Jordie was born February 9, 1958 and destined to be a cowboy. His father, Ken was the first president of the CPA (which was the founding organization of what is now the CPRA). Jordie and his brothers, Lonnie and Kirk, grew up on the rodeo trail traveling with the dad and mom, Barb. Jordie’s career started much the same as most rodeo kids, competing in the Boys Steer Riding, at mainly the FCA rodeos. At the age of fourteen, Jordie competed in both the Steer Riding and the Bull Riding. By the age of fifteen, Jordie had purchased his CPRA card and immediately blazed a trail. At fifteen, he was 88 points on Franklin’s Wilfred at Regina, which was a CPRA record at the time. Jordie holds the record for the youngest qualifier in Bull Riding at the CFR. The year was 1975, and he as 17 years, 8 months and 11 days old. In 1976, having qualified in two events for CFR, Jordie finished 3rd in Bareback Riding. Twice runner up to the Champion in Bull Riding for the CPRA in 1976 and 1979, Jordie finished in the top five in Bull Riding in the CPRA consecutively in the years 1975 to 1980 – five times, and it is believed he holds the record for the most consecutive CFR qualifications in the event of Bull Riding. Eight back to back appearances from 1975 through 1982.
Other accolades for Jordie include: 1979 Albert Central Circuit Bull Riding Champion, Competed at the NFR in 1978 and 1979 and was the top Canadian money winner in Bull Riding at the NFR in 1978, high score at Kooralbyn, Australia in Bull Riding, Bull Riding winner in Salinas California, runner up in Bull Riding at Pendleton, Oregan in 1979. Jordie rode pro in three events: Bull Riding, Bareback Riding and Saddle Bronc.
Back in the early 80’s, Don Johansen explained “there were three bull riders who dominated rodeo conversations: Don Gay (Texas), Bobby DelVechhio (New York), and Jordie Thomson.” While Gay chalked up either word titles, DelVechhio and Thomson never won a gold buckle, but they were the showmen of that era. No one had more fun on the rodeo trail. Jordie was devastated when his rodeo career came to an early end, due to injury.
Always confident, bold and comical, Jordie never waned under pressure. He loved to spur (not just ride), he was a horse trainer, dog lover and trainer, and a cowboy poet. Jordie loved his family, and was always a good friend. Sadly Jordie died at his home in Okotoks in 2010, at the age of 56. Ten years later, we’re pleased to recognize Jordie Thomson as a Legend, in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
