Bob Robertson's initial thought was that it must be an April Fool's joke.
He received a call on April 1 regarding his induction to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.
"It was on April 1 when I found out. I immediately called them back because I thought maybe it was an April Fool's joke," said Robertson.
The induction will take place in October of this year in Calgary. This is the year he also receives his Gold Card Membership to the Canadian Cowboys Association on July 20 at the Souris River Rodeo in Weyburn.
"To be given two honours in the same year is great. It's been a really great experience."
Robertson grew up on a farm outside Yellow Grass and the rodeo life was always a dream from the time he was a child.
"I always wanted to be a cowboy. It was my first love and will be until the day I die. As long as I can get on a horse I'll be happy," he said.
He began to live out his dream in team roping and steer riding events at rodeos in the Weyburn area and then slowly eased into other events, turning pro in 1973. His main event was bull riding.
"My first few times on a bull, I blacked out. It's like putting on the boxing gloves and stepping into the ring for the first time," he said. "You need some training and a few matches under your belt before the lights come on. I knew what I had to do, but it happens so fast that I blacked out."
He rode bulls for 19 years, and ran an annual school during that span, qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo six times from 1974 to 1979, made the National Finals Rodeo roster in 1976, served two terms as president of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association from 1986 through 1989 and was recruited as a judge for five years, but stayed with it for 15.
He retired from riding bulls right after the Calgary Stampede in 1987.
"It's been a great ride. I've had a great career and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Souris River Rodeo
The Souris River Rodeo is set to go this weekend at the Weyburn Fair Grounds with the team roping jackpot kicking things off at 6 p.m. tonight.
Saturday, July 19, the Dairy Queen Kids Rodeo will begin at 10 a.m. featuring local contestants competing in fun events such as barrel racing and a horse show.
The beer gardens will be open at 3 p.m.
The Canadian Cowboys Association rodeo performance begins at 5 p.m. with bareback, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, steer riding, team roping and bull riding.
Third Degree Birnz will be playing at the cabaret at the curling rink at 9 p.m. Admission to the cabaret is $15.
On Sunday, July 20, there will be a slack performance at 9 a.m. with the Canadian Cowboys Association rodeo performance beginning at 2 p.m.
Admission to the Canadian Cowboy Association performances each day, are $10 for adults, $5 for students and 5 years and under are free.
