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Georgia Stranaghan competing at the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals. Photo supplied by Trista Stranaghan.
By Curtis Galbraith
Rodeo

Successful summer includes a Canadian championship for Clairmont cowgirl

Oct 29, 2022 | 7:00 AM

A successful summer for an 11-year-old cowgirl from Clairmont included winning a Canadian championship.

Georgia Stranaghan won the pole bending in the Junior High category at the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals in Swift Current, Saskatchewan in July.

She earned the spot at that competition by recording a top-three finish at the Alberta High School Rodeo Association provincials.

“My goal for my rookie year was to come out alive. There was a lot of tough competition. These girls were amazing riders who I respect.”

“I felt overwhelmed with emotions. All my hard work really paid off. My heart was filled with pride for my horse.”

Stranaghan’s championship also earned her a chance to compete against the best in the world in Perry, Georgia where she finished 29th.

We asked her what she remembers most about that experience.

“The energy in the alleyway when I waited for my name to be called, my horse knew it was go time, and the support. Everyone from Canada supported everyone like family.”

Stranaghan is in Grade 6 at Ecole Montrose. She also competes in barrels and breakaway roping. Her roping horse is named Kip and she also has a new barrel and pole bending horse named Emmy.

She won the Canadian title on her sorrel quarter horse mare named Jazz.

She wanted to thank her sponsors and her friends and family, especially her Mom and Dad, “for taking me all around the world. Literally.”

Stranaghan hopes to go to pro someday, competing in poles and barrels.

The high school rodeo season will get going again next spring.

Georgia Stranaghan competing in Perry, Georgia.
by Curtis Galbraith