Rookie pro bull rider Ty Pozzobon is heading to the Canadian Pro Rodeo finals thanks to a first place finish in Dawson Creek over the weekend.

The 18-year-old took home a fine $2,678 in the bull riding at the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede. Pozzobon tied for first with Brett Thompson of Medicine Hat, Alta.

The first place not only puts him as third overall in the national standings but it also secures him a spot in the Canadian finals in Edmonton this November.

"I'm pushing for second place right now," says Pozzobon, who currently sits in third place nationally.

"I'm just about catching up to my travelling partner (Tanner Gerlitz). After this weekend I'll be about $600 behind him in the standings.

Pozzobon will have a few days off before me makes his way to Pincher Creek, Alta for another rodeo. Then he is off to Jasper in Cranbrook to show his bull riding skills.

" It's quite the jump," says Pozzobon of turning professional.

"You're riding against guys that have been Canadian champions. I'm riding with guys I've watched on TV when I was younger."

Pozzobon will make his debut, along with another successful rookie, Scot Schiffner, at the national finals in Edmonton in November.

"Every year, it takes about 16,000 to be in there for sure," explains Pozzobon.

"It's been going pretty good for me; it's something I've always wanted to do is make the Canadian finals."

Only the top 12 riders in Canada make the pro rodeo finals.

Upcoming Rodeos:

Jasper, AB – August 18-21
Cranbrook, BC – August 20-22
Pincher Creek, AB – August 20-22
Lethbridge, AB – August 26-28
Armstrong, BC – September 1-5
Okotoks, AB – September 3-5
Merritt, BC – September 4-5
Hanna, AB – September 24-26
McCord, SK – September 24-25