Reg Kesler (October 16, 1919 – May 16, 2001) began his rodeo career at the age of 14 at the Raymond Stampede, competing in the boys steer riding.
Kesler's first appearance in the record books was in 1948 when he was named Canadian All-Around Champion, winning a total of $1,960 and the first trophy saddle awarded by the Cowboys' Protective Association (CPA), the organization that eventually evolved into today's Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA).
He was crowned All-Around champion at the Calgary Stampede in 1949 and 1950, and won the wild cow milking championship at "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" three times.
Although Kesler had started his own ranching operation in 1943, where he raised cattle, his journeys along the rodeo trail inspired the next stage of his career, and what he would ultimately be best known for.
Kesler has been recognized a number of times for the contributions he made to the sport of rodeo during his lifetime.