Whiteside Set To Make Stampede Debut
Kylie Whiteside has heard the stories of her dad, Travis, competing in the bareback event at the Calgary Stampede.
But the 19-year-old native of Longview, about 80 kilometres south of Calgary, couldn’t tell you much more than that.
“Honestly, I can’t remember,” she said with a chuckle.
What she does recall about The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is the exact order of rodeo events, and that barrel racing comes right before bull riding. She recalls the women and their horses, whipping around the cloverleaf-shaped track in the infield. The roar of the crowd after a particularly good run.
And that she wanted to be just like them.
“Lisa Lockhart, Sherry Cervi, I know their names — I’ve watched them for quite a long time,” said Whiteside. “It was my dream to be like them and to be able to compete at that level.”
The ascension has happened quickly.
At last winter’s Canadian Finals Rodeo and a few months shy of her 19th birthday, Whiteside finished among the top four, along with Callahan Crossley, Taylor Manning and Carman Pozzobon, which gave her entry into the Calgary Stampede — her first appearance.
It’s the place where her dad once finished second and where she and her sister Bradi would attend every summer for as long as she can remember.
Not bad for a cowgirl who is only into her fourth year of racing professionally.
“You see some young girls . . . Taylor Manning, she’s only 15,” said Whiteside. “It’s possible and it’s more horsepower than anything else.”
The Stampede will be a family affair this year as Kylie will be joined by her elder sister, who is currently ninth in the Rodeo Canada standings, and mom Dusti and dad Travis, who travel with them every step of the way. Her collection of sponsors — Canyon Rigging, Haulin’ Acid, Evolution Inspections, Western Lifestyle Insurance Agency, Back on Track, Dan Post Boots, and Eberglo and Vitality Equine — also help make her career possible.
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