Bowden's Ky Marshall was crowned the All Around Champion at this year's Canadian Finals Rodeo, leaving Rexall Place in Edmonton $39,709.28 richer.
An All Around Champion must participate in one timed and one rough stock event at a rodeo. During the finals, Marshall competed in calf roping and bareback, respectively.
“There's not many cowboys that do both a rough stock and timed event — they both kind of focus on one end of the arena. To win it is a huge accomplishment,” he said.
Marshall, 22, qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo last year but didn't win any money.
He said increased confidence after a year's experience was the difference in his performance.
“That was a huge part of it. Last year was kind of my rookie year going to the CFR. This year, it was a lot easier going to all the rodeos. You know a lot more people so your confidence is a huge part of it.”
The next pro rodeo will take place in the spring and until then, Marshall said he will practise in a few jackpots.
He is three years into his professional career, and has avoided major injuries since he started riding bucking horses as a Grade 9 student at high school rodeos.
He plans to continue for as long as he still enjoys competing.
“I'm just going to take it year by year and hopefully keep on doing good.”
