What to Expect

The Red Deer Pro Rodeo arrives May 21-23, 2026, bringing three days of genuine competition to Central Alberta. This isn’t theater. Riders come here to test themselves against animals and against each other. The stakes are real, the skill is evident, and the crowd feels it.

Community | Rodeo | Cabaret

You’ll see bronc riding that demands balance and nerve. Bull riding that separates the serious from the casual. Barrel racing where fractions of seconds matter. Roping events where precision and speed combine. Steer wrestling where strength meets timing. Each event tells a story of preparation meeting opportunity.

The grounds sit ready for this. The livestock arrives healthy and strong. The arena is built for competition. The seating gives you sight lines that matter. You won’t miss what happens. Between events, there’s time to move around, grab food, talk with people who understand this world. Families settle in. Serious fans track times and scores. First-timers discover why rodeo endures in this part of the country.

We’re building something that lasts. This rodeo will run year after year, becoming part of the fabric of Red Deer and Central Alberta. You’re invited to be part of that from the beginning.

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What the
Red Deer Pro
Rodeo brings

Three days of competition drawing riders and spectators from across the region. The event stakes are substantial, the caliber of competition is high, and the atmosphere reflects both.

$85,500

Prize Purse

350+

Competitors

8,000+

Expected Attendance

8

Rodeo Events
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The Dust Never
Settles

The Party after the Performance

Grab your crew and head to the nightly cabaret after each performance. There is live music, cold drinks, and good vibes.

 

Thursday

Julia Vos

Saturday

Foxx Worthee

Sunday

Drew Gregory

Halftime Show

Bella Da Costa & Shelby Pierson

Bella Da Costa 

Bella Da Costa is a professional trick rider from Stony Plain, Alberta and has been trick riding since she was 5 years old. This Canadian Champion has been living her dreams performing across North America from the Calgary Stampede, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, all the way to the Turquoise Circuit Finals in Arizona. This young lady has travelled far and wide, showcasing her talents and leaving audiences in awe with her daring speed, grace, and beauty. Bella takes horsemanship to another level, travelling with her three horses, Dixie, Jett, and Boone. This team will be sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats! 

 

 Shelby Pierson 

Born and raised on her family’s cattle ranch in southern Alberta, Shelby Pierson is known as one of the most decorated trick riders in North America. With almost 20 years of experience in the industry, Shelby has taken her fast-paced, high-energy act to professional rodeos all across Canada, the United States, and Australia. 

 

One of Shelby’s greatest accomplishments is being named the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Contract Act of the Year 6X. Shelby is also a Top 5 PRCA Dress Act of the Year Nominee, a 3X Canadian Trick Riding Champion, and an Australian Trick Riding Champion. Shelby has performed on some of the largest stages in professional rodeo, including: Rodeo Houston, the Calgary Stampede, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, St.Paul Rodeo, San Angelo Rodeo, and the Ponoka Stampede. 

Saddle Bronc

Sponsored by: Marshall Construction Company

Often called the “Classic Event,” Saddle Bronc riding evolved directly from the ranch work of breaking wild horses. Unlike the raw power of bull riding, this event is a stylized dance of rhythm and balance. To score high, the rider must synchronize his movements with the bucking horse, spurring from the horse’s neck to the back of the saddle in a fluid, continuous motion—all while holding onto a single thick rein. It is an 8-second display of grace under pressure that demands perfect timing and grit.
What to Watch For
  • The Mark Out: The rider’s heels must be touching the animal above the shoulders the instant the gate opens. If he misses the mark, he receives a “no score.”
  • The 50/50 Split: Two judges score the ride. Half the points (50) are for the cowboy’s control and spurring action, and half (50) are for the horse’s power and agility.
  • The Score: A total score in the 80s is excellent; hitting the 90s is legendary.

Bareback

Sponsored by: Bettensons Sand and Gravel Co. Ltd.

Bareback Riding is a high-speed collision. There is no saddle, no rein, and no room for error. The cowboy sits directly on the horse’s back, holding onto a leather “riggin” that resembles a suitcase handle. As the horse explodes out of the chute, the rider’s body is subjected to intense centrifugal force, requiring incredible core strength and specialized technique. To the fans in the Centrium, it’s a blur of flying manes and snapping heels; to the cowboy, it’s eight seconds of hanging on to one of the most powerful athletes in the world.

What to Watch For

  • The “Suitcase” Hold: The rider uses only one hand to stay aboard. Touching the horse, himself, or the equipment with his free hand results in an immediate disqualification.
  • The Spurring Motion: Watch the rider’s legs. They must stay in constant motion, throwing their feet forward toward the horse’s shoulders and snapping them back toward the riggin with every jump.
  • Pure Agility: Because there is no saddle to sit in, the rider must “flow” with the horse’s bucking motion to avoid being bucked off or injured by the sheer whip-lash effect.