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Big Valley's Zeke Thurston crowned 2016 World Saddle Bronc Riding Champion

Although it started slow for Big Valley's Thurston, it has ended quite sweetly as he finished at the top, riding Fire Lane.
zeke thurston
Big Valley's Zeke Thurston is the 2016 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. Seen here in action earlier this year at the Ponoka Stampede.

Although it started slow for Big Valley's Zeke Thurston, it has ended quite sweetly as he finished at the top, riding Andrews Rodeo's horse "Fire Lane."

When Thurston started off at the 2016 NFR, he was seeded fourth in the world standings.

But things began to change gradually for Thurston as he won the sixth go-round with a personal best of 88.5.

And after his 10th go-round 86-point ride, Thurston finished at the top of the NFR average with 747.5 points.

The win in the average pushed him to the top of the world standings and Thurston has been crowned the 2016 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider.

With a total earning of $265,449 and change, Thurston has had a great run this year.

When asked about his mindset and the possibility of winning, he said, "I knew I had a chance, but some things had to go my way.

"My dad said to dance with the one who brought ya, just let it all hang out and that's what I did," Thurston added. "I'd like to thank my family and everybody for supporting me, my beautiful wife. And I will remember this forever."