Mission Statement
We desire to lead the sport of rodeo with purpose, integrity, and an inclusive, holistic view of our partners in all we do.
The CCA will promote the sport of rodeo through innovation, people and top quality entertainment events.
Vision Statement
“The Association of Choice”
CCA Values
We value the rich, colourful heritage of the sport of rodeo;
We value the tradition of a generational family-based rodeo community;
We value the youth within our sport, our association, and our communities;
We value the friendship that exists in the rodeo community which inspires us all;
We are loyal to those around us who share our passion and dedication to the preservation and promotion of our sport;
We recognize the importance of our history and the sense of accomplishment that exists within our association; and
We support the visionaries among us who will lead us into each generation of our sport and into the unknown.
The Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) was founded in 1963, and as it was stated in its first newsletter, strives to “make a winner out of every cowboy. Its purpose is to see that he gets a fair shake –the winning will have to be done by his ability and his luck.”
Back in 1963, the CCA started out with 60 members, and sanctioned 15 rodeos its first season. The very first rodeo approval went to the Sandhill Roping Club in Lancer, Saskatchewan (which still hosts their annual rodeo to this day). Things were a little different back then. There was a $5.00 entry fee, rodeo entries were taken the night before the performance, and the total purse winnings were $200.00.
Year after year the Canadian Cowboys Association grew, with rodeos springing up throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and one U.S. state. It wasn’t until 2005, when the Canadian Cowboys Association expanded into Ontario with an exciting new tour of rodeos, that it became the largest geographical rodeo Association in Canada.
Today, the Canadian Cowboys Association has grown to be the largest semi-pro rodeo association in Canada. Sanctioning over 30 rodeos with memberships rising to over 300, the CCA now runs its rodeos throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba.
The Canadian Cowboys Association’s goal is to promote the sport of rodeo to new members, the public and the sports media. The CCA has been a major stepping stone for the careers of many professional rodeo champions and contestants attending the Canadian Finals Rodeo and National Finals Rodeo. The careers of Cody Snyder and Todd Boggust began in the Canadian Cowboys Association as were many others. In 2022, the National Finals Rodeo had a large number of Canadians competing – most of which started out competing in the CCA. The CCA hopes to continue to offer the next generation of rodeo competitors a place to compete, preparing them for the road to the professional arena.
Rodeos sanctioned by the Canadian Cowboys Association are comprised of eight major events, and five optional novice and junior events. The eight major CCA rodeo events are: Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Ladies Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and most recently Ladies Breakaway Roping. The five optional rodeo events that round out the CCA are: Junior Steer Riding, Junior Girls Barrel Racing, Novice Bull Riding, Novice Saddle Bronc, and Novice Bareback.
The Canadian Cowboys Association is one of the only associations to have Ladies Breakaway Roping as a major event. Having equal opportunity and equal payment for the ladies who have fought years to have breakaway roping in the spotlight is a huge accomplishment for our association.
The CCA is adamant about the proper handling treatment of all livestock used for the sport. No inhumane treatment will be tolerated under any circumstances. Where possible, the sport will be examined for potential efficiencies and improvements for the handling and treatment of livestock before, during, and after each production.
The Canadian Cowboys Association’s central entry system is ran through our office located in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Board of Directors consists of competing members, judges, stock contractors, and committee personnel, giving them all a vested interest in the long-term direction of the Association. The CCA believes that each facet of the sport deserves to be given the same opportunity for success within the bounds of reason. Each rule and policy is designed to ensure maximum fairness for contestant, contractor, and or committee which the Board of Directors oversees. The CCA honours those individuals and groups within the sport that rise above and beyond the ordinary to reach new heights. Recognition of performance by contestants, committees, and animals is key to promoting this value.
Be sure to keep up with the official Canadian Cowboys Association Facebook page as well as our Instagram page (@cca.rodeo) to stay up to date with all of our rodeo action! CCA members, sponsors and the general public can also check out the website to stay informed of all the events CCA related and to check the schedule as you are almost guaranteed that at some point this summer you will be in the vicinity to take part in some of the best family entertainment you will find. The CCA is committed to providing the best quality cowboys, cowgirls, and stock to ensure maximum entertainment to our committees and fans.