December 7, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn (RFD-TV) Following a phenomenal 88.50 point ride in Round 6 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston and his family were on cloud nine at the Gold Buckle Ceremony and ready to celebrate.
The son of six-time NFR qualifier Skeeter Thurston, Zeke is following in his father’s foot steps and creating his own page in the rodeo history books.
RFD-TV caught up with Zeke and his family backstage. The whole Thurston clan joined in to give some insight on what got them to South Point for the buckle presentation.
“She was a really good horse. I was lucky to take care of my part.” Zeke told us.
Skeeter, who is no stranger to the NFR and all of it’s glory, said, “I told him last night, ‘You just need to make a good solid ride.’ Sure enough, that’s what he did.”
Zeke’s mother said, “I’ve known for a long time that Zeke was somebody special in rodeo, and he works really hard at his craft. I had a good feeling about it all. I’m super proud of it.” She continued, “Ya know, you show up here, and it’s 10 rounds. Sometimes you gotta wait it out, and I knew that he had the patience to wait it out.”
Jayne, Zeke’s new wife and biggest supporter, was thrilled with her husband’s accomplishment.
“God blessed us with this opportunity and just to be here is awesome. I’m super thankful for it.”
Zeke is currently sitting third in the average, and hopes to emerge victorious throughout the remaining four rounds.