06/17/2026
A year ago, today, I was getting ready to make a barrel run at a jackpot as a way to relax before the hectic week of stampede started. As I was putting Doubles’ boots on I noticed some odd behaviour, then a reluctancy to walk around, followed very quickly by BUCKETS of sweat pouring off of her. Thankfully I was surrounded by ladies who had seen this before and we were able to identify and treat her for tying-up within minutes of the onset. She spent 2 nights in the ER getting IV fluids, and sadly I had to sit her out of rodeo week. Then came the absolute mad scramble to find a horse to use!
By the time the rodeo started I had had over 20 horses offered to me! Rodeo truly is a special industry where everyone comes together to help someone out when they need it. I’ve never been moved to tears as easily as I was over how willing people were to lend me their animals! By the end of rodeo week I’d swung my leg over 4 different horses for the performances, all of which I had never ridden before! A very big thank you to everyone who lent me a horse 🫶🏽.
Committee person of the year - Brent Horn lent me his good horse, Shooter, Friday and Sunday! Camille Anderson lent me on of her daughter’s trick riding horses, Trigger, for the parade and Saturday afternoon performance. Tyler Thompson lent me Billy for our chuckwagon grand entry on Saturday evening. And Courtney Smith brought me her barrel horse, Mike, for Saturday’s under the lights performance! I can’t thank you all enough for lending me your partners, I’m truly honoured to have had the chance!
This year I’m excited to be riding my Dad’s horse, Buster, in the performances . And of course my queen, Doubles, will be heading up the parade! Can’t wait to see you all there!
The adventure continues ✨
Ashley Torpe
Miss Rodeo Wainwright 2024/2025