In 2005, when Children’s author, rodeo/Bull Riding announcer and television personality David Poulsen was awarded an Alberta Centennial Medal for “longtime service to Alberta and Albertans” it took the foothills resident by surprise.

“I’ve always just felt tremendously fortunate to be doing several things that I love, David comments. He visits between 80 to 100 schools across Canada where he talks to kids from 9 to 15 about the importance of reading and how he became the unlikely combination of cowboy and author. As well David conducts writing workshops for kids during which he shares the strategies that have made him successful, leading to 19 published books.

As well, David continues to announce over 100 rodeo/bull riding performances each year resulting in some 1500 North American rodeo performances as “the man behind the microphone”. 2008 marked Dave’s 22th year announcing the rodeo at the Calgary Stampede and saw him honoured as Canada’s Rodeo Announcer of the Year. His screen credits include the television series, The Black Stallion and the movie, Convict Cowboy that starred Jon Voigt. Most recently, he played the rodeo announcer (“oh that darn type casting!!) in the popular television drama, Heartland.

Of his seven seasons as one of the hosts of Cowboy Country Television, Dave says, “It’s been amazing to work with wonderfully talented people and to be a part of a show that has become a much loved part of the western lifestyle. And we eat pretty good too.”