At this year’s Calgary Stampede, American calf-roper John Douch made a remarkable impression, clocking a blistering time of 7.4 seconds in the tie-down roping event. Riding his trusty 12-year-old gelding, Tomcat, Douch’s rapid performance not only secured him a spot in the finals but also highlighted a significant narrative in rodeo history—one that intertwines the legacy of Black cowboys with contemporary competition.
A Rising Star in Rodeo
Douch, hailing from Huntsville, Texas, has become a prominent figure in the world of rodeo, currently ranking sixth globally according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. His passion for rodeo stems from a deep appreciation for its rich history. “I love rodeo so much, and I love the history of it, so that’s why I stuck with it,” he shared during an interview in Calgary.
Over the past two years, Douch has secured third place at the Calgary Stampede finals, with a standout performance in 2025 where he recorded a time of 6.6 seconds. This year, he once again showcased his talent, finishing second in his pool and earning $14,500, before ultimately concluding the finals with a third-place finish for an additional $10,000. His success has added to an impressive career total of over $1.3 million since 2018.
The Importance of Representation
Douch’s presence at the Stampede is particularly significant, as he is one of only two Black cowboys competing among over 200 participants from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Australia. He believes that representation in rodeo is crucial for inspiring future generations. “To have the younger kids watch me and think, ‘He’s African American, I want to be like him when I grow up,’ I think it’s pretty cool,” he remarked.
While the United States has seen a rise in all-Black rodeo events and associations, such opportunities remain scarce in Canada. However, the Canadian Prairies have a rich history of Black cowboys who played vital roles in ranching and rodeo, particularly during the late 1800s when many sought refuge from discrimination in the U.S.
The Legacy of Black Cowboys in Canada
The Calgary Stampede, which officially began in 1912, has long been a platform for cowboys to display their skills. Historian Bertrand Bickersteth notes that rodeos emerged as a means to preserve the cowboy lifestyle when the era of real cowboys began to fade. “We want to capture this nostalgia, this livelihood or lifestyle that most people were not familiar with when the cowboys were actually out on the frontier,” he explained.
The legacy of Black cowboys in Alberta is exemplified by figures such as John Ware, who became a renowned cowboy after moving to Canada from the U.S. in 1882. Ware’s contributions to the ranching community were significant, and he became known as one of the most skilled cowboys of his time. Despite the challenges faced by Black settlers, including systemic racism that stifled their communities, Ware’s legacy underscores the critical role that Black cowboys have played in shaping Canadian rodeo history.
The Struggle for Visibility
Despite the historical contributions of Black cowboys, the narrative often remains overshadowed by a predominantly white portrayal of the cowboy lifestyle. Bickersteth highlights that many Black cowboys were present in the early days of rodeos, but their stories are frequently missing from official records. “John Ware was not the only Black cowboy here, and Black people were part of the fabric of those industries,” he noted.
Cheryl Foggo, a community historian and author, echoes this sentiment, stressing that while Ware’s story is celebrated, it serves as a cautionary tale about the realities of racism that persist. The story of Black cowboys is often relegated to the margins, sparking a need for greater visibility and recognition in contemporary rodeo culture.
Why it Matters
The presence of cowboys like John Douch at events such as the Calgary Stampede is crucial for fostering a more inclusive narrative in rodeo. As he strives for success and inspires younger generations, Douch’s journey highlights the ongoing struggle for representation in a sport that has historically sidelined Black athletes. By celebrating the contributions of Black cowboys, we not only honour their legacy but also pave the way for a more diverse and equitable future in rodeo and beyond.
