Amazing rookie season for Eckville saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen

Sep 9, 2019 | 2:14 PM

Bronc rider Ben Andersen continued his winning ways with another win on the CPRA tour over the weekend – this one at the Medicine Hat Fall Roundup, where he rode Duffy Rodeo’s outstanding Stix to 86 points for the $808 victory.

The talented Eckville, first-year pro padded his lead in the rookie standings as well, now holding an $1800 cushion over barrel racer Stacey Ruzicka.

Andersen also solidified his hold on third place in the bronc riding standings, having long ago clinched a berth at CFR ’46. Not bad for a young man who bypassed the advice of his dad in taking out his pro card at the start of the 2019 season.

Former Canadian professional bronc rider, Chris Andersen, admits he had a different idea for his son.

“I told him he should spend another year in CPRA novice and amateur rodeo just to get a little more experience,” Chris chuckled. “Obviously he didn’t listen to me. I guess he knew what he was doing.”

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Yes, it would seem that Ben, who won’t turn 20 until next month, knew exactly what he was doing. In fact at several CPRA rodeos this year, the young cowboy won big cheques at rodeos where he’d competed (and in many cases won) in the novice event a year ago.

“Roddy Hay has this New Year’s Eve bronc riding (open) event every year and last December I told myself if I won that I’d turn pro,” Andersen recalled. “And sure enough I won it. I honestly felt I could win some at this level, but I sure didn’t have any idea it would go this good in my first year.”

The rookie title is one that would mean a lot to the second generation talent. “Those were my goals at the start of the year—to win the Rookie of the Year up here and in the PRCA as well.” Andersen sits second in the PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding rookie race but has leader Stetson Wright well within his sights.

Next up on the CPRA schedule is Oldstoberfest, September 13 and 14 in Olds, Alberta.

(Barb Poulsen, CPRA)

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Amazing rookie season for Eckville saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen

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