Bull rider Jared Parsonage chases more Stampede glory during the day, Bullbustin' prize at night

Calgary Herald

04-07-2025

When Jared Parsonage emerged as the top bull rider at the Calgary Stampede rodeo in 2023, he proclaimed that the third time was a charm.
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Having finished second in 2019 and third in 2022, Parsonage had extra motivation to finally capture the $50,000 prize and championship bronze statue.
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Now, he's on the hunt for more as one of 10 bull riders competing in Pool A from Friday to Saturday looking to lock down one of three spots in Championship Sunday on July 13.
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'It's a cool place,' said the 32-year-old thrill-seeker from Maple Creek, Sask., of competing in the GMC Stadium infield at the Stampede. 'As a Canadian rodeo cowboy, I think it's special to all of us. We all want to do well … and it's always fun when it goes good.'
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Going up against the likes of Hayes Weight, who's coming off a Showdown Round win at the Ponoka Stampede on Canada Day, doesn't phase Parsonage, who always seems to be as cool as a cucumber when going about his job.
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'It's going to be no different than it ever is,' Parsonage said. 'You ride your bulls and if do a good job of riding your bulls, you'll be back in the finals. The name of the game is to ride bulls and if you do that, you'll give yourself a chance.'
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After winning a bit of money — but not enough for his liking — at both the Ponoka Stampede and the Wild West PBR (a Professional Bull Riders event in Ponoka on June 28), Parsonage will be doing double duty again in Calgary this weekend.
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Shortly after Friday's rodeo, Parsonage will make the short jaunt to the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino on Tsuutʼina Nation for the fourth night of 2025 Cody Snyder Charity Bullbustin' action.
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'I'll go to Calgary during the day and come back here at nights,' said Parsonage after being bucked off Lost Creek just shy of the eight-second mark during Wednesday's Bullbustin' performance. 'It's only one bull here at night and one bull there. If you draw a good, it's worth it. There's lots of money here. Obviously, lots of money at Calgary. You're out here and you're riding bulls, so you might as ride bulls.'
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Unfortunately for Parsonage, his Bullbustin' experience at the five-night extravaganza — which will wrap up on Saturday — hasn't been great so far. He's been bucked off all three nights, including on Thursday when his bovine counterpart, Kraken, got the best of him.