SADDLE BRONC RIDER UPS ANTE IN 2009 STANDINGS RACE
April 27 , 2009

Saddle bronc rider Josh Harden found himself in 19th place as he was headed to the Kananaskis Pro Rodeo in Coleman, Alta. His ride there earned him $913 for first place on Kesler Rodeo Co.’s bronc KS 324, and a big jump to 11th place in the standings.

“Really? Sweet!” Harden enthused when he heard the news. “It’s nice to get a good early start in the season, and everything is feeling good right now.”

The cowboy from Big Valley, Alta. has a goal of placing in the top 10 of this year’s standings.

“Everything just fell into place,” he recalled about the 81.5-point ride. “She came out and did her part: she started bucking and everything was just where it was supposed to be at.”

Harden’s older brother is 2005 All-Around Canadian champion Jeremy Harden. He also competed in Saturday’s saddle bronc performance, in addition to steer wrestling.

“He had a little tough luck,” Harden said, noting a little friendly sibling rivalry never hurt either of their competitive edges.

“It’s all fun and games. We always cheer for each other and we’re traveling partners, so we’re all there to help each other on and stuff,” he explained, adding the eldest Harden brother has always given him some good advice that he can apply to his own rodeo career.

“One ride ain’t the end of the world; you just go on to the next rodeo and leave that ride behind you, and just keep on trying to do your best.”

Check out the upcoming June issue of Canadian Rodeo News for more details from the Kananaskis Pro Rodeo, or visit www.rodeocanada.com for complete results.