Kaden Ferguson Rides High On Biggest Stage Of His Professional Bullriding Career; Claims State Novice Championship At Bullride Mania Rodeo Winter Series Finals
Photos courtesy of Wendy Ferguson – (Above) Kaden displaying his 2025 Winter Series Championship Season Championship Buckles
By participating in one of the roughest sports known to man, Clarion-Limestone graduate and Clarion Area Bobcat and then Central Clarion Wildcat wrestler and Clarion-Limestone Lion golfer, Kaden Ferguson has chosen to go mano a mano, or more correctly mano a bestia (beast), as a professional bullrider.
And on Saturday, March 29th on the his biggest stage to date, the Bullride Mania Rodeo Winter Finals at the Farmshow Arena in Hershey, in front his biggest audience to date, on his baddest Bull to date, Kaden won the Winter Series and Winter Season Novice Championships.
Donna Kennard one of the owners of Bullride Mania Rodeo mentioned that there were over 5,100 in attendance.
The finals were sudden death in the truest sense. Donna said, “The competition at finals was a one and done, either you ride for the eight seconds or you get no second chance.”
Kaden’s ride’s name is 219 Hoof Hearted. The Bullride Mania Rodeo Emcee and the Rodeo Comedian had some humorous banter about Bull’s the name (say it fast and you’ll catch their drift), just prior to the gate being opened. But believe me, there was nothing funny about this muscular beast and his attitude. He gave Kaden one heck of a ride, or should I say, Kaden gave him one heck of a ride.
Kaden competed with other Novice riders, Heath Godwin, Jack Brentzel and Cooper Geagan. He was the only competitor in the division to stay on their ride for the required 8.0 seconds of heart pounding action.
After the ride, Kaden raised his hands jubilently just before getting out of Hoof Hearted’s way as the bull was headed back to his stall, while the emcee gave out a big “C’Mon… !! The crowd shouting and cheering in recognition of the great ride. Then Kaden was really feelin’ it and tossed his helmet high in the air in the middle of the ring in triumph to the delight of the of family and friends and his newly won following.
After congrats and thanks and fist bumps with the ever important Rodeo Clowns and a handler, Kaden headed the gate out of the arena. As he was making his exit from of center stage, the emcee announced Kayden’s winning in score and the cheering erupted again.
Kaden stated, “I just want to start by saying none of this is possible without the Lord.”
He mentioned, “The bull named 219 Hoof Hearted was definitely one of the hardest bulls I’ve ever been on, not to mention I was riding in front of the biggest crowd I’ve ever rode in front of.”
And as to all the emotions of this big event, Kaden said, “The nerves and adrenaline rush was by no means at a shortage. Winning the last event in the winter series surrounded by some of my best friends cheering for me is one of the best feelings in the world.”
And who does Kaden thank for all of this “The only one to thank for that is the Lord.”
Donna also feels 219 Hoof Hearted was a strong ride. “That bull was a step up from what he rode all season.”
On to bigger things for Kaden. Donna mentioned “Now that he is novice champion he will… move up to the open division.”
What was the requirement for Kaden to make it to this big stage? “He competed all winter at Sundance Arena in Fredonia PA in order to qualify for finals in Harrisburg.”
As to the dividends for Kaden and Bullride Mania Rodeo for the season ‘s success, Donna said, “For him to win the season means he won more money than anyone else this entire season. So that would mean he covered numerous bulls this season.”
Kaden concluded by saying, “Like I mentioned before I give all my credit and glory to God I wouldn’t be able to do anything without him. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things though Christ who gives me strength.” I put all my faith and trust in God to give me the strength and courage every time I sit down on the back of a bull and that’s never going to change.”
(Congratulations to Kaden this great accomplishment!!!! And thanks to Wendy Ferguson for her photos and video and to Donna Kennard for her quotes and background information!!)
LINK TO VIDEO OF KADEN’S WINNING RIDE