CALGARY – A well-known Stampede bucking horse with decades of experience has passed away.
Officials say Coconut Roll died earlier this week after chronic illness, at the age of 20.
The mare bucked her way to the Canadian Finals Rodeo on 11 occasions and to National Finals Rodeo a total of 10 times.
Officials say the horse was an important part of the natural herd at Stampede Ranch, and was born in their ‘Born to Buck’ program.
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She is the mother of the Stampede’s top champion bucking horses Grated Coconut and Kauai Coconut.
The iconic mare will be buried in a spot of honour at the entry gate of the Calgary Stampede Ranch, alongside the Stampede’s other bucking legends.
The director of Rodeo for the Calgary Stampede expressed sadness at the horse’s passing, saying Coconut Roll was a special mare.
“She had an incredible athletic ability in the arena, and you could just see her competitive spirit and natural pride each time she competed,” says Keith Marrington. “Each time the cowboys drew her name, they’d get excited because they knew she was going to give them a tough ride but if they could hold on until the horn, they’d have a great shot at being on top of the board.”
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