Later this week, Chase Skene will for the first time compete at the Calgary Stampede. (Ponoka Stampede)

By Nigel Maxwell

Ride cowboy ride

Prince Albert teen ready to ride at Stampede

Jul 12, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Prince Albert’s Chase Skene is headed to the Calgary Stampede this week to compete in Junior Steer Riding.

The 14-year-old is one of six Steer Riding contestants who received the invitation to compete. Those selected were chosen from money and points earned in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA). He admitted to paNOW he’s feeling both excited and nervous.

“I’m just hoping for it to be a cool experience,” he said.

Skene, who travels throughout the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC, recently placed fourth at the Ponoka Stampede, securing his invitation for Calgary. Known as “Pip” to family and friends, Skene is an all-around cowboy competing in the rough stock end of the arena in the CPRA and Canadian Cowboys Association.

He also competes in the Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association in team roping, tiedown roping and bull riding. But with all those accomplishments, he’s never yet competed at the Stampede.

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“I’ve done big competitions from around the world and down in South Dakota but this is just cool with the biggest, outdoor competition in the world,” he said.

Skene is the youngest of four brothers, who have all had the opportunity to compete at the Stampede, and it’s through them over the past eight years that he’s learned to ride and develop his passion.

“I watched for quite a few years before I actually got on and just helped out and wished I could get on until I finally could,” he said.

In the fall, Skene will be entering Grade 10 at St Mary High School and continues to pursue his dream of a rodeo scholarship. He said his future dreams include making the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Professional Bullriding rodeo (PBR) circuit.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell