“The only life worth living is the adventurous life. Of such a life the dominant characteristic is that it is unafraid. It is unafraid of what other people think… It does not adapt either its pace or its objectives to the pace and objectives of its neighbors… The herd may graze where it pleases or stampede where it pleases, but he who lives the adventurous life will remain unafraid when he finds himself alone.” — Raymond B. Fosdick

They call it “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” The Calgary Stampede—a Canadian rodeo with over a century of rich history. After watching this year’s Stampede back in July, I knew I wanted my next big rodeo piece to be in front of those white bucking chutes. There were so many amazing bronc rides that it was difficult to choose one, but then I thought, who better to put in front of those Calgary bucking chutes than 4x Canadian champ and 4x Stampede champ Zeke Thurston? Zeke spurred Powder River Rodeo’s “After Party” to an 88.5-point victory in Round 3 of Pool A and went on to battle it out with Kade Bruno in an epic ride-off that would crown the champion of the 2024 Calgary Stampede.

Stampede, 30x40". Oil on canvas. Unframed - wired and ready to hang.
Madison K. Thames, 2024.