18/ MARCH/APRIL 2014 THE RIDER Remembering Ben Samplonius (1987-2014)


By Joe Scully On March 5th, 2014,


our Rodeo Family lost one of our great stars with the tragic passing of “High Pitch” Ben Samplonius. On a crisp winter’s morn- ing, he was heartbreakingly taken from our lives, the result of a workplace tragedy. His time in our rodeo


arenas, around our roping pens, and in competitor camping may have been untimely short in duration, but Ben quickly became a friend of many, a part of the community’s family, and a welcoming face to competitors, fans, sponsors and committee people. At this sombre time


of reflection, it would seem surprising to some to review his list of accom- plishments since the first time he walked into our lives just four years ago; however to his Rodeo Fam- ily, the duration would be the intriguing part of the equation, not the accolades. A man that had an


appreciation and affection for animals, he decided rodeo was to be his new Sport, and that Bullfighting was something he’d like to try. In April of 2011 he attended a high school rodeo in Ontario, with the permission to “Shadow” the other bullfighters. This quick-on-the-fly tutorial was strong enough to earn him more opportunities that were more sooner than later.


Attending his second


professionally produced event, a bullfighter was injured early into the event, and Ben jumped from the back pens into the arena, and made his first “big save” in blue jeans and a flak-protection vest. Two bulls later a jersey was handed to him, and the position of Bullfighter was his for seasons to come. Often many speak of


“The Good Guys” of Rodeo, but Ben was a tes- tament of that. Always one


Bullfighter of the Year award.


Exemplifying cama-


raderie, Ben was an ambas- sador, and a talent that con- tinued to exponentially gain momentum. And today, that fan-


tastic story’s ending was penned, in a manner that was not ever imagined or intended. A whirlwind that demands a sequel, but we remain knowing that reflection and honouring his spirit is all we may pro- vide as an epilogue. Ben Samplonius was


of the first to an event and one of the last to leave, he stood to care for stock and the people of the Sport. Helping fallen bull riders is only a small part of his behind the scenes contribu- tions; from helping late barrel racers get their hors- es up the alley; to all-night drivers checking in late and met with water by Ben; to working overtime to ensure good footing; pulling gates, throwing hay, lugging pan- els, moving trailers, run- ning stock, running speaker cable, locking up buildings, fixing wiring, giving tours and even entertaining com- petitors’ kids while their parents compete... this is just a sampling of what Ben could be witnessed doing; though his role and remuneration was simply for saving bull riders, he truly was an ambassador and concierge. Ben was there to help, regardless of what the task was. His sense of humour


was prevalent as well; his quirks and jokes were short and sometimes pretty poignant; but always with his animated smile. Enthralled with the


Rodeo World, Ben began competing as well. While Bareback Bronc Riding was not an event he stuck with for


his opportunities to shine as well. He ultimately qualified for the Ontario Finals Rodeo in this disci- pline, while also being selected to fight bulls in addition, a rarity in any Association. Early into the rodeo


game, his “get ‘er done” style became prevalent, as much behind the scenes as in the foreground. Stand- ing over 6’3”, one couldn’t miss Ben making a move in his never-ending dance with the 1,800 pound beasts he respected and loved “dancing with”. Itching for a moment to take his skills to the next level, when the direction came to “jump one”; the shock on the bull’s face was the equivalent of the others as he ran head-on toward it. His respect and care


of animals combined with his passion and talents for fighting bulls lead to him being recognized as Bull- fighter of the Year in the Ontario Rodeo Association in 2012, his second year in the Sport. Even after earning


long, Steer Wrestling became one of


this much recognition and respect early into his bull- fighting career, 2013 was his break-out year. It start- ed with attending a Rob Smets and Miles Hare Bullfighting School in


Annville, Pennsylvania. There, his talents were rec- ognized by not only his aspiring colleagues, but also by the instructors. With strict accreditation policies, Smets and Hare offered to provide their approval recommendations required to become a Bull- fighter in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associa- tion, the highest distinction in the Industry of Pro- Rodeo... an honour akin to Wayne Gretzky writing a recommendation letter say- ing, “The boy can skate.” This next step in his career would be left to mostly administration, and was a goal as quickly obtainable as it was realized. Next, Ben was the


focus of a story featured nationally in the Toronto Star for his accomplish- ments and talents in the profession. From there, he was paired with another bullfighter of similar stature, becoming the unof- ficial “tallest bullfighting team” in professional rodeo, and earning kudos from some of the best bull riders in international pro- fessional rodeo at the largest rodeo in Ontario, Canada. And lastly to cap off the season, he was selected to the Provincial Finals Rodeo and earned his second consecutive


one of us, a member of our Rodeo Family, a true friend, fellow competitor and fan. He saved many bull riders from harm, and brought great energy to our Industry. Words cannot express how his time with us has inspired us, nor how our own pain and sorrow is being experienced from his passing. But


in reflecting


today, we have an opportu- nity to do something that Ben wouldn’t have done... and that is to say all of the


great things he had accom- plished... whether there was an award attached to it, or a thank you deserved. He wasn’t about the recog- nition, but he earned every buckle, handshake and fall- en tear shed today. We extend our deep-


est sympathies to his fiancée Sarah, and his Family. The Rodeo Family is large, and we will stand strong for you. We thank


you for introducing us to our talented Ben, and shar- ing his time with us. He will forever be a


part of our Rodeo Family, Internationally.


In the


words of Rob Smets, “...a young man with a big smile, big heart and an even bigger love of the game. He will be sadly missed...”


Go to ‘em, Ben.


OEF to Host Member Appreciation Party at Can-Am


and beverages from 5:30-7 p.m. in the West Mezzanine at the Orangeville Agri- cultural Society Event Centre. The OEF Member Appreciation Party is a free event and is generously sponsored by BFL CANADA. Wine will be provided by Eurovintage, which will treat horse enthusiasts with its Cheval Noir wine. The party venue is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Please e-mal


you to our loyal members for their patron- age,” says Dianne Graham, executive director of the Ontario Equestrian Federa- tion (OEF). “The OEF Member Apprecia- tion Party is a fun way to see familiar faces and meet some new ones in a relax- ing environment.” Join fellow OEF members for food


has declared Friday, March 28 OEF Member Appreciation Day at the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo in Orangeville. “This is our way of saying thank


The Ontario Equestrian Federation


bers with a party, OEF members will also receive ticket discounts on the Friday of the three-day show. Members are eligible to purchase a one-day Can-Am ticket plus one ticket to the evening extravaganza featuring Guy McLean for $30 (reg. price $42).


says Graham. “We have some exciting new initiatives to tell our members about, and what better place to do it than the first major event of the season?” ‘


“We hope to see you at Can-Am,”


b.hall@horse.on.ca if you will be unable to access the party and arrangements will be made to ensure you are able to enjoy the festivities. In addition to honouring our mem-


for further information, visit the OEF website at www.horse.on.ca. Remember, OEF members must show proof of mem- bership at the door!


To RSVP for the member party, or


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