PRORODEO Sports News - March 27, 2026 Digital Edition

T hings got a little nasty during the final event of this year’s RodeoHouston. All four bull riders – Stetson Wright, Jor dan Spears, Trevor Reiste and Jake Gardner – failed to score in the Final Four round. That meant all got another shot. In an event where the highest score in the round wins $65,000, rodeo officials needed a winner. Gardner provided it. He rode Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Bandalero for 86 points on his third bull of the day to take the title and secure $74,375 “The first one went good; the second one didn’t,” said Gard ner, 29, of Fort St. John, British Columbia. “I was kind of dis appointed, but I just had to brush it off quick, because I had to get on another bull so quick. I just put that one in the past, and I trusted my tools that I have. I just capitalized on the opportu nity I had.” The pressure was certainly there. The other three bull riders have all battled at the NFR, and Wright is the biggest name in rodeo for this generation. That made no difference to Gardner, who went with a simple approach on his final bull. “Just keep my hand shut and do my job,” Gardner said. “I tried not to put too much thought into it. I just tried to treat it like another rodeo. I don’t want to put it on a pedestal. At the end of the day, you ride your bulls, and you get paid.” It’s a big move for the veteran cowboy. He finished out side the top 50 in 2025 but won rodeos last season that were co-sanctioned with the PRCA and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. Gardner’s best finish was 28th in the 2021 campaign. “This (win) doesn’t mean much,” he said. “It just means I got some money in the standings, and I’ve still got to keep pushing forward. My goal is to win a world championship. It’s far from over, so I’ve just got to keep on grinding.” CANADIAN MAKES ONE RIDE COUNT FOR IT ALL FOUR COWBOYS. EIGHT BULLS. ONE QUALIFIED RIDE.

Jake Gardner picked up a big payday and win at RodeoHouston. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 15