Canadian Girls Rodeo Association

03/10/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your CGRA Managing/Membership Director

Meet Cyd Collings our CGRA Managing/Membership Director 💙
A long-time board member, Cyd has served CGRA in several roles over the years and continues to play a critical part in keeping the association running smoothly.

In her role as Managing/Membership Director, Cyd organizes all memberships and rodeo entries, prepares callbacks in a timely manner, ensures fees are collected and oversees member payouts following rodeos and finals. Simply put — she keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes so competitors can focus on the arena.

Cyd has been recognized as a CGRA Cowgirl of the Year in the past; a reflection of her dedication, work ethic and commitment to the association. Outside of her board duties, she rodeos alongside her daughter, CGRA President Jolayne and helps host the Pincher Creek CGRA rodeo each season.

We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours, consistency and behind-the-scenes work that go into this role — CGRA would not function without all Cyd’s hard work!

03/02/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your 2026/27 CGRA All Girl Rodeo Director

Meet Courtney Helmig, serving as CGRA All Girl Rodeo Director 💙
Based in Donalda, Courtney has been a CGRA member for 6 years and has spent 4 years serving on the board of directors.

In her role as All Girl Rodeo Director, Courtney works closely with committees by receiving and reviewing rodeo approval requests and helping guide them through the CGRA approval process — an important piece in keeping our rodeos organized and running smoothly and ensuring a strong line up of rodeos are in place for a successful season.

One of Courtney’s favorite parts of CGRA is the friendships built along the way, meeting people who quickly turn into lifelong friends. A standout memory for her was finally pulling back on two feet at Brooks — a moment that still makes her smile.

Outside of CGRA, Courtney stays busy working as a fertilizer operator for UFA, on her family’s ranch, raising Angus and Angus-cross cattle and running a small side operation with Corriente roping cattle. She and her husband have also played a huge role behind the scenes, pulling together a pen of cows for the cow riding on a year they were particularly difficult to come by and stepping in as stock contractors that year for many of CGRA’s northern rodeos and Finals. As of February 2025, her busiest role is being mom to Collins, a future CGRA cowgirl, who keeps her on her toes every day.

Fun fact: Courtney says she’s “boring” — but between ranch life, rodeo and motherhood, we’d say that’s far from true 😉

We’re grateful for Courtney’s continued involvement and the steady support she brings to CGRA.

02/27/2026

Reminder: Final Days to Submit Bids

This is a reminder that bids for the 2026 CGRA Sudden Death Finals are due soon.

If you or someone you know is interested in submitting a bid for any of the available positions, please ensure all bids are submitted by March 1.

For full details or questions, please contact Rose Lang.

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted!

02/24/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your 2026 CGRA Finals & Barrel Racing Director

Meet Rose Lang, serving as the 2026 CGRA Finals Director and Barrel Racing Director 💙
Rose lives in the beautiful Pincher Creek area and brings an incredible amount of experience and history with CGRA into this role.

Rose has been a CGRA member for over 20 years, spending much of that time serving on the board in various positions. She began her board involvement in Public Relations and has since taken on many roles, always stepping in where help was needed. Over the years, she has also played a key role in CGRA development, including heading the CEO system in the past.

A longtime competitor and supporter of the association, Rose was honored as Cowgirl of the Year in 1992 and again in 2000. As she steps into the Finals Director role, she does so with appreciation for the strong foundation built before her and excitement for bringing fresh ideas to an event known for being polished, memorable and full of glam.

Outside of CGRA, you’ll find Rose at ropings, working at the auction market or spending time with her nieces, nephew and great-nephews. Rose is also a big gamer — especially when it comes to word games like Upwords and Scrabble 🎲

We’re excited to have Rose leading our Finals and Barrel Racing and can’t wait to see her vision come to life!

02/17/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your 2026/27 CGRA Treasurer

Meet Tracey Matthews, serving as CGRA Treasurer 💙
Originally from Scotland, Tracey immigrated to Canada in the early 1970s and spent much of her early years in the Crowsnest Pass. Today, she splits her time between Claresholm in the summers and Arizona in the winter.

Tracey has been a CGRA member for over 30 years and has served the association in many board roles, including Bingo/Casino Director, Vice President, Public Relations and for the past six years, Treasurer. A position that is very important to the association and allows Tracey to work closely with all board members which is something she thoroughly enjoys! In addition to managing CGRA finances, she also continues to support the association through website updates, keeping entries and rodeo information current.

In 2013, Tracey was named CGRA Cowgirl of the Year. While she’s still chasing that elusive CGRA team roping buckle, her dedication to the association has already left a lasting legacy. One of her greatest joys has been the many years spent sharing CGRA with her daughter, Taryn and watching youth and Little Cowgirls grow into the next generation of competitors and leaders.

Outside of rodeo, Tracey enjoys golfing, hiking, staying active at the gym and continuing to compete whenever she can. CGRA has been a huge part of her life, and the friendships built along the way mean just as much as the wins.

We’re incredibly grateful for Tracey’s years of leadership, commitment and passion for keeping CGRA strong.

02/15/2026

Confirmed CGRA Rodeo Dates | 2026 Season

We’re excited to share the confirmed CGRA rodeo dates so far for the 2026 season 🤠
Please note these dates as you start planning — more events and details will be announced as they are finalized.

📌 Effie Simpson Memorial Rodeo
🗓 May 1–2
📍 High River Ag Society (Indoors)

📌 Fort Macleod Rodeo
🗓 June 13–14
📍 Midnight Stadium (Indoors)

📌 Carstairs Rodeo
🗓 June 20-21
📍 Carstairs Rodeo Grounds (Outdoors)

📌 Pincher Creek Rodeo
🗓 July 4–5
📍 Pincher Creek Ag Society Pavilion (Outdoors)

📌 Gimlet Rodeo
🗓 July 25-26
📍 Gimlet Rodeo Grounds (Outdoors)

Entry information & times available on the website!

02/10/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your 2026 CGRA Secretary & Bingo/Casino Director

Meet Danie Rairdan, serving as your 2026/27 CGRA Secretary and returning for her second year as Bingo/Casino Director 💙
Based in Stettler, Alberta, Danie is entering her 4th season competing with CGRA and is currently serving her second year on the board of directors.

As Secretary, Danie manages meeting minutes— helping keep the board organized and everything running smoothly behind the scenes. In her role as Bingo/Casino Director, she tracks, schedules and coordinates bingos, raffles and casino events to ensure members meet eligibility requirements for finals. While bingos and casinos are on hold this year, she continues to support CGRA fundraising through raffle oversight.

Danie was inspired to join the board thanks to her deep respect and love for the CGRA and a strong belief in stepping up and helping where needed. She knows just how much goes into hosting rodeos and making an association run smoothly and believes getting involved behind the scenes is just as important as competing in the arena.

One of Danie’s favorite parts of CGRA is the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that allows riders to season young horses, build confidence, and compete across a variety of events on good ground. Joining CGRA on her own was intimidating at first, but she quickly found a supportive community of powerful women who cheer each other on, look out for one another’s kids and dogs and still go into the arena as fierce competitors.

Outside of rodeo, Danie’s life revolves around horses and agriculture. She and her partner, Cal, run a large grain farm, Danie has also trained horses for over 20 years and she operates a successful equine rehab clinic. She is deeply passionate about coaching and mentoring young riders — especially those who didn’t grow up in rodeo families — striving to be the support she wished she had when she was starting out.

We’re incredibly grateful for Danie’s dedication, work ethic and heart for both CGRA and its members.

02/09/2026

Rodeo season will be here in no time, so be sure to check out the recent additions to our rodeo schedule. More will be added as the approval forms come in. 69 years is looking like its going to be another great year for us!!!

 2026 Rodeo Schedule Online Entries open Sunday at 9am  Phone Entries Tuesday 5pm-9pm  (403) 563-0335 All entries close at 9pm Tuesday.  Now exceptions!!

02/06/2026

Accepting Scholarship Applications!

The Canadian Girls Rodeo Association is accepting applications for the 2026 CGRA Scholarship 💙

This scholarship is open to any female pursuing post-secondary education, including college, trade schools, online or correspondence courses. Scholarships are funded through CGRA bingo and casino revenue and are awarded by a committee of CGRA alumni members to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process.

Applicants must be Alberta residents and provide proof of enrollment or payment toward their education. You may receive up to three scholarships over time.

📬 Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2026.

Full application details and requirements are available at: https://www.cgra.ca/members
If you’re continuing your education — or planning to — we encourage you to apply!

02/03/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your 2026/27 CGRA Vice President

Meet Priscilla Keates, serving as CGRA Vice President once again for the 2026/27 season 💙

Based in Winfield, AB, Priscilla has been a CGRA member for 9 years and has dedicated 6 years to serving on the board of directors.

As vice president her role is to support the president and steps in when needed to ensure operations run smoothly. Priscilla has also had the opportunity to serve in other various positions on the board and through these has been able to support events, build strong partnerships and step in where needed to support both the board and our members.

One of Priscilla’s favourite things about the CGRA is sharing the western lifestyle with other like-minded women — building friendships and traveling with & cheering on her daughter, Adelita. Priscilla was our 2023 Cowgirl of the year and has achieved her share of champion titles in the arena during her time as a member. Hearing all the words of encouragement and support from fellow members for Adelita during her Little Cowgirl events is something that has always stood out to her about this association— a reminder of how supportive and welcoming the CGRA community truly is.

Outside of rodeo, Priscilla works as an educational assistant and stays busy on the ranch, chauffeuring Adelita to skating and cheerleading, roping, competing in ranch rodeos and making memories with family and friends. She loves being the friend behind the camera and making sure memories last! Priscilla also hosts our CGRA rodeo in Winfield.

We’re grateful for Priscilla’s dedication, heart and continued leadership within CGRA!

02/01/2026

Now Accepting Bids

CGRA is now accepting bids for the 2026 Sudden Death Finals in Rimbey, AB on September 11-13

Bids accepted for the following positions:

• Stock
• Judges (2)
• Announcer
• Timers (2)
• Office Manager & Assistant
• Arena Director
• EMT
• Photographer
• Cow Fighter
• Stock Workers

Stock required for:
Team Roping, Steer Undecorating, Breakaway, Tie-Down Roping, Goat Tying, and Cow Riding.

📅 Bid deadline: March 1
📩 Questions or submissions: Contact Rose Lang

Phone: (403) 339-0773
Email: 22rklang10@gmail.com

Please reach out for full details or to submit your bid.

01/27/2026

Behind the Chutes: Meet Your 2026/27 CGRA President

Meet Jolayne, returning as CGRA President for another two year term. 💙
With 22ish years as a CGRA member and over a decade serving on the board of directors, Jolayne brings experience, consistency and a deep love for this association into every decision she makes.

As President, Jolayne helps guide the board, chairs meetings, supports committees and ensures the CGRA’s mission of promoting women in rodeo stays front and center. From navigating rulebook questions to supporting members and committees, she’s the go-to when guidance is needed or questions arise.

One of Jolayne’s favorite things about the CGRA is the family atmosphere — especially being able to travel and compete alongside her mom and having the opportunity to compete in multiple events, many in which aren’t offered through other associations.

Outside of rodeo, Jolayne works in payroll, enjoys riding and training horses, hunting, and spending time with her dogs. She also plays a role in helping host the Pincher Creek rodeo each season.

We’re grateful to have her leadership, experience and steady presence as we continue building toward another strong CGRA season!