March, 2024 – The CPRA extends condolences to the family and friends of cowboy and long-time rodeo supporter Wes Zieffle

Wes was born in Medicine Hat in 1945 and worked his first rodeo when he was 14. As a contestant, he joined the CPRA in 1964 and was extremely successful competing in Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping and Team Roping; however, it was his non-competitive contributions to rodeo that really made him a stand-out in the Canadian rodeo arena.

Mentor, instructor, father and friend, Wes had many champions and future champions practice in his arena at Monitor, Alberta–including his two sons, Darren who won the Canadian tie-down title in 1993 and BJ who earned the steer wrestling championship in 1999.

The unselfish giving of his time, facilities and Wes' horses helped many young cowboys hone their skills.

Wes was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2009. His great steer wrestling horse Twist (a 5 time Canadian Horse of the Year) was inducted into the HOF the same year.

Our thoughts are with his Wes' wife Lynda, his children, grandchildren and many friends and fellow cowboys.