Perth County’s Cody McGonigle continues to rack up rodeo championships

Cody McGonigle was gifted this palomino, Daisy, as a yearling by his grandfather. The horse has since become a championship roping mount, earning McGonigle numerous awards and winnings. Contributed photo

By Gary West

When local sports fans think about standout athletes, their minds often go to hockey rinks, ball diamonds or gym floors, but one of Perth County’s most accomplished competitors is making his mark in a very different arena.

North Easthope Township’s Cody McGonigle has become one of Canada’s top rodeo athletes, earning championship after championship as a professional steer wrestler and rodeo rider. His success, while largely unfolding far from home, is the result of years of dedication, travel and an unbreakable bond with his horses.

McGonigle has been riding since he was six years old, when his maternal grandfather, Barry Cole, bought him his first pony. As he grew, that pony gave way to quarter horses and, according to his parents, Susan and Dave McGonigle, Cody McGonigle was rarely off horseback from that point forward. Long days in the saddle, countless hours of training and a willingness to learn from seasoned rodeo competitors became the foundation of his career.

Today, Cody McGonigle spends much of the year on the road, travelling to rodeos across Canada and the United States. Indoor arenas fill his winter months, while outdoor events dominate the summer schedule. His employer, Ed’s Concrete south of Stratford, understands the demands of professional rodeo and supports Cody McGonigle despite his being away more than 100 days each year.

Family support has played a major role throughout his journey. His paternal grandfather, Murray McGonigle, a lifelong horseman who still competes with carriage horses at local fairs, encouraged him from the beginning. Before his teenage years, Cody McGonigle was already competing locally with the Stratford and District Saddle Club, roping steers on a horse gifted to him by his grandfather.

Mentorship from respected horsemen, including John Thomson and Ed DeWettering, helped refine his skills. While attending Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School, Cody McGonigle competed on the school team before earning a rodeo scholarship to college in Olds, Alta. While studying there, he worked on the ranch of Sid Cook, formerly of North Easthope, breaking horses and honing his roping and wrestling techniques.

After returning home, Cody McGonigle continued competing on the amateur circuit before purchasing his first International Professional Rodeo Association world card. That step launched him into full-time professional competition, with more than 50 rodeos a year and steadily accumulating points.

In 2025, Cody McGonigle was named the IPRA Steer Wrestling Champion and also earned the Western Cup Championship. He holds the Illinois state record for steer wrestling at 3.2 seconds, a mark that still stands. He has qualified for the International Rodeo Finals for the second consecutive year and recently competed at the IFR qualifier in Guthrie, Okla.

Cody McGonigle credits his success to his horses, noting that a well-trained, competitive horse accounts for much of a rider’s success. He also credits his parents, grandparents and his sister, Ally, whom he calls his biggest supporter, for keeping him focused and grounded.

Raised on the second concession of North Easthope Township, Cody McGonigle continues to chase rodeo’s highest honours with his sights set firmly on the top of the podium.