In just his second full season in the Foothills Cowboy Association an Okotoks bull rider has staked his claim to being one of the top amateur bull riders in Alberta.
Jordan Hanson earned a berth to his first Foothills Cowboy Association (FCA) finals by not only finishing in the top 10 in the bull riding standings, but by finishing on top with $2,910 in season winnings — almost $300 ahead of second place finisher Jacob Stemo.
For Hanson, 18, a graduate of Foothills Composite High School, the secret to his success this season has been consistency.
“You just have to stay on as many bulls as you can,” said Hanson. “If you can get some decent rides you are going to get some cheques. You just have to be consistent.”
Hanson has been consistent riding bulls all season, but his meteoric rise to the top of the standings is somewhat surprising, especially considering bull riding was not his first choice when it came to rodeos.
Hanson’s mom is a veteran barrel racer and it was only a matter of time before Hanson started to follow in the family footsteps and compete as well.
Like many young cowboys Hanson tried his hand at roping, but it was a short-lived experiment.
“I tried roping, but I didn’t really like it and I wasn’t very good at it,” said Hanson with a laugh.
So Hanson started riding steers and at the age of 14 got up on his first bull.
Most 14-year-olds would check a bull ride off their bucket list and get back to hobbies a little less life threatening. However, Hanson was not like most 14-year-olds. He became addicted to that rush.
“It is such an adrenaline rush to be on something that big,” said Hanson of his bull rides.
He also admitted being a little bit crazy does not hurt either.
After winning the FCA regular season title Hanson said there is no substitute for getting on as many bulls as possible to improve your skills.
The Okotoks cowboy attended a few riding schools this spring, but he said the best teacher is experience.
He said his travelling partners as well as his parents and veteran cowboys are always willing to provide some advice and tips at the various FCA rodeos throughout Alberta.
Those little tidbits of advice and competing in rodeos every weekend has made a substantial difference for Hanson.
So has travelling with Stemo and Todd Chotowetz, who finished second and third respectively in the FCA bull riding standings.
Hanson said the three young cowboys have not only helped each other, but they have also pushed each other all summer as the trio grappled for the FCA title.
Now all three have qualified for the FCA Cowboy Classic Final which will be held Oct. 7-9 in Red Deer.
This will be Hanson’s first trip to the FCA final and he hopes it will be a springboard to the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
If Hanson wins the amateur title, he will be able to secure his pro permit for next season. If he does not win the FCA title, he said he might wait to turn pro until 2013 and continue to hone his skills on the FCA circuit — one of the top amateur loops in the country.
Turning pro is definitely his goal, but he knows he will have his work cut out for him competing in the pro ranks.
“The bulls are a lot better and the riders are some of the top riders in the world,” said Hanson. “You have got some Canadian champions like Tyler Thomson out there. You gotta be ready and be in shape, but the only way I am going to get better is to keep getting on.”
After the FCA finals in October Hanson said he will continue to ride throughout the winter. His winter regimen might be a lot more fun if he is riding with an FCA championship buckle holding up his Wranglers.
The FCA Cowboy Classic Final will be held Oct. 7-9 in Red Deer and for more information see www.fcarodeo.com.
