Ashton Sahli Looks to Make Noise at PBR Canada Cup Series Event in Lethbridge, Alberta

AIRDRIE, Alta. – The annual PBR Canada Cup Series stop in Lethbridge, Alberta has long been a favourite among both riders and fans.

For nearly two decades, the South Country Co-op Showdown has been a staple on the PBR Canada schedule, but for Red Deer County’s Ashton Sahli, the event holds even deeper significance.

“The very first year I got to go to Lethbridge, I was a junior bull rider—I think that was 2016,” Sahli recalled. “It was my first PBR event, and even though I wasn’t getting on the open bulls yet, I was surrounded by the guys I looked up to. It’s cool to have junior bull riding back in Lethbridge.”

With junior bull riding returning to the PBR Canada Cup Series' two-day events, the next generation of riders will get a chance to compete alongside their heroes—just like Sahli did years ago.

Now, he’s one of the role models passing on that inspiration.

“Nash Loewen, who’ll be getting on junior bulls there this year, hit me up and asked if I could give him a lift down,” Sahli said. “It all comes full circle.”

Lethbridge also marked a key milestone in Sahli’s career. His first-ever event as a PBR member came in 2020, during the unique “lockdown” season when three events were held in an empty building due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“Lethbridge was my first event after I bought my card,” Sahli said. “It was the lockdown bull riding. That was my introduction to big buildings, big crowds, and lots of energy. Lethbridge paved the way for us—and for PBR Canada as a whole.”

“They opened the door to us during that time, and even though we didn’t have fans, the bull riding was the same.”

That energy is something Sahli feeds off. With Lethbridge being a college town, the crowd is loud, rowdy, and fully invested in the action inside VisitLethbridge.com Arena.

“I like loud crowds, where people are really into it,” Sahli said. “With the younger crowd, being a college town, they’re always hooting and hollering, and they love bull riding. I love being in the centre of it.”

Coming off a fifth-place finish at the PBR Canada Cup Series season opener in Red Deer roughly a month ago, Sahli has his sights set on finding consistency early to set up a strong summer run.

“There’s a lot of bull riding to do. We’re just getting started, but I’m excited, healthy, and feeling really good,” he said.

“I recovered really well from the broken leg at the PBR Canada National Finals and feel better than ever. I want to start stacking up scores and getting that ride percentage up. That’s my goal—just building consistency.”

Sahli won’t be the only one flying the family name in Lethbridge, as his younger brother Carter Sahli is also set to compete.

Previously, the only siblings to compete at PBR Canada’s highest level were the West brothers—Lonnie, Bryce, and Billy. With only Lonnie West still competing, the Sahli brothers may soon be the only bull riding siblings on tour, joining bullfighters Tanner and Jesse Byrne. 

“When we first got into bull riding, back when we were just getting on steers, it was me, Carter, and Dad in the truck,” Sahli said.

“We always had that little rivalry growing up, and honestly, Carter whooped my ass as a steer rider. Now he’s entering these events, and he’s good enough to be there. We can put the rivalry aside and just go home and work to make each other better. We’re talking bull riding all the time. It’s cool to have my little brother on tour with me.”

As for his bull pick for Championship Saturday, Sahli has his sights set on Whiskey Moon from Lane Skori, an animal athlete he’s had plenty of history with.

Sahli first rode Whiskey Moon for 86 points in Lloydminster in 2023, then won the PBR Canada Touring Pro Division event in Prince Albert on him in 2024 with 89 points. The bull has also gotten the better of him twice, but Sahli says he fits his style perfectly.

“I’d imagine he’ll be in the championship round this weekend,” Sahli said. “He’s gotten me on the ground twice, and I’ve ridden him twice. He’s around to the right every time and bucks really hard.”

“He’s big and strong, and I’m a little guy, so I think I can get those big scores on him. He’s right in my wheelhouse. I stubbed my toe on him in Red Deer with a win on the line, but I won’t let that happen twice.”

With tickets nearly sold out for the 2025 South Country Co-op Showdown, Sahli has one message for those still on the fence about attending.

“It’s an action-packed night,” he said. “It’s like a rock concert—but better. There’s nothing like loud music, fireworks, cowboys, and bucking bulls.

“If you don’t have a ticket yet, you’re dang sure missing out, and you’ll have to wait a whole year for us to come back. You might as well just get your tickets now.”