KISBEY - Cody and Cally Johnston have been the owners of the Bar J Ranch, which is located east of Kisbey on Highway 13, since January 2023.
They are the third generation to farm on this land and the fourth generation to be involved in horses.
The large arena that was built on the ranch houses breakaway pens, chutes for bucking stock and a general area to hold the animals.
A practice event was held for bucking horses on Feb. 17 and 18.
The stock came from a contractor south of Weyburn. The horses that filled the event were chosen to see if they had the ability to buck and if they did, they would be used at bigger events throughout the year.
Not every horse has the ability or the desire to buck. Bucking horses simply have a strap in front of the hind legs that the horse will try to buck off. This strap is tightened but does not hurt the horse in any way. Once the strap is released, the horse usually stops bucking.
Approximately 12 riders came out for the weekend to improve their skills and gain knowledge from the riders that had more experience. This was also a fantastic opportunity for new riders to come out and try the sport, to see if this was something they would like to continue with.
The riders came from as far away as Swift Current, and hometown guys were from Arcola and area.
Many of these men have regular day jobs, such as ranching or construction. One was still in high school and there was even a doctor who took his turn at the sport.
According to Greg Johnston, the father of Cody, this weekend was also set aside for learning to be a pick-up man. Legend Wade Rempel was on hand and has been a pick-up rider for 40 years.
He has been as far south as Houston, north to Lac La Biche, east to Toronto and west to Vancouver. He is well known in rodeo.
Rempel was teaching Greg and Cody how to be pick-up guys, as this needs to happen in a timely and safe matter.
Pick-up men are in the arena for the safety of the rider and the bucking horse.
Once the rider is off the horse, it is important to get the bucking strap off of the horse as quickly as possible.
Two riders are always in the arena at the same time and are on either side of the bronc for protection. The pick-up men are the only line of defence for the rider, if the competitors gets hung up on the horse or cannot get off.
Various events will be held at the ranch from bucking horses to bulls, team roping to breakaway, or regular practice.
The events are open to all ages and Greg said it is a terrific way to gain the experience that one is looking for in the rodeo world.
