ProRodeo Sports News - August 4, 2023

Zeke Thurston shines in win Three time and reigning PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Zeke Thurston has climbed on the back of some of the best bucking horses the sport of rodeo has ever been graced with. What makes him one of the best, is his ability to show off those horses to the best of their abilities once that chute swings open. He did that and then some at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. In the Gold Medal Round, he drew Andrews Rodeo’s All or Nothin’. The duo danced to the tune of 92.5 points and the rodeo win. Thurston questioned the outcome of the ride the first few seconds. “I tried my best here tonight,” said Thurston, a seven time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “Right after my spur out, he kind of rocked me into my rein. I got into a little bit of a tight spot there and all I could really do was gas it. Luckily, I was able to ride through it.” That thought quickly disappeared, as Thurston and All or Nothin’ went jump for jump, displaying poetry in motion. It’s a ride he won’t forget anytime soon. The $10,000 payday for the win is a nice cherry on top. “Man, what an incredible animal. I don’t think you can make one buck any higher and with anymore style than that one,” he said. “That thing jumps about four feet in the air. It’s probably one of the prettiest bucking horses you’ll ever see do its thing in our sport.”

Ric Andersen photo Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston, reigning PRCA World Champion, won the gold medal in Salt Lake City with a 92.5-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s All or Nothin’.

Tavenner keeps sizzling season scorching

Steer wrestler Dirk Tavenner qualified for his second career Wrangler NFR in 2022, but it was a grind in Las Vegas. He earned $42,645 at the NFR, while battling through a right arm injury that he suffered on Sept. 8 at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash. Tavenner is healthy now and it has showed on numerous occasions this season, including winning the gold medal in Salt Lake City with a 3.5-second time before a sold out crowd of 10,000 spectators. Tavenner and Stetson Jorgensen tied in the finals with 3.5-second runs, but Tavenner was awarded the gold medal because he had a faster time – 3.0 seconds in the long round. “This was just like the NFR, where you want to win first,” Tavenner said. “My good friend Stetson was 3.5 and I was like ‘Let’s go. Let’s try and beat that.’ It was really exciting.” Tavenner is pleased that he’s been able to overcome his right arm injury and put his skills on display. “I had surgery the week after the NFR (which ended Dec. 10),” Tavenner said. “We have been blessed with great horses and a great crew and we have been winning since Redding (Calif., in May) and we haven’t stopped and hopefully we can make it back to Vegas.” Tavenner was quick to credit his horsepower for his success. “Oscar has just been a saint,” Tavenner said. “He took a little bit more time to come about, but he’s awesome. We won four rounds on him at the NFR two years ago, and he makes my life very easy. I’m just blessed. My family has supported me, and I have a great crew and I’m excited.”

Ric Andersen photo Steer wrestler Dirk Tavenner has been cashing checks at ro deos since May, including in Salt Lake City when he captured a gold medal.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/4/2023

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