PBR Medicine Hat Classic this Saturday has nearby talent chasing top spot in standings

Maple Creek’s Jared Parsonage. Courtesy/Covy Moore

“Momentum is always a good thing and you just hope you can keep it on your side,” Parsonage said.

Parsonage has won the CFR three times now, but will be chasing his first PBR Canada Championship and first win at the PBR Medicine Hat Classic.

“That’s the only one I have never won. I’ve won both rodeos [in Medicine Hat] numerous times,” Parsonage said.

“I’ve had some luck through there and enjoy coming to Medicine Hat, and it’s as close to home as it gets for me,” he added.

“It’s always exciting to go.”

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Eatonia’s Dakota Buttar. Courtesy/Covy Moore

Buttar is happy to see another rider from the southwest Saskatchewan area, like Parsonage, sharing some success.

The two are both coming off a PBR win, after sharing top spot at the PBR Peace Country invitational in Grande Prairie on Sept. 27.

“It’s awesome. We all grew up together. We all started steer riding together and kind of moved up different levels with one another,” Buttar said.

“It’s cool when you get to share special moments with guys like that, that you’ve shared your whole career with.”

Buttar said his success in sitting in the top spot has come from a pretty busy year with the PRB.

“I’ve been able to stay healthy and then take advantage of the big events when I’ve needed to, and that’s really helped,” Buttar said.

“Doing better at the event with more points at them. I’ve been lucky enough to draw good bulls at those events and take advantage of them.”

Buttar enjoys riding close to home.

“Just a nice little short drive, go there, back same day be home, sleep in my own bed,” Buttar said.

“It’s always exciting to be close to home.”

Buttar had placed third at the 2024 event in Medicine Hat, but took top spot in 2019.

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READ: Eatonia’s Dakota Buttar claims third at PBR Medicine Hat Classic

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This could also be the first ride back with PBR Canada since the spring for Foremost’s William Barrows.

He competed in the 2024 event, getting bucked off, but had ended up winning the CFR that year, coming into the event.

He was hurt during a ride at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede’s summer rodeo this year, limiting his ability to climb the standings.

There are 28 bull riders from across the world competing in the event.

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Courtesy/PBR Canada

The top 10 who can stay on the bucking bull for eight seconds with the highest score will with have a second ride for a chance to win the event.

Co-op Place will be the home to PBR Canada on Saturday night.

It starts at 7 p.m. with tickets available at tixx.ca.

by Jesse Gill