The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) is excited to announce the personnel awards, stock winners and Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) personnel selections for 2025. The awards are decided by votes cast by the top 20 contestants in all major events and CPRA contract members. Event specific awards are voted on by top 20 in that event only. Junior Steer riders vote only on steer riding contractor of the year.
Announcer of the year
Brett Gardiner
Rodeo announcer, Brett Gardiner, the man behind the microphone at numerous Canadian events, has been awarded a record 14th consecutive Announcer of the Year award. Gardiner displays professionalism, diligence and outstanding talent in his field, making him a deserving choice for this recognition.
Janet Vold Memorial Award
Karry Krystal
Karry Krystal is the Janet Vold Memorial award winner. The Millarville, Alberta timer and rodeo secretary has won this honor for an impressive fifth consecutive time. This award commemorates the life and contributions of the late Janet Vold, and recognizes women in the sport of rodeo who go above and beyond. The namesake of the award, Janet Vold, enjoyed a rodeo secretary career that spanned three decades. Janet was a person who took the time to visit with each contestant; she was respected greatly in the rodeo world with her larger than life love and knowledge of the sport.
Krystal’s passion for the sport, along with her diligence and positive attitude are much appreciated by contractors, colleagues and contestants alike as is evidenced by her comment about the win.
Canadian Photographer of the year
Covy Moore
Covy Moore has been named the first ever Canadian Photographer of the Year recipient. “I’m just so excited to make a living in this sport,” the Airdrie, AB photographer said. “And we don’t get these opportunities every day. Winning this award builds confidence and helps with the drive to keep doing good. I’m never going to be perfect all the time, but something like this spurs a person on to keep giving it their all and making sure you’re putting out what the sport deserves.”
Though not from a rodeo background himself, Moore is a long time CPRA-PRCA photographer who has shot the CFR, Calgary Stampede and numerous other rodeo, PBR bull riding and western lifestyle events.
Stock Contractor of the year
The Calgary Stapede
The world-renowned organization, which has won this award previously, is known on both sides of the 49th parallel for raising and providing outstanding rough stock.
“It means a lot to be voted number one,” said Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager Tyler Kraft from the Stampede Ranch near Hanna, Alberta. “Anytime you can win an award voted on by your peers, it’s a big honour. We work with great people and great stock.”
CFR PERSONNEL SELECTIONS
Pickup Men: Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager Tyler Kraft will work his sixth CFR alongside former Bull Riding Champion of Canada, Tyler Thomson who will be making his fifth appearance.
Bullfighters: Brett Monea will be making his 14th Canadian Finals appearance; he will be joined by Ty Prescott, making his eighth trip to the Finals and, Tanner Byrne–part of a family bullfighting dynasty–will be in Edmonton for a fourth consecutive CFR trip.
Arena Announcers: Brett Gardiner is making his 12th appearance behind the microphone and Doug Young will enjoy his fifth CFR.
Arena Director: Tanner Girletz
Timers: Brenda Vold – 20th year and Karry Krystal – 3rd appearance.
