Jalen Joaquin wins 2017 Indian National Final Rodeo Saddle Bronc World Title

November 17, 2017

Communications & Public Affairs Office

Gila River Indian Community

The words, ‘World Champion’ has a new inspiring meaning to many in the Gila River Indian Community, as Jay (Jalen) Joaquin, took home the Championship Saddle Bronc riding honors at the 2017 Indian National Finals Rodeo held November 7-11, at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was one of only three bronc riders at the INFR who was able make clean rides on four broncs, winning the contest with a 75-point ride in the final go-round to give him a 305 point total average score to win the championship.

Stephen R. Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, commented, “Congratulations to Jay Joaquin on becoming the 2017 Saddle Bronc World Champion [at the] Indian National Finals Rodeo this weekend!” Lewis adds, “You carried our Community flag proudly in Las Vegas and now you’re the first Gila River Indian Community member Saddle Bronc World Champion! Congratulations to your family for raising a World Champion! We are all proud of you back home!”

Jalen has competed in many rodeo contests since he was a young boy. He has traveled all over the country competing in rodeo contests at all levels of competition, from local Indian rodeos, high school rodeo contests, and at the collegiate level at Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona.