The first-ever Zeke Thurston Invitational Xtreme Broncs Challenge took place in Stettler on July 31.
Described as a "world-class" event by Tanner Byrne, one of the organizers, in a previous interview, the event featured bronc-riding action in a "long-go" and "short-go" format.
The stands were packed as 30 of the best bronc riders on the PRCA circuit were introduced, including four-time world champion and event namesake Zeke Thurston.
Riders were matched up with the best stock in the business supplied by Outlaw Buckers and the Calgary Stampede.
The event's opening ceremony incorporated pyrotechnics and O Canada sung by Miss Rodeo Canada herself, Kaylee Shantz.
Riders in the long-go were split into three 10-rider groups with a short break in between.
The top eight scores at the end of the long go were invited back for the short go after a brief intermission.
In the long go, Zeke Thurston catapulted to the top of the leader board with an 89-point ride, though he was closely followed by Sage Newman (88.5), Cash Wilson (88), and Kolby Wanchuk and Chase Brooks (87.5).
In the short go, Thurston showed why he is a four-time world champion with a 92-point ride. Brody Wells placed second with an 89.5-point ride, and Cash Wilson placed third with an 89-point ride.
In the average, Thurston won first place with 181 points after two rides, Cash Wilson won second with 177 after two, and Brody Wells came in third with 176 points.
As of Aug.2, 2024, Thurston was first overall in the CRPA standings.
The Cowboy Channel was also on-site filming the event for its subscribers.
