North Battleford bull rider targets climb in national standings after hometown PBR Classic

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The event on Thursday night also carried more weight than most stops on the schedule.

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North Battleford bull rider targets climb in national standings after hometown PBR Classic

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“I definitely felt a little bit of pressure, just the hometown pressure. I wanted to do good so bad in that place because that’s one of the biggest goals that I have is to win there one day.” 

The disappointment, however, did little to change his outlook.

Fennig said riding against PBR Canada competition reinforced just how much stronger the stock is than what he typically encounters on the BRC circuit, giving him confidence as he returns to the rest of his season.

“The difference in the bull power for sure is there. Their round one bulls there are our round two bulls at the BRC. And then when you get into the round two at the PBR, it’s that next level. Their championship round bulls are twice the bull than what our championship round bulls are.” 

That level of competition, he said, is exactly why he walked away encouraged.

“I actually felt like I rode pretty good. That’s just a really good bull, and not very many guys get past him.”

“So, it was actually a little bit of a confidence boost that I was able to make it through what I did. And when I go back to these BRCs … there ain’t too much that are gonna throw at me that are gonna buck that hard. So if anything, I’d say it’s almost given me a little bit of confidence, believe it or not.” 

There will be little time to dwell on Thursday night’s result.

Fennig returns to BRC competition in Swift Current on Friday before continuing onto Lacombe, Alta., then to Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alta., and another stop at Midale, Sask., during a busy stretch of rodeos.

After sitting sixth in the BRC national standings earlier this month, Fennig acknowledged he has “been kind of stubbing my toe and struggling a little bit” over the past couple of weekends, but believes the coming weeks present an opportunity to climb back toward the top of the standings.

“I’m healthy, everything’s going good, so I really wanna make a push and try to get into the top five here.”

“I don’t like hanging around down near seven, eight, nine, 10. I don’t like being down there too much. I’d really like to get at least into the top five and hang out there for the rest of the year, ’cause it gets to be no fun when you get bumped out of the top 10.” 

Wyatt Fennig of North Battleford competes in bull riding during the 54th annual North Battleford Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo at the Access Communications Centre on Friday, April 24, 2026. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW staff)

One lasting impression from Thursday night had little to do with the riding itself.

Fennig said he was struck by the support he received from the hometown crowd and by how many people have continued to follow his career.

“I was actually amazed at all the support that I had. I didn’t realize how many people cared, to be quite honest. So many people I haven’t seen in a long time and how many people follow me that I didn’t even know cared or whatever. It’s kind of cool to see that there’s people that keep up with what I’m doing.” 

Now, his attention is already on the next ride.

“I just gotta keep riding my bull,” Fennig said. “I am gonna turn it around here this weekend, and we’re gonna get back into that top five.” 

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com