Our History
Creating Our Future
Heartland Rodeo Association has been part of Manitoba's rural communities since 1995 — and if you'd told the founders it would still be going strong 31 years later, not everyone would have believed you. In fact, when the association was just getting started, someone told founding President Claude Potvin that Heartland wouldn't last five years. Thirty-one seasons later, that prediction looks a little foolish.
What started as a vision to bring affordable, family-friendly rodeo to Manitoba has grown into one of the most respected grassroots associations on the prairies. Competitors of every age and skill level — from Pee Wee barrel racers to Jack Benny roughstock riders — have found a place to compete, grow, and belong. None of it happens without the people. The committees, contractors, sponsors, board members, and competitors who keep coming back season after season — they are the heart of Heartland Rodeo.
All Time Cowboy
Honorary Gold Card Membership
Ken Kelly
Awarded in 2011
Ken was presented this Award at his hometown rodeo, Shilo Rodeo in July of 2011.
Ken is being recognized for all of his hard work and dedication to rodeo over the years. He has been a significant supporter of Heartland and the sport of rodeo in Manitoba for well over 15 years.
Ken helped to make Heartland Rodeo into what it is today. He has served the association as a well respected competitor, judge, and sponsor. He lead the association as President and continued as a board of directors member for many years.
Ken has been a long time member and competitor. He is very proud of his horses who both were recognized as Heel Horse of the Year many times. Ken had the opportunity to rope with his son and grandsons at Shilo Rodeo this past year and he considers this one of his greatest moments in rodeo. Family and friends have always been important to Ken, and he always has a smile or joke to share in and out of the rodeo arena.
Ken Kelly has been an integral part of rodeo in Manitoba and to the Heartland Rodeo Association.
He is the second member to be given the HRA Gold Card Award.
Hall Of Fame
Paul Reimer and Brian Gillespie
Inducted in 2017
Paul and Brian were both inducted into the Heartland Rodeo Association Hall of Fame in 2017. These two old timers were both long time rodeo competitors and were members of the original group that organized the Interlake Rodeo Association in 1970 which subsequently became the Manitoba Cowboys Association followed by being named the Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association. These two Cowboys spent many miles together on the rodeo trail attending rodeos all over Manitoba until Paul’s untimely passing in the fall of 2019. Following the establishment of the HRA they became strong supporters of the new association and competed together in Team Roping for many years. Brian served two terms as President of the HRA.
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(Al) Andrew Lindsey Brown
Inducted in ..
Al Brown was the man with a dream. He was the brains and the brawn of the Heartland Rodeo Association, an ambassador to the sport of rodeo in Manitoba. Al was the owner and operator of the Midnight Rodeo Company. He put his reputation and livelihood on the line, bringing 6 rodeos to the HRA for its 1996 inaugural rodeo season. Al was a strong believer in ensuring the HRA was an affordable family oriented association.
Norm Sterzer
Inducted in ???
Norm was one of the members on the inaugural board of directors. Norm has been involved in the sport of rodeo for over 25 years. Norm started out as a sub-contractor of timed event cattle, and as the need for a complete stock contractor grew, the Sterzer family made a decision that 7 Cross Ranch would become a stock contractors company. Norm and his family have made their business what it is today and he is extremely proud that his company is family operated.
Dianna & Ivan Ahntholz
Inducted in ???
Dianna & Ivan Ahntholz have been true supporters of the Heartland Rodeo Association from the first season of rodeo. They have been members, sponsors, and rodeo personnel for all 20 years.
Ivan is the original voice of the HRA. He held a position on the board of directors for 4 years. Ivan continues to announce the majority of HRA rodeos.
Dianna has been a timer for the HRA since the beginning. She has held timer clinics and also had numerous new timers shadow under her.
Claude Potvin
Inducted in ???
Claude Potvin was elected as the original president of the Heartland Rodeo Association at the first board meeting in Portage in 1995. Claude has been on the board for 10 of those 20 years and currently holds the position of Committee Director. Claude has competed in both steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding. He has won year end and finals awards in both of those categories. He was awarded the Cowboy of the Year award in the inaugural 1996 season. Claude has worked as a judge and arena director for many years.
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Terry Marshall
Inducted in ???
Terry Marshall was a very loyal supporter of the Heartland Rodeo Association. He believed there was a need for the HRA so that a family could rodeo without endless hours of travel and he was never afraid to voice his opinion about it. As a contestant, Terry completed in team roping, but in the rodeo arena, he was known as “the lifesaver”. His skills as a pickup man were second to no one in this country! Terry would never see anybody stuck in any situation, and was always willing to help out in any way he could. He was a great hazer for any steer wrestler that asked for his services. Terry was awarded the 2014 cowboy of the year, he was extremely proud and honoured to receive this award.
Terry passed away suddenly in January of 2015. He will always be remembered for his love of the HRA and his dedication to the association.
In Memory
Cowboys Prayer
Heavenly Father, We pause mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We ask that you be with us today and we pray that you will guide us in the arena of life.
We don’t ask to avoid an ill-broke horse or to never know tough winters.
Nor do we ask for all daylight runs, or to never draw a calf that just won’t lay.
Help us Lord to live our lives in such a manner that when we make that last inevitable ride to the
country up there where the grass grows lush green and stirrup high and the water runs cool, clear and deep.
That you as our last judge, will tell us, that all our dues are paid.
Amen
In Memory of
Roger Lage
1953 - 2025
In loving memory of our friend and fellow team roper...
It is with heavy hearts that the Lage family announces the passing of Roger on June 17, 2025.
He will forever be remembered for his immense contribution to the HRA, helping to build and shape it into the organization we know today. From Director to President, Roger’s dedication and leadership played a key role in its growth and success.
Many had the privilege of roping alongside Roger — a true cowboy whose presence brought strength, humor, and heart to every arena he entered. His memory will live on, both in and out of the arena.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Lage family.
In Memory of
Rod Gladue
1968 - 2024
On behalf of the Heartland Rodeo Board of Directors, we would like to take this opportunity to inform our membership of the tragic passing of a longtime supporter and encourager of the HRA and rodeo in general. Rod Gladue, a former competitor, past President and longtime Judge in the HRA passed suddenly over the holidays due to the contraction of a serious infection.
It is with great sadness we make this announcement to you, the members, recognizing his longtime contributions to the sport of rodeo in Manitoba, and the hole that he leaves in the live of so many. We would encourage you at this time to please remember his family in both your thoughts and prayers. Should more information be passed on to us in terms of arrangements, we will do our best to relay them to you.