Holden Atkinson Takes Aim at CFR
With the Canadian rodeo season well into its second half for 2026, every ride and every run takes on added importance as the battle for CFR berths heats up.
One young rodeo athlete who knows that and is making his presence felt is nineteen-year-old bull rider, Holden Atkinson. The Black Diamond cowboy is making a serious push for a trip to Edmonton in October and took another critical step in that direction with a win in front of a packed house at the Bassano Pro Rodeo. Atkinson rode Yule Rodeo’s 12 Redneck (a Darren Eno product) to an outstanding 87.5 points and added $1123.11 to his sizable haul out of the Ponoka Stampede where he was 2nd in the long go and 5th overall for a $7500 plus payday.
“I didn’t really know that bull,” Atkinson acknowledged, “and he was stronger than I expected but he felt really good. I just want to lay it all out there and make the most of every ride.”
His recent successes have jumped the southern Alberta talent solidly into the top twelve in the standings. “I’ve fallen off some I probably should have ridden but I’m pretty happy with the year so far,” he commented. Coming off serious back and neck injuries in his rookie season, the likable sophomore pro sees his solid results of late as a big confidence booster.
“That’s the key to riding bulls–feeling positive,” he noted and added, “This is definitely a boost. It reminds me I’m there for a reason.”
The Montana State grad is following up on a collegiate career that saw him win the Big Sky Region as a freshman and qualify for two College National Finals rodeos. But 2026 is all about a possible first trip to the CFR and Holden Atkinson has shown he’s more than ready for the challenge.
Veteran steer wrestler Jonny Webb’s season has kicked into high gear. The two-time CFR steer wrestling qualifier needed to up his game in the season’s second half and that’s exactly what he has done, His co-title win at the Benalto Stampede, alongside fellow veteran Curtis Cassidy, (4.5 seconds, $2773.82 each) comes on the heels of a win at the Raymond Stampede (4.9 seconds, $2859.25) and a third-place cheque at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo (4.4, $1829.83). The upshot of those successes will be a big move up the standings from the 27th spot he was occupying prior to July 1.
Barrel racer Kristin York was one of the top money earners this past weekend as she topped the field at the Benalto Stampede (15.50 seconds, $3600.20) and caught 5th place at Bassano (15.90, $1024.60). Like both Atkinson and Webb, the Olds, Alberta cowgirl will make a substantial, and much-needed, move up the Canadian standings.
This week will see CPRA rodeo athletes roll into Bowden, Alberta for the Bowden Daze Rodeo July 10-12 and north to the Massey-Ferguson Pro Tour stop at the Teepee Creek Stampede July 9-12.
For complete unofficial results go to rodeocanada.com
