A local rider had his first big win at the professional level during the Taber’s Spring Classic Pro Rodeo on Tuesday, April 25 and 26.
Drayton Valley steer wrestler, Jordan Ness, bulldogged his steer in just 4.1 seconds to take home first place in the steer wrestling competition and the $2,497.11 purse. Ness also had a 10th place finish in Medicine Hat’s Broncs & Honky Tonks event the same weekend.
The 33-year-old Ness made the commitment to give professional rodeo a shot this year after a successful semi-pro career that included multiple finals appearances in the CCA, LRA and FCA.
“I never won any of them and was never season leader,” Ness acknowledged in a CPRA media release. “But I was pretty often right there on (Championship) Sunday. I always felt that I should win a Finals or be season leader at that level before I went pro which is why it took me so long to pull the trigger. But I’m getting a little older and the years are dwindling so I decided to get going on a pro career.”
The father of two (soon to be three) wasn’t the only one cracking out at the pro level that day as he rode Ty Livingston’s horse for his winning run. “He’s a horse they were hazing on last year and they switched him over this winter. He had his first pro rodeo that morning in Medicine Hat and then I got on him that night in Taber. I had one practice run on him and he feels great; It felt really natural for him and it looks like he loves it. And I had Scott Guenthner hazing for me so that was cool too.”
The win does a few things for the likable central Alberta hand. He’ll fill his permit and take a big step toward another goal. “I’ve always wanted to run one down at Ponoka,” Ness noted. “I just think that’s the coolest thing and I haven’t been able to do that as a bulldogger yet.”
As for any jitters as he hits the pro circuit, Ness said there weren’t really any. “I guess I’m at that point in my career where I don’t get caught up in who I’m bulldogging against but it’s when we’re outside the arena and talking bulldogging… that’s when I really look up to guys like Scott. You’re hearing it all differently and they’re saying different things.”
With the decision to be a CPRA bulldogger made, the first-time winner has some decisions to make as to traveling partners and what he’ll be mounted on as the season progresses. “I’ve got a few irons in the fire, but this all happened a little quicker than I expected so I don’t really have a plan together quite yet. Plus I have a really good job I have to work around, so there’s definitely a few things to work out.”
Next up on the CPRA calendar are the Kananaskis Pro Rodeo at Coleman, Alberta and the Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo with both events slated for May 2-4.
For complete unofficial results go to rodeocanada.com.
(With files from the CPRA)
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