Big Valley cowboy on top of bronc-riding world
Third straight Stampede title unprecedented
Zeke Thurston was born to be a bronc rider. The 23-year-old from Big Valley has been riding professionally only for two years, but he’s quickly become the best saddle bronc rider in the world. And he’s just getting started. “I’m having so much fun, and that’s why I started doing it in the first place. That’s what I always try to remember,” said the soft-spoken cowboy, who will be competing in the K-Days Rodeo this weekend at Northlands Coliseum. It’s been a wild ride for Thurston over the past two years and he has no intention of slowing down. Last weekend he captured his third straight saddle bronc title at the Calgary Stampede, making history as the only saddle bronc rider to accomplish the feat. Only bareback riders Davey Shields Jr. and Will Lowe have captured back-to-back-back titles in the Stampede’s 106-year history. In December, he became a world champion after capturing the world title at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. He’s taken home more hardware in three years than some cowboys do over their entire careers. “A lot of cowboys go their entire career and never win the Calgary Stampede, and I’ve been so lucky and fortunate to win it three times. It’s crazy. It’s an amazing feeling,” said Thurston. “I always knew I’d one day become a world champion, but I didn’t expect it to come this early in my career. That was the coolest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s just motivated me to do it all over again.” Thurston is in good position to defend his world title. He’s currently ranked second on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association money list with $88,603.56 in earnings. Last year, he won $265,449.45 on his way to the world title. That doesn’t include the three straight $100,000 cheques he took home after winning the Stampede the past three years. He’ll be a major factor at the NFR in December. “Becoming a world champion is what everyone strives to do. That’s the top,” said Thurston. “I’ve had an incredible year. I’ve won more at this point in the season than I ever have and I just want to keep it rolling. I want to become a multiple-time world champion. I also want to be a Canadian champion, too.” Away from the chutes, Thurston is also building quite a life, too. He married his high school sweetheart Jayne and used some of his earnings to build their first home together. “We grew up three miles from each other and went to school together since fourth grade. She’s my best friend and biggest supporter,” said Thurston. “We moved into our home just before Christmas and we bought 100 head of cattle. It’s the start of our ranch.” While Thurston has been busy making history on the rodeo circuit this season, there may also be a little history on his side when it comes to earning another pay day this weekend. He rode Get Smart to a 92-point ride in capturing his third Stampede title. He also scored a big ride on the same bronc earlier this month to win the Ponoka Stampede. He’s drawn Get Smart again for his ride on Friday night. “She’s small. A lot of broncs we ride are 1,600 pounds and she’s only about 800, but she’s like a little piece of dynamite,” said Thurston. “She bucks so hard. She’s one of the strongest horses I’ve ever been on.” Rodeo is in Thurston’s blood. His father Skeeter was a saddle bronc rider and six-time NFR qualifier. His mother Lynda was a barrel racer. His siblings are also heavily involved in the sport. Having that family support as he follows his dreams is special for Thurston. They’ve helped him every step of the way. “I knew I wanted to be a bronc rider since I was five years old. I’ve done nothing but eat, sleep and breathe the sport of rodeo,” said Thurston. “My dad was pretty much done his career when I was old enough to get started, but that made for a pretty great teacher for me at home. Every kid wants to be like their dad and he always said he wanted me to be twice as good as he ever did. I know he’s pretty proud of me.” “My family understands the sacrifices and dedication this sport takes, and having their support is the best feeling a young guy can have.”