Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational delivers thrills and community impact
By Kate Winquist
The West Central Events Centre was alive with adrenaline this past weekend as the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational brought two nights of world-class bull riding to Kindersley. With $30,000 in prize money on the line, the event has cemented itself as one of the premier stops on the PBR Canada Touring Pro Division.
Photo by Covy Moore
Photo by Covy Moore
The script for Saturday’s championship round could not have been written better. Only two riders managed to last the full eight seconds—and fittingly, they were Canada’s top two. Hometown favourite Dakota Buttar electrified the crowd with an 87-point ride on God Bless, edging out Jake Gardner, who posted 82.5 points aboard Dark Mark. However, Gardner (Fort St. John, British Columbia) emerged supreme, going a perfect 3-for-3 to win the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational and close within a mere 1.5 points in the race for the 2025 Canadian Championship.
“Watching the number one and number two riders in the country duel like that was absolutely spectacular,” said Pete Gebraad, PBR Canada Cup Series production manager. “Brett Gardiner and I looked at each other and said, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ What a show by both of them.”
But the weekend wasn’t just about bull riding. The invitational also doubled as a fundraiser for the Kindersley Hospital, and the generosity from fans and local businesses stunned organizers. Donations poured in throughout the event, with Gebraad telling the crowd, “We’re gonna create a moment here”—and they did.
Some of the largest contributions included:
$15,000 – Kindersley Kinsmen & Kinettes
$10,000 – Ian and Tina Coutts
$10,000 – Longhorn Oil and Gas
$5,000 – Full Tilt Holdings
$5,000 – Dakota Buttar & Pete Gebraad
$5,000 – Good To Go Trucking (in memory of Norm Neigum)
$5,000 - Hollands Hot Oiling
$5,000 – 50/50 draw proceeds
By the end of the night, the fundraiser had reached $73,500—bringing the community closer to purchasing a much-needed new anesthetic machine for the hospital.
Lisa Kirtzinger of the Kindersley Kinsmen & Kinette Club was visibly moved. “When we started this fundraiser, we just hoped to raise some money. My heart couldn’t be more full than it is right now. We’ll keep it open for another week so more people can contribute. Thank you, Kindersley.”
Anika Becker, representing the Saskatchewan Health Authority, echoed the gratitude. “I’m from here. I work here. We care for the people of this community, and I am overwhelmed by the generosity. A heartfelt thank you from myself, the hospital, and the SHA.”
With thrilling rides in the arena and overwhelming support outside of it, the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational showed why Kindersley continues to punch above its weight—both in sport and in spirit.