Ardmore native Lane Cust lived his dream earlier this month capturing the Novice Saddle Bronc title at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton.
“It was a dream come true really. I have been watching (the Canadian Finals Rodeo) since I was a little kid,” said Cust. “Being a part of that rodeo is one finals that everyone wants to go to one day, so it was awesome.”
The CFR was the biggest event Cust had attended in his young career. He came into the event sitting in third place out of three riders, with a championship win in his sights.
On his first ride he placed second with a score of 70.00. The next day he came out with a great ride of 74.00, which was good enough for first place. The third day saw him get “lucky” as his competitor Kennan Reinhardt bucked off and Cust's score of 64.00 held up as the top score of the day. Saturday saw Reinhardt get back on track and post a 74.50, which was slightly better than Cust's ride of 73.00. Saturday evening Cust came out with his best ride of the weekend, busting off a score of 78.00 to take the event.
“My rides were all a little bit tougher than what the other guys were drawing,” said Cust. “Most of my horses turned back and circled around. They really didn't just jump straight. I just tried to do the best with what I had.”
The CFR victory snagged $8,320 for Cust, which more than doubled his season earnings and bumped him up to a total of $14,348 for the year.
“It is pretty awesome,” said Cust. “I haven't really thought about (the money). Once the cheque comes in the mail it will probably hit me.”
The 2014 season was Cust's second full-time year in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) circuit, which saw him win nine rodeos.
He won the Wildwood rodeo in May, picked up victories in Sundrie and Ponoka in June, was victorious in Teepee Creek and Kennedy in July, won at Grimshaw, LaCrete and Pincher Creek in August and capped it all off with a win at the CFR in November.
One of the most memorable moments of the season for Cust came back at the end of July when the CPRA came to Bonnyville for the weekend.
“The weather wasn't the greatest but I loved it,” said Cust, of riding in Bonnyville.
“I think I was more nervous there than at the CFR.”
Cust had a couple of tough rides in Bonnyville. The first ride saw his horse come out backwards and fall over. Then, on his second ride he was bucked off. Although they were tough, he still enjoyed performing close to his hometown.
“It was nice for everyone to be there and get to watch me,” said Cust. “It was cool.”
Cust has been competing in saddle bronc for the past four years after being introduced to it when he was 16-years-old.
“I went to a bronc riding school when I was 16-years-old. I borrowed a saddle and some gear and ended up liking it,” said Cust. “I worked my way through high school rodeo and just kept going with it.”
Cust says his brother, who also rode for a short time, is a big influence on him. He feels his brother, along with the rest of his family and friends are a big part of getting him to where he is today.
“I'd like to think I have the best support system out of anybody,” said Cust. “It makes a big difference. All summer it helps you get down the road each day. When you always have people cheering you on. I'll get phone calls and texts and messages from people wishing me luck and following my big events. I probably get the best support anyone could ask for.”
