Montana bronc riders compete in Cinch event
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KALISPELL — Seven Montana cowboys were among the top 22 riders selected to compete in the Cinch Bucking Horse Championships held at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell on Oct. 4.
One of those saddle bronc riders was Charlie Lyttle, a 20-year-old Arlee cowboy who attends the University of Montana and will be representing the U of M on the collegiate rodeo team in the spring. He’s been riding saddle broncs for five years, and he comes from a rodeo family, although his dad rode bulls.
Lyttle competed in saddle bronc riding in the Northern Rodeo Association this summer and hit approximately 35 rodeos, ending up sitting 12th in the standings and missed the finals cut- off, since only the top 10 go.
“This is my first year qualifying (for the Cinch Bucking Horse Championships,)” Lyttle said.
It’s a big deal, because the sponsors put up a lot of money, Lyttle said, referencing the $20,000 added purse for the bronc riders.
Lyttle’s mother, Rhonda Kinney, said she’s very excited about her son’s performance.
Other moms of bronc riders from Alberta, North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan and Wyoming were there to see their sons matched up against 4 and 5-year-old saddle broncs, chosen by the stock contractors as their up and comers.
The Montana bronc riders competing were:
Leroy Eash, Fortine
Kendall Green, Cohagen
JC DeSaveau, Roberts
Chase Casterline, Wolf Point
Buck DeMers, Park City
Andrew Evjene, Melville
Charlie Lyttle, Arlee
Four cowboys posted two scores in the event: Justin Mestin, Tess, Alberta, won with 153-point total; Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta, and JC DeSaveur of Roberts, tied for second with 152 points; LeRoy Eash, Fortine, rode two broncs for 145 points and fourth place.