Hometown crowd cheers on bronc rider at Meadow Lake Stampede

The 22-year-old climbed on his first bronc only four years ago after growing up riding steers.

“My dad and my grandpa both rode a little bit on broncs, so I thought I might as well try it out. I rode lots of saddle horses at home, and I had some friends riding too,” said Tallmadge.

For him, choosing broncs over bulls was an easy decision.

“Bronc won’t chase you after you get thrown off; bulls are too scary for me,” he laughed. “A bull will chase you and hook you; this way you just get flung off.”

Tallmadge’s training is extensive. He spends hours on a spur board to develop technique and rhythm, while also practicing markouts, a key part of a successful bronc ride that requires riders to have their spurs over a horse’s shoulders as it leaves the chute.

(Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ meadowlakeNOW)

“I just think about the basics before my ride, just hard mark out and lift on your rein and get as many points as I possibly can.”

Representing his hometown during the stampede was especially meaningful, with former classmates, family and friends cheering him on from the stands.

“It’s a lot different riding in my hometown than some other rodeo down the road some place. There are lots of people here watching you, cheering you on. It’s just a different feeling; pretty proud moments.”

Tallmadge scored 73 and 76 on Friday night, finishing just short of a hometown victory. Despite that, he remained a crowd favourite, with supporters continuing to cheer him on and wish him luck in future rodeos.

During the stampede: photo gallery