Well, the 2008 Calgary Stampede has come to a close and it was quite a week.  It was a week full of ups and downs, but all in all, I have nothing to complain about.  For myself, it was the first time in quite a few years that I didn’t have a wagon in the final heat, which is what you hope for when they blow the horn on opening night.  The teams that I was a part of just couldn’t get there for a variety of reasons.  I was proud to say that I was riding in an era where Joe Carbury was the voice of the Stampede, and equally proud to be there for his last call.  It brought a tear to my eye when it finally hit home that Joe won’t be back.  I am still holding out hope that he changes his mind and makes a cameo or two next year.  I was lucky enough to outride for my grandfather Orville Strandquist in 1991 for his last race at Calgary after more than 50 years of racing at the Stampede, and last night felt similar to that.  It was the end of an era, a legend, icon, and hero retiring.  Good luck Joe, thanks for the memories my friend.  Congratulations to Sean Debolt for winning the Orville Strandquist Rookie Award, it felt great to ride for him and he also used my horse this week.  Also, congratulations to Jason Glass for winning the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award and dedicating it to “Gram”, Iris Glass.  Gram may not be in the best of health right now, but you can bet she is proud beyond proud.  Huey Sinclair is quietly carving out a legendary career, to win the Stampede 4 times is amazing, and he has surpassed some of the greatest drivers in history.  Thank you, and God Bless.

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