CALGARY, Alberta (AP) – Sophia Bunney took a leap into ranch bronc riding, experiencing a rough but exhilarating start when she was thrown from her mount on her first attempt, landing “quite a ways away from the horse.”
Demonstrating resilience, the 18-year-old from Cessford, Alberta, expressed her determination, stating, “I’m very stubborn and I don’t like being defeated.” Her early encounter ignited a passion for ranch bronc riding, a sport where riders endure the challenge of staying atop bucking horses for a full eight seconds.
“I always kind of wanted to hop on a bronc,” revealed Bunney, who had aspirations of becoming a female bronc rider since Grade 3, a dream she shared during a childhood project focused on future career aspirations.
Ranch bronc riding distinguishes itself from traditional saddle bronc riding by using a standard western saddle instead of a specialized one. Riders utilize both hands—one gripping the rein and the other holding onto a strap around the saddle horn—to maintain their balance.
Advancing the Sport
Pearl Kersey, the recent Canadian women’s ranch bronc champion, emphasizes the importance of her role both as a competitor and educator. Kersey, who also serves as president of Women’s Ranch Bronc Canada, is committed to introducing the sport to various age groups. “I’ve got teenagers, 20-year-olds, 30-year-olds and this year a woman in her 50s. I was like, ‘You sure?’” Kersey remarked regarding her diverse group of students. “She wants to try it before she gets too old.” At her clinics, participants can practice on bucking machines, ensuring a safe introduction before getting on a horse.
Mastering the Technique
Blayne Bedard, a 19-year-old with roots in cow riding from the Canadian Girls Rodeo Association, learned the critical technique of keeping her feet correctly positioned during rides. “If they come back, I’m like a pendulum and I just go head over teakettle,” Bedard acknowledged about her earlier challenges in maintaining balance on a bronc. Her perseverance led to participation in the Canadian championships over the past two years.
“I like the look of it, too,” she added. “You get cool pictures.” One unexpected lesson she picked up at Kersey’s clinics involved the importance of safety measures within her boots. “I put baby powder in my boots every time before I ride because if you get your foot stuck in a stirrup— which I’ve had a few times— you need your boot to be able to come off so you’re not being dragged by the horse,” she shared.
Visibility for Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding
While women’s ranch bronc riding is not featured in the upcoming $2.1 million Calgary Stampede starting Friday, there is excitement surrounding the debut of women’s breakaway roping. This shift signifies a gradual progression toward inclusivity, with Kersey emphasizing the importance of participation in professional rodeos where substantial prize money is available. “The ultimate is getting into pro rodeos because that’s when you get the big money,” she noted, acknowledging that while improvements are visible, it takes time to increase participant numbers.
As she prepares for the world finals on July 19-20 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Kersey reflects on her journey. “I won in 2019 and have finished second twice. I intend to retire from competition after this year, but I aim to continue teaching.”
Emma Eastwood, another Calgary native and Kersey’s student, quickly adapted to the sport, leveraging her past experience as an amateur jockey to secure victory in her third competitive outing. “It is difficult to try and think through your ride and hang on through all that adrenaline,” the 27-year-old massage therapist explained, recognizing the intense mental and physical engagement required.
Though riding events have traditionally seen male dominance, Kersey, Eastwood, and Bedard appreciate the welcoming reception extended by their male counterparts. Kersey relayed how many women have reached out to her, expressing gratitude for making ranch bronc riding more accessible. “They might not go into ranch broncs, but it just gave them the power in themselves to go pursue something that they wanted that they didn’t think they could because they were women,” she stated. These sentiments have sparked a newfound desire among aspiring riders, with some sharing their interest after observing Kersey compete.
As the sport grows, it continues to inspire women to challenge conventions and pursue their passions.
