ProRodeo Sports News - June 12, 2020

AWAY FROM THE ARENA

Zeke Thurston AT HOME WITH ... Billie-Jean Duff photo Two-time Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion Zeke Thurston has kept busy at home in Big Valley, Alberta, riding horses and fencing.

BY TRACY RENCK W hile PRCA rodeos were at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cowboys had plenty of time on their hands. What have you been doing? Zeke: We have been busy. We’ve been riding quite a few young horses, and we’ve been fencing and getting things ready. We get a bunch of yearlings in and put them on grass. What’s it like being a dad? Zeke : It’s awesome. The silver lining behind (the rodeo hiatus) is I got to be home with (Lucy) during a time I never probably would have, and it has been a blessing. We have a lot of fun together. What was it like the first time you went through the Grand Entry at theWrangler NFR? Zeke: There’s no feeling like it. You can’t explain it. It’s something you have dreamed of. Carrying your country’s flag into the arena can

This installment of “At Home With …” features Zeke Thurston, a two-time saddle bronc riding world champion (2016 and 2019) and five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier (2015-19). Thurston, 25, has earned more than $1.2 million in his PRCA career. Thurston and his wife, Jayne, have a daughter, Lucy, who will be 2 in August. They live in Big Valley, Alberta. Before joining the PRCA in 2015, Thurston and his brothers Wyatt and Sam performed trick roping as the Thurston Gang. They appeared at the Canadian Finals Rodeo five times and performed for the Queen of England, Prince William and Princess Kate.

ProRodeo Sports News 6/12/2020

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