sport."The only way we were going to win was to be faster than 5.2. We hit the barrier just right and I threw as far as I could and got him. And my partner Rocky rolled in there and roped two feet and the big screen came up and we looked up and it was 5.1 and it was just about unbelievable. I guess when it was all said and done we were the Champions."
- Murray Linthicum
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Cowboys dress for safety and color.2004
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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