Big Valley’s Zeke Thurston joined the history books at the 65th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) on Saturday.
In Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center on the final day of the saddle bronc competition, Thurston rode Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight to an 86.5-point ride.
The ride got him sixth place in round 10 but it launched him his fourth world championship title.
He joined Brad Gjermundson, Clint Johnson, and Pete Knight in winning four. Dan Mortensen and Casey Tibbs have six titles, and Billy Etbauer has five.
“Yeah, that’s a big deal for me,” Thurston said in a media release. “It’s what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a little boy. It’s just proof that if you work hard enough and chase your dreams, it’s possible.”
Thurston titles in 2016, 2019, and 2022, before yet another strong NFR performance in 2023. He came away with wins in rounds one, five, eight, and nine. He also placed in eight of the 10 rounds.
“I really wanted to go out there tonight and put an exclamation point on the week. That horse was a little bit all over the place and it sure wasn’t a perfect ride, but we weathered it and here we are,” Thurston added.
His previous highest single-season earnings mark of $399,916 was broken after he earned $456,356 this year.
Thurston also claimed his third average title at the NFR with 863 points on 10 head. His last average titles were in 2016 and 2022.
“It’s huge,” Thurston said. “You get to come represent the country of Canada and some of the very best bronc riders have come from there. It’s special to keep that legacy rolling.
“I just had to go ride my broncs, each and every one of them. Consistency is the key, but you have to ace everyone that they draw you regardless of what kind of horse it is. I feel like I was able to accomplish that this week.”