Kaden Cholin of Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, might only be 17, but he's making waves in the world of bronc riding. With just a year of experience under his belt, Cholin has already proven his skills in multiple rodeo circuits, including the KCRA, Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association and open rodeos across Alberta. But this talented young rider’s journey began long before his first rodeo last year—he’s been around horses since he could walk.
According to Kaden’s mom, Annie, Kaden's passion for horses started early. "He’s been riding horses since before he could walk,” she shared. However, his serious interest in bronc riding came a bit later. When he was around 12, Kaden bought his own unbroken mare, a one-year-old who wasn’t too thrilled to have a rider. "She just decided she didn’t like me on her, so she tried to buck me off," Kaden recalls. That experience sparked something in him, and soon enough, he was hooked.
Kaden’s original goal was to ride bulls, but after some discussion, his mom struck a deal with him. "The compromise was saddle broncs,” she explained, noting that broncs are a bit less aggressive. As Kaden puts it, "Bulls are mean—they’ll try to hurt you. Broncs? They’ll do their best not to step on you, though it doesn’t always work out that way."
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In just one year of competing, Kaden’s achievements are impressive. He recently won the novice saddle bronc event at a Billy McDonald Rodeo in Lac La Biche, Alberta, after taking second place in earlier competitions at Ermineskin and Lac La Biche again. Kaden’s success isn’t limited to Alberta; he also placed third in the KCRA finals in Saskatchewan.
His rodeo journey hasn’t been without challenges. In February, he sustained a significant injury, fracturing his C3 vertebra and compressing his L3 and L5 vertebrae. Despite these injuries, Kaden isn’t deterred.
Outside of rodeo, Kaden also plays hockey, which keeps his mom busy as both a "goalie mom and a rodeo mom." While juggling school, hockey, and rodeo events, Kaden maintains his focus on his goal: to ride professionally. He’s already been accepted into Vermilion College’s Agriculture Sciences program, where he plans to join the rodeo team and take the next steps in his career.
Looking ahead, Kaden has big dreams of joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and hopes to one day compete in the semi-pro circuits and beyond. "If I become good, I’ll try to get into the PRCA," he says confidently, his eyes set firmly on the future.
With his fearless determination, strong work ethic, and supportive family, Kaden Cholin is on the path to becoming one of Saskatchewan’s rising stars in rodeo. As he continues to train and compete, his journey will be one to watch in the rodeo world.
