The Blackfoot Crossing Cancer Event has become a proud and important event for Wheatland County and is quickly gaining recognition throughout southern Alberta’s equine communities. It’s worth remembering that only three years ago, it began with a casual conversation in a Strathmore grocery store. Rhonda Leger, a horsewoman and herself a cancer survivor, had ridden several times in the 27 year old
cancer ride at Innisfail, her dream was to start a similar ride for southern Alberta. Eulalia Running Rabbit was raising funds for a high school grad when Rhonda mentioned the dream and the problem. Eulalia said simply, “I’ve got land.”
The Siksika Nation embraced Eulalia’s promise and Rhonda’s dream; as one Elder said, “Cancer hurts everyone.” That sentiment was echoed throughout the Strathmore and Wheatland business communities. And today, the event not only offers horsemen the unique opportunity to ride the beautiful Siksika lands along the Bow River, which include the site of the historic Treaty 7 signing, it has expanded – adding wagon travel for families and special trails for walkers. The event is still evolving, but already it has attracted support and participation from names made well known by the Calgary Stampede, such as Neil Dimmock of the famous Big Hitch who supported our ride in 2015 and this year we are expanding our teamsters. And of course, dozens of riders and walkers from across southern Alberta.
