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Move over cowboys, there’s a new cowgirl at the Rodeo

July 12, 2010

Calgary, AB --- Brittany Mercier just started riding broncs in January, but only seven months later, the University of Calgary athletic therapy student is competing in the novice saddle bronc competition at the The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth this afternoon. She is the first woman in modern day to take part in the Calgary Stampede Rodeo in this event.

“It’s not about being the only girl right now,” says Mercier, who will be competing against 42 men under the age of 21. “Bronc riding isn’t as much about who you are competing against, in the end, it’s about you and the horse.”

“Our novice events are equal opportunity,” says Barry McGrath, Calgary Stampede Rodeo administrator. “We have had girls in the steer riding, but this is the first time in the novice saddle bronc riding to my knowledge, and we are excited to have her.”

Mercier fell in love with the sport after trying it as research for her degree. “How do you know how to rehab an injury unless you have tried it,” she says.

Although the Airdrie native has only competed in 14 rodeos, Mercier has been improving steadily placing third in Entwistle Rodeo recently. The youngest of five grew up with three older brothers and she says, “they figure they have been toughening me up since I was born.”

Mercier will be trying to stay on Sweet Home Alabama during this afternoon’s Rodeo which begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Calgary Stampede. The top six novice bronc riders will compete in the final on Sunday, July 18.

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