Cowboy expects big things as career progresses

After a successful end to his novice rodeo career, Kale McKenzie is eager to take on the big boys.

The 21-year-old Métis, from Rocky Mountain House, entered Canadian Professional Rodeo Association championships as the top-seeded rider in novice saddle bronc competition, which concluded on Nov. 10 in Edmonton. When the dust stopped flying, he had placed second in his category, edged out  by Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alta.

In order to qualify for the season-ending national event, McKenzie had to be among the top three finishers in his division (for those aged 16-21) in the year-long CRPA tour.

The circuit featured events in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. However, McKenzie did not travel to Manitoba for the lone tour stop.

He participated in about two dozen tour events, which frequently attracted 30 entrants in his category. Along with being top-seeded rider in his category for nationals, McKenzie also took top honours in an Alberta-based tour this year.

He is now looking forward to a successful 2014 campaign, one which he hopes will include another appearance at the nationals.
“The goal is to make the Canadian finals in the open saddle bronc (category),” he said.

Twelve participants will advance to the 2014 nationals in the open division.

This year marked the first time McKenzie had advanced to the nationals. He has been competing in saddle bronc events since the age of 16.

During the 2012-13 season he attended Central Wyoming College on a rodeo scholarship. Though he fared well in his collegiate competitions, McKenzie left the school after one year.

“I didn’t really like the school part of it,” he said. “I just wanted to ride. I wanted to be a cowboy. That’s what I’m doing now.”

It seems only fitting this is what McKenzie is doing with his life.
“I grew up around horses,” he said.

His family runs a ranch called McKenzie Horsemanship. And his father Allan was a pro-rodeo competitor for two decades.

“Dad has been my coach since I started,” said McKenzie.

Though some tease the elder McKenzie that his offspring has more talent than he did, his son is not convinced.

“Dad was really good,” he said. “I haven’t been to the level he was at.”

McKenzie isn’t the only family member who plans to compete next year. His 19-year-old sister Reba will be entering various barrel racing events.

There’s a simple reason why McKenzie enjoys his event the best.
“The saddle bronc is a lot easier because you don’t have to bring your own horse (to competitions),” he said. “You just bring a saddle.”

And the fact he’s facing an animal that weighs about 1,500 pounds that is trying to buck him, McKenzie is not fazed.

“It’s kind of an adrenalin rush,” he said.

During his career he has been fortunate to remain healthy. A broken arm in 2010 is the most serious injury he has sustained.
Though he is bound to incur more bumps and bruises along the way, it is a journey McKenize is content to take.

“I love the travelling,” he said. “You get to go to places all over North America.”