Bull Rider Lonnie West in Top Spot Heading to CFR

* Canadian Rodeo News CFR Bull Riding Primer by Tim Ellis

Eleven years after winning the CPRA’s Rookie of the Year award, West has secured his first season leader saddle.

“I’m pretty excited about it,” offers the 30-year-old, Cadogan, AB bull rider. “I really didn’t think I was going to be able to catch Grady (Young) but I’m glad it all worked out.”

By the narrowest of margins ($118.58), West beat out the 20-year-old, Young for the number one position thanks to a windfall on the final weekend of the Pro Rodeo Canada regular season.

“That weekend was the deal maker,” suggests West, who won $9,700 at the B.C. stops (Armstrong, Merritt, Langley) during the weekend. “In the end, all of that money mattered.”

“I knew it could be possible but I honestly thought I’d end up short. Grady was probably disappointed but he chose to go down south and make a run at the NFR and barely missed qualifying for it. He’s plenty young yet. He’ll get a lot of season leader awards under his belt before he’s done.”

The climb back to the top of the standings, a view West had not seen since finishing as runner-up to two-time Canadian champion, Jared Parsonage during the 2022 regular season, was helped by the eight-time CFR qualifier’s ability to stay healthy.

“I had little stuff bother me here and there where I had to take a weekend off,” begins West, who was also a regular competitor on the PBR Canada circuit throughout the season. “But, there was nothing major that slowed me down which was a change of pace for me.”

“There were a lot of miles and a lot of bulls. It was nice to be able to push through the whole season, especially at the end of the year when there’s a little more pressure and you have to keep your foot on the gas. For sure, the last five years, I’ve battled shoulder trouble and then coming off surgeries and all that. Once I got through all that and back in riding shape, they’ve been holding up pretty good.”

“It’s crazy what you can do when you’re feeling good. And then you start putting rides together and the momentum just builds. I’ve went through a lot to get to this point and I’m having fun. I’m loving it.”

Among the contingent of bullriders that West will lead into Rogers Place in October are six first-time CFR qualifiers, including three 19-year-olds. Season leader runner-up, Grady Young, who will make his third Canadian Finals appearance, is just 20.

“I always just try to have fun riding bulls,” offers this season’s Ponoka Stampede champion. “Honestly, I think that’s when I do the best. It’s always fun when you can hang out with your friends and ride bulls.”

Only two Canadian champions are in the mix, Jordan Hansen (2016) and Dakota Buttar (2014-15).

2026 CFR BULL RIDING QUALIFIERS