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A family takes joy in Stampede

The MacDonald children in Horsefly, Amelia, 6, and Cole, 3, look forward to Stampede weekend with great anticipation.
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Jen MacDonald (back left)

The MacDonald children in Horsefly, Amelia, 6, and Cole, 3, look forward to Stampede weekend with great anticipation.

“I like to see the horses in the parade; my favourite colour of horse is red (Sorel),” Amelia says. “I am taking horse riding lessons from Lori. Her horse’s name is Kisses.”

Cole says he likes the bull riding events at the rodeo best.

“It  is scary,” Cole says. “I like the cowboys riding the horses with the bull in the pen. The barrel almost fell over with the man in it (the clown).”

Both Cole and Amelia also say they enjoy wearing their cowboy outfits and eating French fries at Stampede.

Amelia says she loves the horses at Stampede and watching the rodeo royalty. She says she plans to be a barrel racer and hopefully one day wear a rodeo crown.

Amelia and Cole live on the Rafter 6 Ranch with their parents Jen and Nicholas and their grandparents Roy and Kathy, who raise cattle, chickens, pigs, and grow a big vegetable garden.

Nicholas is also a teacher who received his degrees at the University of British Columbia.

“I loved to put on my cowboy boots and hat when I was little,” Nicholas says. “I still do. My favourite events are the timed events, ranch challenge, chuck wagon races and the mountain race. I will never forget the Stampede. Amelia said she is going to be a rodeo queen one day.”

Jen says her favourite events are barrel racing, wild cow milking, the mountain race, ranch challenge and chuck wagon races.

“This is a family event for my husband and our children,” Jen says.

“We enjoy taking in all of the events throughout the weekend.  Although my background with horses is mostly English I am working on the western style of riding,” Jen says.

“Living in Horsefly on the Rafter 6 Ranch has created a wonderful place to raise our children and enjoy a home grown lifestyle.”