5-year-old riding tall in the saddle

Dawson Cardinal, 5, is shown competing at the 2008 Fairview Amateur Rodeo. Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

He may be small in stature but he’s already making a big name for himself on the rodeo circuit. High Prairie’s Dawson Cardinal, 5, won the High Average Championship in peewee barrel racing and second overall in the High Points Award at the Northern Redneck Riders finals in Dawson Creek, B.C. Sept. 6-7. Dawson, who began riding almost as soon as walking, comes from a fine line of rodeo performers. He is the grandson of Lorne “Duff” Pratt and son of Darryn and Tracy Cardinal of High Prairie. “There were 37 riders (in barrel racing) in Dawson Creek,” says Tracy. “They ranged in age up to 10 years.” The fact such a young rider won the event surprised organizers. “When they went to give him the award they didn’t believe he was the one,” says Tracy. The other riders – both boys and girls - who placed were eight and nine years old, much older than Dawson, who rides his grandfather’s horse, Casey. Dawson had one ride each day. The first day he placed second in 30.20 seconds. The next day he placed first in only 28.17 seconds. He also competed in pole bending. He placed second the first day and recorded a no time the second day. However, with his points won in barrel racing he placed second overall in the High Point Award category. Dawson attended 15 Alberta Barrel Racing Association and Northern Redneck Riders events this past season. He also competed in the Alberta Barrel Racing Finals in Camrose, Alta. Aug. 20-24. While he didn’t so well at that event he still has a lot of years left to make his mark. Future cowboys better watch out, however, because Dawson is taking a liking to roping. “He loves to rope,” says Tracy. “He will excel more in roping.” Dawson, too shy to say anything about his success, says he just loves to ride and do well in competition.

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