Young Cowboys And Cowgirls Ride To Canadian Titles

Kane McKnight from Lloydminster took the Bareback Buckle. Photo CHSR.

The future of Canadian rodeo is looking pretty bright; judging by this year’s Canadian Junior High Rodeo Champions, there is plenty more talent coming up through the ranks.

Young rodeo athletes from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and communities across the country came together for the 2026 Canadian Finals, where they put their skills, determination and plenty of hard work to the test.

When the dust settled, a new group of Canadian Junior High Champions had earned their place at the top.

Livi Cote raced her way to the Barrel Racing championship, while Macey Stettner claimed the title in Pole Bending. Kirby Richardson took top honours in Girls Breakaway Roping, while Kayla Boxma earned the Girls Goat Tying championship.

On the boys’ side, Kane McKnight captured the Bareback title, Will Norby came out on top in Saddle Bronc and Finn Zirnhelt earned the Canadian championship in Bull Riding.

Steele Sandilands claimed the Boys Breakaway Roping championship, Tyler Melanson took the Tie Down title, Beau Wilkie earned top honours in Chute Dogging and Kade Goertz captured the Boys Goat Tying championship.

In Ribbon Roping, Elias Carr earned the championship as roper alongside runner Jaymslee Burnett, while the Team Roping titles went to header Boone Wilkie and heeler Blair Boisjoli.

Conner Lucas also earned a Canadian championship in Light Rifle.

Two athletes walked away with another major honour. Josie Young was crowned the 2026 All Around Girl, while Mason Douglas earned the title of 2026 All Around Boy.

For these young competitors, the championship titles represent much more than what happened during a few runs or rides at the Canadian Finals. Behind each buckle are countless hours of practice, early mornings, long drives, good runs, tough runs and the determination to keep coming back and getting better.

They may still be Junior High competitors, but these young cowboys and cowgirls showed they are already serious athletes.

Congratulations to the 2026 Canadian Junior High Rodeo Champions — Canada’s next generation of rodeo talent is already making its mark.