A new event will soon kick off the 2017 Airdrie Pro Rodeo

Novice Bull Riding will make it's debut at the annual festivities this summer and Arena Manager Brett Raines is looking forward to it.

"Let's try and get some young guys an opportunity to get the pro rodeo experience with the help of the older fellas around to push forward their careers."

The rides will feature cowboys ages 16 to 21, who are looking for an arena to grow.

Raines says that numbers in the professional bull riding have declined recently and he's hoping this new event will help build the sport for years to come.

"People like watching the bull riding...let's get some bulls that fit the younger guys and let's get the younger guys in and give them the pro rodeo experience and hope they become full fledged pros working on their way to a Canadian Championship."

The plan is to have the the Novice Bull Riding start the Rodeo with the Professional riders wrapping up the day's events. It's a good way to add a little more excitement to an already thrilling Rodeo

"Everybody likes to see the young people," says Raines, "I think it just adds a little more to the Rodeo."

The 2017 Airdrie Pro Rodeo runs from June 28th to July 2nd.

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com