There’s a new rider in the saddle celebrating home-team touchdowns at CFL Calgary Stampeders’ games.
Last weekend’s game saw Chelsea Drake take over the reins from longtime horseback rider Karyn Drake, who is Chelsea’s mother.
Chelsea, who is 20, says she sees her new role as a huge honour, but adds she has some pretty big boots to fill.
She says she’s proud to be a member of the organization and is glad she can make it a family tradition.
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Drake will also be riding a new horse, and says it will be a challenge, but she’s ready for it.
Karyn Drake took her first regular-season ride back in 1993 — a 54-34 wild-west shootout win over the Blue Bombers.
“My mom, 23 years she’s been doing it,” Chelsea said. “Ever since I was two she would bring me to the games and I was always her flag carrier.
“I’m a huge football fan and I love and care so much for the Stamps, I think it’s just a great tradition to carry on and I’m so, so grateful to be a part of it.”
With files from CFFR