With three Canadian cowboys qualified to compete and eight Canadian contracting outfits bringing 18 saddle broncs, 14 bareback horses and one bull to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev., there was plenty of Canuck content at the $6,375,000 rodeo.
Ponoka’s brand new Canadian Champion Bareback Rider, Jake Vold placed in eight rounds and won fourth in the aggregate to total $74,982. Jake entered the NFR in the 11th spot and served notice that he’s a world class talent by jumping all the way to 6th in the final World Standings.
Curtis Cassidy, 2014 Canadian Hi-Point Champion was in the Steer Wrestling with mixed results. The Donalda cowboy rode Dustin Walker’s relatively new doggin’ horse and things didn’t always work, but when they did it was ka-ching! He won a round in 3.3 seconds, split a round with 3.4 and a four flat placed 4th, all to the tune of $43,980.
The 2014 Calgary Stampede Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Dustin Flundra placed on four horses. A controversial ‘no score’ in the fourth round cost him big time in the average payoff where he still garnered a small cheque. All told the Pincher Creek rancher banked $28,809.