Young Rodeo Stars Shine At Little Cowpokes Finals

Vermilion came alive with youthful energy and western pride as the Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeo Finals rode into Vermilion on August 14 and 15. Over 100 young competitors, aged 5 to 16, turned Lakeland College’s equine centre into a buzzing arena of grit, flying cowboy hats, and deep-rooted community spirit.

Children from across the region gathered to compete in events like barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway, and team roping. Divided into four age groups: 5 & under, 6 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 16, the participants showcased not only their riding skills but also months of hard work and commitment throughout a season that included five or six rodeos.

But beyond the scoreboard, the Finals represented something far more meaningful: connection, encouragement, and the kind of community that turns competitors into lifelong friends. Junior Rodeo’s Little Cow Pokes is a welcoming place for all levels, just to come and grow and enjoy the sport. That sentiment rang true as kids cheered each other on, shared tips between events, and celebrated victories together, big or small and encouraged each other when a run didn’t go as well as planned.

The rodeo’s deep community roots go back to its founding in 2010. It began when local families realized their kids had to travel as far as Barrhead to compete in junior rodeos. “We just thought that’s way too far to go,” said one early organizer. With support from Lee McMillan, (then-president of the Vermilion Lakeland College Rodeo) the Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeo was born. McMillan helped secure the college arena, rally support and lay the groundwork for a local rodeo tradition that’s now 15 years strong.

Founding members like Mark and Rebecca Fletcher are still involved today. Their daughter Whitney was born on August 10, 2010, and at just a few days old, she was brought straight from the hospital to watch her first rodeo—Little Cowpokes. She hasn’t missed a year since. The Fletchers’ nephews, who also grew up in the association, are now on the cusp of making their first National Finals Rodeo (NFR) appearance—a testament to how this grassroots organization has helped launch real rodeo careers.

Yet for most, Little Cowpokes has never been about medals or podiums it has made memories and friends—friends that have become family. Children who once rode together at local rodeos are now reuniting under bright lights at events like the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), bound by friendships that started in dirt arenas and grew with every high-five and handshake.

This year’s return to Vermilion from previous venues like Lea Park was all about accessibility and togetherness. Lakeland College again played a key role, generously offering its facilities to create a professional yet welcoming setting that made the weekend feel like a true community celebration.

The Finals wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers, families, and sponsors. From prepping arenas to managing livestock and timekeeping, the behind-the-scenes work is massive, but powered by love. The community support is what makes these events possible. Every child left with a prize in hand, a tradition that underscores the event’s mission to recognize every young cowboy and cowgirl, regardless of placing.

And the lessons go far beyond the arena. Many kids compete in multiple events, which means balancing schedules, handling animals, managing nerves, and showing up with responsibility and resilience. Children learn focus, teamwork, and accountability. These are life skills that stretch beyond rodeo grounds.

For spectators, too, the weekend delivered more than a show, it delivered moments of pride, inspiration, and hope. Watching children evolve not just as athletes, but as people, is what keeps families returning year after year.

As the dust settled and the season wrapped, the Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeo Finals stood not only as a celebration of youth sport, but as proof of what a close-knit community can build together. With its open-door spirit and unwavering support, Little Cowpokes continues to raise the next generation of riders, one ribbon, one ride, and one friendship at a time.