CARLYLE - This past weekend, Carlyle’s Ashley Weber competed in the Canadian Cowboys Association’s rodeo finals which were held in Saskatoon.
Aboard Little Scoot, Weber placed second in ladies’ breakaway roping. Also, riding her sister Cassidy’s horse Harvey and a friend’s horse Gala, she also finished second in junior girls’ barrel racing.
It was a satisfying way to end the Canadian portion of her season. Including this past weekend, Weber competed in 23 CCA rodeo events including four in Alberta and six in Manitoba. Arrowwood, Alta., hosted her most westerly rodeo and Beausejour, Man., was the venue for her the most easterly event.
For the 2022 CCA season, she finished fourth overall in junior girls’ barrel racing and third overall in breakaway roping.
Weber also competed in many high school rodeo events with her highlight of the year being a victory in senior pole bending in Maple Creek. She was also named the 2022 Reserve All Around Cowgirl of the Year. At a recent high school rodeo in Big Beaver, Weber finished first in goat tying and second in breakaway team roping and poles.
Weber is enrolled in Grade 11 at Gordon F. Kells High School in Carlyle, with her favourite subject being math. She turns 16 on Nov. 1, which will give her mother Jennie a welcome break from having to chaperone.
“I have really enjoyed this season,” said Weber. “The CCA rodeos are professionally organized and well attended. I have made a lot of good friends along the way, even with my competitors, and on the rodeo circuit we are just one big happy family.”
Lucille Weber is a grandmother to Ashley and one of her strongest supporters.
”As her grandparent, it is so rewarding to be able to watch Ashley compete at a sport she loves so much. Ashley's love for horses began the day she was born, I think, and I know her horses love her back.
“I sometimes watch the face of the horse she is competing on, and I know in that moment how much Ashley and her horse depend on each other to get the job done. It still scares me a bit to see the size and speed of her animal, but I know that little gal is in complete control, so I am learning how to trust.
“Ashley's determination, dedication and grit are impressive. She has a heart as big as the animals she rides, and I am so very proud of her. She has had a great year and I cannot wait to see what next year brings.”
Both Ashley and her older sister Cassidy have qualified to compete in the Mike and Sherrylynn Johnson Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championships. They are being held in Las Vegas from Dec. 1-5 at the same time as the National Finals Rodeo. Ashley is competing in 15-and-under breakaway roping and goat tying, while Cassidy Weber is in under-19 breakaway roping.
“I wish to thank everyone who has supported me this past season. It has truly been a great year and I am really looking forward to 2023 and beyond,” said Ashley Weber.
