In the rough and tumble sport of bull riding, each cowboy is reaching for the same goal — to ride than bull for those eight seconds.
Cochrane’s Jody Turner will be gunning for those eight seconds at this year’s Calgary Stampede, as he makes his fifth appearance in the famous rodeo. The last time Turner was in that particular ring was 2007. A lot has changed in those six years.
“I’m 32 years old now, so I’m getting old for a bull rider,” remarked Turner. “My perspective and my goals have changed — both personally and professionally. I’ve proved myself enough, I have to look ahead.”
Since December 2012, the Cochrane-based bull rider has started his own trucking business and became a dad to baby girl Taylynn (who is four months old) — it’s little wonder he’s been busy. He said he’s been to six rodeos this season, supplementing the competitions with off-the-bull training when he has a chance.
“My year has been a bit of a whirlwind,” he said. “My life has totally changed in the matter of a year.”
So far this year, the former Canadian Champion Bull Rider made his way to rodeos in Grande Prairie, Airdrie and Ponoka, among others.
Adding another wrench into the equation is a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which has Turner donning braces on both knees for competition. The leg injury was another reason for limiting his rodeo campaign this season; he said he wanted to ensure he was healthy and ready for the prestigious Stampede.
“My only goal is to stay healthy, stay happy and get a good draw — hopefully things will fall into place,” said Turner.
The local cowboy is competing in Pool B of the bull-riding event, which began July 9.
