Native Canadian Tames Cyclone

Yesterday was the first Stampede. Tom Three Persons chose the hardest horse to ride, Cyclone. Tom Three Persons tried his best and won. Tom Three Persons is the first Native Canadian cowboy to win the rodeo.

As a young man Tom Three Persons was a provincial rodeo star. He went to Lethbridge to compete in 1908 and 1909.

Next, Tom tried to enter the Calgary Stampede at a time when Natives were not allowed into the Stampede grounds to compete but with Guy Weadick's help he was able to enter and won riding a horse called Cyclone, he was a bucking bronco.

Some say Tom Three Persons could ride Cyclone because he knew how to speak with the horse because of his Native abilities.

Tom Three Persons was born in 1888.

He spent his childhood wishing to become a star. When he grew up, he competed in rodeos. He tried to compete in the Calgary Stampede in 1912 but Native men were not allowed in the Stampede that is until Guy Weadick changed that. When he entered, he chose to ride Cyclone, the hardest bucking bronco.

Tom's ride is sure one that will be remembered for a long time.

Damian Hellson - Grade 4 student