Melfort's Cache Schellenberg leaves the chute in the Novice Saddle Bronc at the 2023 Calgary Stampede. (Submitted Photo/Calgary Stampede)

By Susan McNeil

Saddle bronc win at Stampede

Melfort rider takes second in Stampede novice event

Jul 14, 2023 | 4:00 PM

Along with a well-known chuckwagon driver, another Melfort son made a mark at this year’s Calgary Stampede.

Cache Schellenberg, 21, spent three days in the novice bronc riding, winning the day’s ride on Wednesday by taking on Zealous Departure and getting 74.5 points. He finished second overall, thanks to a second-place ride the day before and fifth-place the first day.

“It was really cool. It was pretty fun. It was a little bit crazy to see all the people there,” said Cache, a man of few words.

Cache is the oldest son of Bernie and Amber Schellenberg, with Bernie’s name also familiar in the amateur rodeo world in Saskatchewan.

Bernie said his son has already eclipsed his own five-year career.

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“He’s taken on learning a little higher level than what we learned and competed at when we were doing it. I just kind of just stay out of his way and let him do what he does,” he said.

The larger Schellenberg family also competes in rodeo, some in rough stock and some in roping events.

Bernie likes to watch and make sure Cache is safe and helps where he can.

Cache rode on July 10 with a 62.5 score, got a 70.5 ride on July 11 and topped all other competitors on July 12 with 74.5 points.

Helping him get on the horse and out of the chute was Bernie for every ride.

“They were pretty excited. They came out and watched. Dad helped me on my horses all three days. It was pretty cool,” Cache said.

Cache takes the sport seriously and trains when he’s not on the road. This year, he is in the top of several amateur associations in Saskatchewan but next year will be too old for the novice category.

That means an upgrade to the open ranks, with harder bucking broncs and bigger payouts.

But, for Bernie and Amber, having their son pursue a dream is something they support, even if it comes with some physical danger.

“It was his path to follow, so we encouraged him to follow his dreams and go after it,” Amber said. “It’s not always what a mother wants to see her son do, but you want them to follow their passion.

Training and practice have paid off and this year, she sees the improvement in her son’s ability, which helps her relax and enjoy the show.

“It was nice to see him make some rides and it’s always super great to see him get off on the pickup man,” Amber said.

None of the family had been to the Calgary Stampede before this year and they laugh that they aren’t sure they could do as non-competitors now.

“It was such a good experience. We had pretty cool passes that got us into lots of places we wouldn’t be able to go otherwise. The Stampede treats their competitors and their families really, really well. It was a great experience,” said Amber.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com