A rodeo cowboy’s first win at the pro level is not unlike an NHL hockey player’s first goal or a major league ball player’s first home run. It happens only once and it’s cause for celebration.
For Drayton Valley steer wrestler, Jordan Ness, that celebration took place this weekend at Taber’s Spring Classic Pro Rodeo when he bulldogged his steer in 4.1 seconds and took home first place money of $2497.11. And the 33 year-old wasn’t done as he added a 10th place $129.01 at Medicine Hat’s Broncs and Honky Tonks event to his weekend haul.
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. “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 likeable 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 travelling 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.”
One thing Ness won’t have to work out is how to get that first win, often the hardest, in the books. That box has already been checked and now it’s all about keeping that momentum going.
Next up on the CPRA calendar are the Kananaskis Pro Rodeo at Coleman, Alta., and the Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo with both events slated for May 2-4.
For complete unofficial results go to rodeocanada.com.
- Submitted by Pro Rodeo Canada
