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Bull Rider Jake Gardner participating in the PBR Canada Final in Grande Prairie in November 2020. Photo Credit: Shaun Penner.
By Shane Clausing
Jake Gardener

Fort St. John’s Jake Gardner eager for Grande Prairie PBR Buck Wild

Sep 29, 2021 | 2:50 PM

The ice has been taken out and the Bonnetts Energy Centre is getting ready to play host to PBR’s Buck Wild event on October 1 and 2.

This is the third time Buck Wild has made an appearance in Grande Prairie. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the arena and city played host to the PBR Canada Finals from November 5-7.

The event brings together the best bull riders in Canada, all of whom are vying to win money and earn a spot in the national final.

Fort St. John native Jake Gardner is one of the bull riders taking part. He tells EverythingGP he’s looking forward to participating in what he essentially calls his hometown event.

“I’d call this whole north country from Grande Prairie, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Chetwynd my home,” he explained.

“I grew up running around this area, I know a ton of people in this town and I know quite a few people from the surrounding area that will be coming. Whenever we have PBR’s here it’s always a good time, so I’m really excited.”

Gardner says with COVID-19 restrictions being loosened, his bull riding season is finally getting back to normal.

He adds he started the year in the United States, before moving back up to Canada to participate in the PBR Canada series and finish his season.

“My season (is) kind of different from last year. This year I made a promise to myself that I’d get to the United States and start competing down there. Over the summer I was gone for three months competing in rodeos. It was pretty good, I learned a lot down there and did alright,” he said.

“I’m pretty excited to get going down there next year. I’m coming up here for the end of the season and get to finish things off with PBR Canada and I’m pretty excited for that.”

Gardner mentioned with the season back into full swing it’s nice to have a set schedule and to make consistent money.

With his unofficial hometown event happening this weekend, Gardner said he has high expectations for himself this weekend and on the PBR Canada tour.

“I want to be first by the end of the weekend. I want to win this event and that’s the only thing that’s on my mind. I’ve got to put up some good scores and hopefully by the end of it, I go home with the buckle and inch closer to getting to the Canadian finals.”

According to Gardner, he’ll have between 10-30 family members in attendance, which he thinks will give him some comfort and confidence heading into this weekend.

“When I’m closer to home I feel confident and comfortable, so it’s good to have people in the stands there cheering me on.”

Gardner’s best finish this season is sixth place at the Prince Albert PBR stop.

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s event at the Bonnetts Energy Centre website.

In order to attend, fans will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated rapid testing would be offered free of charge at the event. That information was incorrect, as rapid testing will be offered at the gate for $40 per patron.

We apologize for the error.

by Shane Clausing