Jake Gardner and Cole Young, photos courtesy PBR

By Erika Rolling

Bull Riding

Two Peace region cowboys competing in PBR this weekend

Sep 29, 2023 | 1:04 PM

Bonnett’s Energy Centre in Grande Prairie is hosting the PBR Canada Cup Series’ Peace Country Invitational from September 30 – October 1.

Twenty-four riders from across the globe are competing this weekend, including two Peace country cowboys; Jake Gardner from Fort St John, B.C., and Cole Young from Fairview, A.B.

Bull riding will get underway on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are still available by clicking here.

Jake Gardner

Heading into the Peace County Invitational, Gardner is 16th in PBR’s Canada National Standings.

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He says the PBR season has been good so far.

“I started off the season placing good at an event that got me into the top 20 and I’m shooting for a spot at the finals, and very confident that I’m going to get there.” -Gardner

Gardner says he dislocated his shoulder in April, which took him out of competing for a month and a bit, but says he’s healthy now and ready to get back into it.

He notes it’s humbling to come back to his roots to compete.

“I’m very happy that I can perform in front of my people… it just feels at home. I seem to thrive up there and I really enjoy it. -Gardner

Gardner says his rodeo season also went well, placing second overall in Rodeo Canada standings.

“This sport there’s always ups and downs, but I’ve been very fortunate I feel this season.” -Gardner

He will be competing in the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer on November 1-5.

Cole Young

Young is 41st in the PBR’s Canada National Standings heading into the weekend.

He says his riding season has been short, being riddled with injuries, he hasn’t been able to compete as much as other seasons.

“I’m planning on the weekend going good. I’ll hopefully do a couple more events throughout the year as it works with my schedule and planning on seeing Rogers (Edmonton) at the end of the year.” -Young

Young says it’s a big deal to be in front of a home crowd and competing on a stage like PBR.

“There is a lot of local friends, family, businesses that I’ve been close with that’ll all be out there this weekend… so a little bit of pressure. But we gotta capitalize on a good opportunity and perform under that pressure.” -Young

He is hoping for a good weekend and shooting at the possibility of making it to the PBR Finals this season as well.