Championship rodeo cowboy Cody McGonigle and horse Diesel return home with another Canadian title

Back home in North Easthope Township, Cody McGonigle poses with Diesel, the quarter horse that has helped carry him to back-to-back Canadian steer-wrestling championships. McGonigle credits Diesel, along with the support of his family, for much of his success on the rodeo circuit. His sister, Ally, also plays an important role in caring for the family's championship horses when they are home from competition. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Shakespeare's Cody McGonigle continues to make a name for himself on the Canadian rodeo circuit.

Fresh off a trip to Saint-Tite, Que., McGonigle has returned home with another Canadian championship belt buckle after winning the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) Canadian Finals steer-wrestling title for the second consecutive year.

McGonigle and his quarter horse, Diesel, entered the finals as the season points leader for the second straight year and successfully defended their championship.

The talented horse-and-rider partnership once again captured the season title and Canadian championship in steer wrestling.

Speaking after returning home, McGonigle said winning back-to-back Canadian championships is something he will never take for granted.

"Winning it once was special, but winning the title two years in a row is something very special," he said.

McGonigle credits his success to countless miles on the road, personal sacrifices, dependable horsepower under the saddle and the support of family and friends.

He said he is grateful for everyone who has supported him throughout his rodeo career, including his parents, Dave and Susan McGonigle, his sister, Ally, and his grandparents, Murray and Margaret McGonigle.

Without their support, he said, none of his success would have been possible.

Cody McGonigle and Diesel are already back on the rodeo trail and are working toward another trip to the Canadian Finals in Saint-Tite, this time with a focus on tie-down calf roping as well as steer wrestling.

The young cowboy spends more than 100 days each year on the road competing and welcomes sponsorship opportunities.

For more information, contact rodeocowboy182@gmail.com.