Calgary Stampede welcomes new OH Ranch Manager

The Calgary Stampede has announced that Tyler Ritchie has accepted the role of Ranch Manager within its Agriculture & Western Events team.

Reporting to Brett Warder, Manager of Agriculture and Western Events Operations, Ritchie will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the historic OH Ranch in Longview, Alberta.

“Tyler brings an impressive depth of hands-on ranching experience, a clear commitment to responsible land and livestock management, and a genuine passion for western heritage,” says Susan Petersen, Senior Manager, Agriculture & Western Events. “His background and values align beautifully with the legacy of the OH Ranch, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

A new chapter at the OH Ranch

Ritchie, his wife Ursula, and their son Karsten will reside on the OH Ranch to ensure dedicated onsite care for the cattle, land, and facilities. His responsibilities will include strategic planning, operational execution, livestock and land management.

This will include the care of the ranch’s 300+ head cow-calf herd, financial oversight, education and community programming, and relationship-building with external stakeholders.

Ritchie will play a key role in supporting the Stampede’s broader organizational goals and commitment to western heritage, land stewardship, and community connection.

Ritchie officially started the new role on November 17. During a transition period, Ritchie will work alongside longtime OH Ranch Manager Ken Pigeon, who will retire at the end of 2025 after many years of service.

Experience rooted in Alberta ranching

Ritchie joins the Calgary Stampede with more than a decade of experience in livestock management, horse training, and pasture stewardship. Most recently, he served as Ranch Manager for the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch as part of Parks Canada’s Banff Field Unit, where he oversaw the National Equine Program and managed the iconic horse herd.

He is also a fifth-generation cattle rancher from his family’s Diamond Willow Ranch in Turner Valley, operating a Hereford cow-calf program. Ritchie has competed in Ranch Bronc riding at several Calgary Stampede-produced events, and he was previously featured as a skilled rider and extra in CBC’s Heartland series.