Ben Anderson wins 2023 Hardgrass Bronc Match
Photos & story by Kate Winquist
The 6th Annual edition of the Hardgrass Bronc Match took place in Pollockville on Saturday, July 29. The event gets bigger and better each year as it brings in 30 world class bronc riders from across North America to ride the best bucking stock that there is to offer.
The event is put on by the Berry Creek Agricultural Society (BCAS), which was founded in 2006. They have hosted countless community events, but the Hardgrass Bronc Match is the most notable.
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“What an incredible testament to community to go from a town of 12 people normally to 4000 today. That is truly what rodeo is about. It brings people together. This is a world-class event. I can’t believe what you’ve been able to build in six short years,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who spoke before the event.
After the long go, the field was narrowed down to the top 8 competitors to participate in the short go for the big prize money.
Ben Anderson was 89.5 points in round number one and was the first man to get the opportunity to pick out of a set of horses, and he would pick the world champion - the same horse on which they hold the world record - Xplosive Skies. The pick would pay off for Anderson as he scored 94 pts for a two-score total of 183.5 to take home the $50,000 paycheque.
“This guy is as calm and as cool as they come. He knows what it takes to be a champion,” said former Roy Hay, 8-time Canadian Champion.
The top 8 performers were as follows:
1 - Ben Anderson - 183.5 pts (Xplosive Skies)
2 - Dawson Dahm - 178.00 (Dandy Delight)
3 - Ross Griffin - 176.50 (Business Girl)
T4 - Layton Green - 175.00 (Tokyo Bubbles), Kole Ashbacher - 175.00 (Agent Lynx)
6 - Lucas Macza - 174.50 (Yipee Kibitz)
7 - Kolby Wanchuk - 87 (Wild Cherry)
8 - Cort Scheer - 86.50 (Yesterday’s Delivery)
The weekend included access to both the Ranch Rodeo and Bronc Match, but it also included free camping and admission to the tradeshow and Prairie Oyster Cookoff. Hanna’s Garrett Gregory provided the entertainment both nights. The 2023 edition of the Hardgrass Bronc Match was the largest and best performance yet!