Featured Riders
Meet Our Rodeo Athletes
The Cloverdale Rodeo features 96 incredible athletes each year. The field features riders from Canada, the US and beyond, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch how they perform in one of the rodeo world’s favourite invitational events.
Quick Links
Barrel Racers
Featured Riders
Kyla Simmons - Kamloops BC
Notable Accomplishments
- 2025 Cloverdale Rodeo Barrel Racing Champion
Rider Bio
@ky.simmons
Kyla Simmons cemented her place in Cloverdale Rodeo history as the 2025 Barrel Racing Champion, delivering a standout performance marked by speed, precision, and composure under pressure. A fierce competitor with a deep-rooted passion for rodeo, Simmons is known for her ability to consistently execute clean, fast runs when it matters most. Her Cloverdale title highlights her as one of the top barrel racers in the sport, showcasing the dedication, athleticism, and grit that define elite rodeo athletes.
Jayden Wilson - Gleichen AB
Notable Accomplishments
- 2025 Canadian National Champion Barrel Racer
- 2x CFR Qualifier (2024, 2025)
Rider Bio
@jaydenwilson
Jayden Wilson is one of Canada’s rising rodeo stars, earning national recognition as the 2025 Canadian Barrel Racing Champion. Known for her speed, precision, and strong partnership with her horse, Wilson has quickly made a name for herself on the rodeo circuit with consistent top finishes and a fearless competitive style. Her championship season reflects years of dedication to the sport, and she continues to represent the next generation of elite barrel racers, combining athleticism, horsemanship, and a deep passion for rodeo tradition.
Bull Riders
Featured Riders
Jake Gardner - Fort St. John, BC
Notable Accomplishments
- Current #1 Ranked Rider in the World
- 2026 Houston Rodeo Champion
- 3x Canadian all-around Canadian champion
- 3x Canadian Global Cup team member
- 4x CFR qualifier
- 4x PBR Canada qualifier
Rider Bio
@jakegardner777
Jake Gardner has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of the sport’s top competitors. A veteran of both the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and PBR Canada circuits, Gardner has built his reputation on grit, consistency, and fearless riding. In 2026, he delivered a breakthrough performance by winning the prestigious RodeoHouston event—entering as a late replacement and walking away with the championship and a $65,000 payday—which propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the PRCA world standings. Known for his ability to stay in sync with even the rankest bulls, Gardner combines athleticism with a deep understanding of the animals he rides, viewing the sport as a balance of timing, instinct, and partnership. Now competing at the highest level across North America, he continues to chase a world title while representing his northern B.C. roots on the global rodeo stage.
Dakota Buttar - Eatonia, SK
Notable Accomplishments
- 4x Canadian Bull Riding Titles
- 2x NFR qualifier
- 4x PBR worlds finals qualifier
- 4 x PBR Global cup qualifier
- 1x Calgary Stampede title
Rider Bio
@dakotabuttar
Dakota Buttar, from Eatonia, Saskatchewan, has established himself as one of Canada’s premier bareback riders through years of grit, consistency, and elite-level performances on the professional rodeo circuit. A multiple-time qualifier for both the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) and the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), Buttar reached a career milestone in 2020 when he captured the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Bareback Riding Championship.
Known for his aggressive riding style and ability to post big scores on top-calibre horses, he has earned victories and strong finishes at many of North America’s most prestigious rodeos, including standout appearances at the Calgary Stampede and major PRCA events across the United States. Respected for his work ethic and toughness, Buttar continues to be a consistent contender at rodeo’s highest levels while proudly representing Saskatchewan’s rich rodeo tradition.
Dakota Buttar – Yes
Notable Accomplishments
- 2x NFR qualifier
- 4x PBR worlds finals qualifier
- 4 x PBR Global cup qualifier
- 4x Canadian Bull Riding Titles
- 1x Calgary Stampede title
Rider Bio
I grew up just outside of Kindersley, SK. My dad rode bulls when he was younger, and I have an older sister who barrel races. That’s how I got started and involved in rodeo. I got on my first steer at 8 years old at a rodeo my sister was competing in. Fast-forward 23 years, and bull riding has taken me all over the world.
What inspired you to become a Bull Rider?
Growing up around the sport and my love for bucking bulls.
What does being selected to compete at the Cloverdale Rodeo mean to you?
It means a lot to me to be selected to compete in the Cloverdale rodeo, it’s one of the best rodeos in Canada and is one of my bucket list rodeo titles I would like to have under my belt.
From your viewpoint, how has Rodeo Culture changed since you started riding?
Rodeo culture has definitely changed since I started riding. I would have to say it has changed to be a lot more business-focused. It has evolved and grown to the point where we can make a living at it.
What Rodeo Culture traditions are stronger than ever?
The traditions that are stronger are that our rodeo families away from home are bigger and as strong as ever.
Rugar Piva – Yes
Notable Accomplishments
- 2025 Winner of the Lake Havasu Stampede
- 2024 Cloverdale Rodeo Champion
Rider Bio
A dedicated and determined athlete with deep roots in rodeo, Rugar is a native of Challis, Idaho. He grew up in a close-knit family and small-town community, where his passion for rodeo took hold early. At nine, he started competing in junior rodeos and was riding big bulls by thirteen.
Rugar attended the University of Montana Western, where he competed on the college rodeo team and earned a national wrestling title as a freshman. His commitment to training and competition has taken him to some of the biggest rodeo stages, including a memorable rookie win at the Pendleton Round-Up and a standout 92-point ride at the Caldwell Night Rodeo.
Known for his work ethic and humility, Rugar spends his time off the road helping out on his grandfather’s ranch. While he doesn’t consider himself superstitious, he avoids eating chicken before a ride and keeps his hat off the bed—a quiet nod to tradition. Rugar draws inspiration from rodeo legends and believes in staying mentally strong. He credits books like Mind Gym with helping him stay focused. Whether chasing points in Cheyenne or snowboarding in the off-season, he brings the same grit and heart to everything he does.
What inspired you to become a Bull Rider?
What does being selected to compete at the Cloverdale Rodeo mean to you?
From your viewpoint, how has Rodeo Culture changed since you started riding?
What Rodeo Culture traditions are stronger than ever?
Jared Parsonage – Yes
Notable Accomplishments
- 4x Canadian National Champion
- 3x National Finals Rodeo Qualifier
- Calgary Stampede Champion Bull Rider
Rider Bio
Jared Parsonage is a 4-time Canadian National Champion bull rider, a 3-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, and a Calgary Stampede champion bull rider. He has been immersed in rodeo since a young age, with a deep love for the sport.
Outside of rodeo, Jared enjoys ranching and hunting. He has a passion for hockey, having played competitively for many years. Family is important to him—he’s married to Tulsa, and together they have a son, Kade. Jared also has a younger sister, Taryn, and his parents, Don and Jill, have always been a strong support system. Known for his dedication to his sport and family, Jared’s love for the Calgary Stampede is rooted in his Canadian upbringing, making it a special event in his career.
What inspired you to become a Bull Rider?
What does being selected to compete at the Cloverdale Rodeo mean to you?
From your viewpoint, how has Rodeo Culture changed since you started riding?
What Rodeo Culture traditions are stronger than ever?
William Borrows – Yes
Notable Accomplishments
- 2024 CPRA Canadian National Champion Bull Rider
Rider Bio
William Barrows, a 2024 CPRA Canadian National Champion Bull Rider, comes from a family with a strong connection to bull riding, with several relatives involved in the sport. He began training in his early teens and got on his first bull at 16. Today, he shares his experience by mentoring young riders at the Foremost Rodeo Academy and remains actively involved in the rodeo community, already looking ahead to the upcoming season.
What inspired you to become a Bull Rider?
What does being selected to compete at the Cloverdale Rodeo mean to you?
From your viewpoint, how has Rodeo Culture changed since you started riding?
What Rodeo Culture traditions are stronger than ever?
Saddle Bronc Riders
Featured Riders
Zeke Thurston - Big Valley, AB
Notable Accomplishments
- 4x World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider
- 6x Canadian National Champion Saddle Bronc Rider
- 3x Calgary Stampede Champion
Rider Bio
@officialzekethurston
Zeke Thurston, from Big Valley, Alberta, is one of Canada’s most accomplished saddle bronc riders and a dominant force on the international rodeo stage. A multi-time PRCA World Champion, Thurston is known for his smooth, technically precise riding style and remarkable consistency against the sport’s toughest horses.
Since bursting onto the scene with a World Championship early in his career, he has continued to build an impressive résumé that includes multiple Canadian championships and National Finals Rodeo qualifications. Widely respected by his peers, Thurston combines elite skill with a deep understanding of the event, carrying on Alberta’s rich rodeo legacy while competing at the very highest level of the sport.
“I just love Cloverdale for the atmosphere the crowd brings to make it such an iconic event! We are fortunate to travel the world, going to the biggest rodeos, but it makes me proud to have such amazing events in our home country.”
~ Zeke Thurston
Logan Hay - Wildwood, AB
Notable Accomplishments
- 2025 Cloverdale Rodeo Champion Saddle Bronc Rider
- 2x NFR Qualifier
- 6x CFR Qualifier
Rider Bio
@logan_hay
Logan Hay, from Wildwood, Alberta, is one of Canada’s rising saddle bronc riding stars, highlighted by his impressive victory at the 2025 Cloverdale Rodeo. Known for his smooth style, strength, and consistency, Hay has steadily climbed the ranks of the professional rodeo circuit, earning respect among competitors and fans alike. A regular presence at top-tier rodeos across North America, he has qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and continues to build momentum with strong performances against elite stock. With a foundation rooted in Alberta’s rich rodeo tradition, Hay combines technical precision with natural athleticism, positioning himself as a contender to watch on the sport’s biggest stages.
Bareback Riders
Featured Riders
Kade Berry - Weatherford, TX
Notable Accomplishments
- 2025 Cloverdale Rodeo Champion
Rider Bio
@kadeberry1
Kade Berry made a statement on one of Canada’s biggest stages, capturing the Bareback Riding title at the 2025 Cloverdale Rodeo with a standout, high-scoring performance. Hailing from a strong rodeo background, Berry has built a reputation as a tough, consistent competitor known for his strength, control, and fearless approach against some of the rankest horses in the sport. Competing across top rodeos in North America, he continues to climb the ranks with impressive rides and a determination to contend at the highest level. Berry’s Cloverdale victory highlights his emergence as a serious force in bareback riding and a talent to watch on the professional rodeo circuit.
Orin Larsen - Inglis, MB
Notable Accomplishments
- 1x Canadian National Champion Bareback Rider
- 8 x NFR Qualifier
Rider Bio
@orinlarsen
Orin Larsen, from Inglis, Manitoba, is one of Canada’s most accomplished bareback riders, known for his consistency, toughness, and ability to deliver under pressure on rodeo’s biggest stages. A regular qualifier for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), Larsen has finished among the top bareback riders in the world standings multiple times, highlighted by a career-best 3rd place finish in the PRCA World Standings. He is also a Canadian Champion and multiple-time Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) qualifier, with strong showings at events like the Calgary Stampede, where he has earned significant wins and podium finishes.
Larsen’s résumé includes victories at major rodeos across North America and a reputation for posting big scores against top-tier stock. With a powerful riding style and years of elite-level experience, he continues to represent Manitoba—and Canada—at the highest levels of professional rodeo.
Official Event Venue Map & Schedule
Click the Images to View the Full Schedule and Fun Map
Join the VIP Mailing List
Joining our VIP mailing list ensures you’ll be one of the first to discover what’s new, see which traditions are returning, and receive insider tips to help you make the most out of your trip to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds this May Long Weekend.
Complete the form below and we’ll deliver the details directly to your inbox along with exciting offers and contests.