Canadian Tie Down Roper, Steve Lloyd, Has Eyes on the Prize

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With over $2 million up for grabs, the Calgary Stampede offers the largest purse in outdoor rodeo. Cowboys come to Calgary from all over to show off their skills and compete for a chance to win the coveted Calgary Stampede Championship and $100,000.
This year, Steve Lloyd, of Alix, Alberta, will be one of 3 Canadian cowboys competing in the tie down roping competition.  The other 17 competitors are from the United States, mainly Texas.

In the rodeo world, tie down roping is considered the most technical event, where competitors must have a delicate balance of timing, hand-eye coordination and a special partnership with their horse.

We have no doubt Steve will make Alberta proud!  He has an impressive track record including 8 Times Qualifier to the Canadian Finals Rodeo, 2003 Canadian Champion Tie Down Roper, 2003 – 2005 Aggregate Champion at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, 2008 – 2009 Alberta Tie Down Roping Champion, 2009 Tie Down Roping Season Leader, and 2010 Calgary Stampede Final 4 Contestant in the $100,000 round.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to ask Steve a few questions with the help of his lovely wife, Deana Lloyd. Deana is involved in rodeo as well, as a barrel racer, but is not currently competing due to injuries she sustained in a severe car accident 3 years ago.

1)  How old were you when you started roping?

Six years old.

2)  How did you get involved?

At our family ranch.

3)  What is your favorite Stampede memory?

Qualifying for the final 4 in the $100,000 round in 2010.

4)  What Stampede experience or event are you looking forward to the most this year?

Tie down roping!

5)  What’s your best advice for a fun Stampede?

Bring the family and enjoy all the Stampede has to offer.

If you love rodeo, you better get your tickets quick cause they’re going fast! Tickets purchased in advance include admission to Stampede Park.