Eighty-six-year-old Gina McDougall-Cohoe was inducted into the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame during Sunday's performance of Sundre's pro rodeo over the weekend.
She was presented a plaque and was immediately surrounded by loved ones after being driven around the rodeo arena in a horse carriage.
“She was literally humbled and honoured to the point of tears. She said ‘I never thought I would be inducted into the rodeo hall of fame with the people in there',” said Jean Minchau, McDougall-Cohoe's daughter, who also presented a speech during the special moment in the arena.
McDougall-Cohoe performed for four years and was on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association board for a number of years as well. She trained numerous barrel horses and mentored upcoming barrel racers.
“Many of these people have gone on to have very successful rodeo careers themselves,” said Minchau.
Sundre's Shelby Cummings, who is a professional trick rider, has looked up to McDougall-Cohoe for many years and dedicated her performance on Sunday to her.
Not only is McDougall-Cohoe a rodeo legend, but she is also a world- renowned bronze artist. Since about 1972, the Calgary Stampede has displayed all of her trophies.
“She has carried on the rodeo into her bronzes,” said Minchau.
During her speech, she said McDougall-Cohoe gives credit to her horse Robin, for her success in the rodeo industry.
She has lived in the Sundre-Cremona-Cochrane area for 70 years and is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who believes in the “cowgirl way of life”.
“It couldn't have been a better place. This is where her family and friends is,” said Minchau.
“It's a nice honour that she has selected Sundre as the rodeo where she feels that she wants to receive the induction,” said Scott Smith, president of the Sundre Rodeo & Race Association.
