There’s nothing like being able to return to a place where you’ve had success, and duplicating it.
Garrett Green feels that way about the Enmax Centrium in Red Deer. On Saturday night he claimed the Rebel Energy Services Bull Riding title for the second year in a row.
The tall, lanky cowboy from Meeting Creek rode two bulls for 167 points, to win the average, and $3447 for his evening’s work. Plus it gives him the early lead in the PBR Canada standings.
“I guess I’ve just got that in my head,” said Green, moments after accepting his championship buckle. “Winning from last year is rolling on. Maybe it can go again next year!”
The only difference from last year was he didn’t win the opening round. That honor this time went to veteran Scott Schiffner of Strathmore, for an 85.5 ride on a bull called Rock Show.
Green came into the final round of ten riders in the middle of the pack after marking 80 points on a spotted white whale by the name of Guitars and Cadillacs.
“I had to take him laying down (in the chute), so it is what it is. I got him stuck anyways. My feet were a little loose there for the first half, but I got hunkered down and did good,” said Green, who turned 24 this month.
“Then I got the same bull that I did here last year in the short round for the win, so I was happy about that.”
Minion Stuart, a black spinner, was just as helpful as he was last February, and the two combined for an 87 score, one point better than in 2015. The 167 total was enough to take first overall.
It was Green’s first time back in the rodeo arena after a long winter, and he was more than glad to be there.
“I’ve been working and saving up, just for the rodeo season. I’ve been pipelining in Conklin. Now I’m done, and I’ve got three back to back PBR’s. If they keep going like this, I ain’t going back to work,” he grinned, wryly.
Cowboys are always happy to begin a new year of action on a winning note. But, as Green knows so well, that’s not the end of the story.
“It’s good to get it kicked off right, but then you’ve got to keep it up. You’ve got to keep getting those cheques all year long to make it to the Finals.”
When it came to his pro rodeo season, Green was bitterly disappointed to finish outside Canada’s top twelve bull riders, which left him at home instead of in Edmonton last November.
“My wrist was giving me some problems, but it’s feeling good this year and I’m hoping I can go get a win there. I had a couple month’s break and (the wrist) kind of healed itself up.”
Finishing close behind Green at the Red Deer Bull Riding event was Devon Mezei of Carstairs, who was just a half point behind at 166.5, for $2508. Taking third spot, with 166 points, was Cody Coverchuk of Meadow Lake, SK.
A new addition to the program was the first Canadian appearance of a popular new event, the Bullfighters Only competition. Taking top honors there was Kris Buffalo of Wetaskiwin with 81.5 points. As well, current Canadian champion Luke Ferber of Irricana claimed the invitational steer riding event that was part of the evening as well.
Meanwhile, on the U.S. winter rodeo circuit, numerous Canadians are having some success. Ponoka–raised Jake Vold is leading the charge. The bareback rider gathered up over $10,000 on the pro rodeo circuit with a big win at San Angelo, TX and some go-round money from San Antonio. But, as the Canadian champion, he had the opportunity to compete at the RFD-TV American semi-finals this past weekend, where he also came out on top. So he’ll have a chance to ride for the million dollar purse at The American finals in Dallas next weekend. Joining him there will be fellow Canadians Cody Cassidy of Donalda in the steer wrestling, and Clay Elliott of Nanton in the saddle bronc riding, who also have a shot at the million dollar purse in their event. They’ll go head to head against the top finishers from last year’s world standings, who will be able to collect $100,000 if they win, under the unique format.