Gary Rempel is one of Canada’s most respected professional rodeo pickup men, with a career spanning more than four decades at the highest levels of professional rodeo. Raised on Saskatchewan’s historic Matador Ranch, Gary’s horsemanship was shaped through real ranch work long before stepping into major rodeo arenas.

Throughout his career, Gary earned the trust of competitors across North America for his timing, composure, and consistency under pressure — qualities essential to the role of a professional rodeo pickup man.

A Career in Professional Rodeo

In professional rodeo, the pickup man plays a critical role in rider and livestock safety. The position is earned through reputation and voted on by the cowboys themselves.

Gary Rempel was selected a record number of times to serve as pickup man at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) and remains one of the few Canadians ever chosen to work the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas — one of the highest honours in the sport. He also served as a pickup man at the Calgary Stampede every year from 1985 through 2023, before retiring from full-time pickup duties — a legacy that places him among the most experienced professionals ever to work “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”.

Over the course of his career, he was recognized as Canadian Cowboy of the Year and inducted into multiple rodeo halls of fame, reflecting both longevity and peer respect within the industry.

Gary developed and trained his own string of pickup horses, known for their responsiveness, conditioning, and reliability in high-intensity arena environments. His approach has always been practical and performance-driven: prepare thoroughly, care for your horses properly, and stay ready for the demands of a long rodeo season.

A Legacy in Rodeo

After more than four decades in professional rodeo, Gary Rempel recently retired from active pickup duties — closing one of the most accomplished careers in Canadian rodeo history.

His repeated selections to the Canadian Finals Rodeo and his work at the National Finals Rodeo reflect the trust competitors placed in him year after year. While stepping away from full-time arena work, Gary’s influence on the sport and the horses he developed continues.

Why Back on Track

For over 15 years, Gary Rempel has partnered with Back on Track to support both his own recovery and the soundness of his horses.

Professional rodeo requires week-after-week performance, long travel schedules, and physically demanding work for both horse and rider. Maintaining muscle comfort, circulation, and recovery is essential to sustaining that level of consistency.

Back on Track’s far infrared technology supports:

• Healthy circulation

• Muscle comfort and relaxation

• Warm-up preparation

• Post-performance recovery

Gary’s longevity in professional rodeo reflects disciplined preparation and a commitment to keeping both himself and his horses performing at their best.

Back on Track is proud to support Gary Rempel — a leader in Canadian rodeo whose career represents durability, trust, and professionalism.

Prepare. Perform. Recover.