Carli Berry
Morning Star Staff
Clay Elliott’s ultimate goal is to win a belt buckle from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, but first he will have to beat his opponents at the Cloverdale Rodeo.
This weekend, Elliott has so far participated in the 70th annual Cloverdale Rodeo in Surrey and the Falkland Stampede as a saddle bronc rider.
Born and raised in Vernon, Elliott said riding is in his blood.
“My family has been involved for forever.” His father, Vern Elliott, was a professional bull rider, as well as a western store owner, with his late wife, Mona, in Vernon for 27 years. His brother, Ty Elliott, takes after his father as a bull rider.
“I’ve always been around it.”
In high school, Elliott was actively involved in sports and high school rodeo which jumpstarted his career.
One can tell by the slight twang in his voice, that this Canadian cowboy has spent some time in Oklahoma. Upon recieving a scholarship, he studied for four years at Oklahoma’s Panhandle State University representing the Aggies.
“I’m pretty happy to be here and in the shoes I’m in,” he said.
Elliott won $50,000 in Houston, Texas for saddle bronc riding in the 2016 Rodeo Houston Super Series in March.
He advanced by riding SunGlow from the Harry Vold Rodeo Company for 86 points to win the wildcard round.
On Saturday, after the Canadian native put on a show in the shootout, Elliott found himself in a unique position.
In the final round of four, both Elliott and Rusty Wright of Utah had marked qualified rides of 87 points. In Rodeo Houston style, the tie breaker is a ride-off.
Both Elliott and Wright had to get on one more bronc to settle the tie. Elliott came out on top riding a horse from the Calgary Stampede for 85 points.
He’s young for rodeo, one of the youngest riders in the Cloverdale Rodeo. He’s only 22 but competing against older riders doesn’t intimidate him.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “I’m missing graduation to compete.”
His personal best is a score of 87 which he obtained in Houston. His scores and earnings have improved over the years as he continues to ride his way to the top. In 2012, Elliott took bronze in the novice saddle bronc championship at the centennial running of the Calgary Stampede.
Last June, Elliott won the championship in Casper, Wyo. for the College National Finals Rodeo. He will be riding in the CNA rodeo again this year on June 12.
Saddle bronc riding is about living in the moment and setting goals for himself.
“It’s a short career, I’m trying to take advantage (with my winnings). That gave me a bit of a start at 22.”
Elliott plans on investing the money in property and a cattle farm in Alberta.
Although he moved to Nanton, Alta. in 2012, he hasn’t had a chance to spend much time there, as he’s been completing his degree in the U.S.
He has his coaches to thank at Panhandle State for helping him further his rodeo career. He said he recognizes that this is a 10-year career, but he hopes to ride it out as long as he possibly can.
This weekend he is looking forward to seeing friends from home and has been enjoying participating in rodeos in both Canada and the U.S.
The 98th annual Falkland Stampede runs today at 2 p.m. and Monday at 1 p.m.