By: Sandra Martins | Cowboy Magazine | May 2026

When people talk about rodeo in Canada, the world immediately thinks of Calgary. But there is an event on the West Coast that holds the purest soul of the sport — where tradition meets excellence in an arena that breathes history. The Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, held in Surrey, British Columbia, has just wrapped up its 78th edition in May 2026, shattering all records and proving that Western Canada has one of the most passionate rodeo audiences on the planet.

With more than 82,000 people walking through the fairgrounds gates over the long weekend, the 2026 edition was not just the biggest in the organization's history — it was a showcase of elite rodeo at its finest. And Cowboy Magazine was watching every second of the action.

🏆 The 2026 Champions

Jamie Rogers Arena was the stage for Championship Monday, where the top eight competitors from each discipline returned for the ultimate showdown. What followed was a display of technical brilliance that left the crowd breathless.

🐎 Bareback Riding

Young phenom and reigning college champion Cooper Filipek proved exactly why he is considered one of the most exciting cowboys in the game. Aboard the horse "Lawless," Filipek posted an unbeatable 89-point ride. Collecting the buckle, the $25,000 prize, and the coveted Cloverdale Rodeo spurs, he summed up the feeling in the arena perfectly:

"I'm super blessed. This crowd is amazing. Everyone is cheering and giving us their all… they're amazing!"

— Cooper Filipek, Bareback Champion

🐴 Saddle Bronc Riding

The most classic discipline in rodeo was dominated by Layton Green. Having already won both qualifying rounds, he entered the Finals as the man everyone was chasing. Drawing "Double Red" — the same horse that delivered the title to the 2024 and 2025 Cloverdale champions — Green delivered under pressure with a spectacular 90.5-point ride that brought the crowd roaring to its feet.

"Unbelievable! This is one of the best rodeos in the world. The crowd, the atmosphere, everything… I love it!"

— Layton Green, Saddle Bronc Champion

🏇 Barrel Racing

Speed and precision were on full display as Sloan McFarlane made her very first trip to Canada one to remember. Drawing the second run of the Finals, she laid down a blazing 15.74-second pattern that proved untouchable for the rest of the competition, earning her the championship and a $25,000 payday.

"If I can come back as many times as I can, I will!"

— Sloan McFarlane, Barrel Racing Champion

🐂 Bull Riding

The most anticipated matchup of the weekend was saved for last. Jake Gardner, three-time Canadian Champion and top 10 in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) world bull riding standings, finally faced off against bull 731 "Devils Advocate" — a showdown that had been circled on every fan's calendar since the draw was announced. When the chute gate swung open, the arena erupted. Eight seconds later, Gardner earned the nod with an 89-point ride to capture the championship and a $26,333 payday.

"I just want to say how great you fans are. Thank you for coming out. Without you supporting us… we wouldn't get to do what we do."

— Jake Gardner, Bull Riding Champion

💰 The Invisible Economy of Rodeo

What many don't see when they look at the arena is the economic and social impact an event like Cloverdale brings to its community. Beyond the $300,000 distributed in prize money to athletes, the event generated over $64,000 through the 50/50 draw alone — money that goes directly to student scholarships through the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation.

There were 142,000 mini donuts sold, 62 food trucks running non-stop, and over 100 artists performing across seven stages. That is what rodeo truly is: not just a sport, but the economic engine of an entire community.

Editor's Note: This article will be updated with an exclusive photo gallery by journalist Sandra Martins, taken directly from the Cloverdale Rodeo arena. 📸