LAVALLEY’S SON PROVIDES INSPIRATION
Dusty LaValley is into the Stampede final on Sunday.
Dusty LaValley has a good-luck charm that goes by the name of Austin Outlaw.
No, it’s not his horse.
That’s the name of his baby boy born on May 19.
Since taking a couple weeks off to help his partner Stephanie Nicholson after she gave birth, LaValley, of Bezanson, Alta., has been tearing up the bareback rodeo circuit.
“I’ve been rodeoing hard ever since and just everywhere I’ve been it’s been awesome,” said LaValley. “I’m having a great time.”
LaValley won the third round at the Calgary Stampede with an 86-point ride on Reckless Margie, bringing him to a three-day total of $12,500.
LaValley won rodeos in Ponoka and Reno and earned $30,000 in the two weeks leading up to the Stampede. He’s the top ranked bareback rider on the Canadian Wrangler Pro circuit and sits 12th in the world.
“Every rodeo I’ve been to, just about, it’s been top-three finishes (since Austin Outlaw was born). I can’t believe the way it’s going,” said LaValley. “If I have another slump I might have to have another baby. I might end up with 10 kids by the time I’m retired.”
On Thursday, LaValley drew Reckless Margie, an identical twin sister of Rapper Margie ridden by Davey Shields Jr. of De Winton, Alta. Shields tied Heath Ford of Elkhart, Texas (on Jay Bar Nine) for second at 83.5 points. They each won $4,000.
LaValley, a two-time Canadian champion and 2004 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rookie of the year, is guaranteed a berth in the Sunday showdown.
