For nearly a decade, one big strong grey horse has stood on top in the world of bucking horses. The name is Virgil and he is an absolute powerhouse owned by C5 Rodeo Company. With a resume that reads like something out of a history book, Virgil is making yet another trip to Las Vegas, this time appearing in the saddle bronc riding at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. 

And even now, with countless titles and record-setting scores behind him, he’s still considered the bucking horse every cowboy wants to draw.

A Career That Changed the Game

Virgil enters this years NFR as the 2025 Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year. Now 15 years old, the legendary grey has earned multiple Horse of the Year titles in both bareback and saddle bronc riding across the United States and Canada. 

Virgil made his NFR debut in 2017. There he matched up with Tim O’Connell for a massive 91.5-point ride. Since then, he’s continued to dominate the industry with a rare and impressive combination of power, athleticism, and longevity. These unique traits that are nearly impossible to find in one animal. 

Though widely known as an elite bareback horse, Virgil has built a reputation for excelling in both bareback and saddle bronc. This is not uncommon for talented bucking stock. His style makes him the kind of bronc cowboys dream about drawing, especially under the bright lights of Thomas and Mack. 

Champions Made on Virgil

Virgil was making headlines again this past summer. World Champion Zeke Thurston scored a massive 92.5 points on Virgil to win the 2025 Calgary Stampede, for Zeke's fourth Calgary title, and Virgil's third. It was Thurston’s second time climbing on Virgil, and afterwards in the post win interview, he spoke with a lot of respect about the gelding’s unpredictable but electric style.

“He’s powerful. You know, he can be really strong,” Thurston said. “He has a couple different styles, different trips, when he goes out there. It just kind of depends which one you’re going to get. But it doesn’t matter what trip it is, he bucks hard every single time.”

Thurston isn’t the only champion with a Virgil Calgary story.  For three straight years, the grey powerhouse has carried cowboys to the $50,000 win. In 2023, rookie sensation Kade Sonnier won the Stampede with a career-defining 92-point ride on Virgil. The next year, in 2024, Virgil helped R.C. Landingham claim the title with a big 94 point ride. Then in 2025, he did it again, this time with Zeke Thurston. 

Landingham considers Virgil one of his favorite horses to draw. He called that 94-point Calgary Stampede win the highlight of his  2024 season, along with the 92.5-point record-setting ride at Red Bluff also aboard Virgil. 

Back in 2022, Virgil helped then-rookie Rocker Steiner set a world-record 95-point ride at the Riggin’ Rally in Darby, Montana. Steiner, known then for his wild kid energy, fearless attitude, and explosive riding style, matched up with Virgil in a huge way. 

Back to the Biggest Stage

Virgil spends his off seasons up north, but this special time of year calls the bright likes of Vegas home. Virgil continues to shine brightest when the stakes are highest. Cowboys know that drawing him means a real shot at a big score and a big paycheck. That's exactly why he has become one of the most beloved and respected equine athletes in the sport.

This year, he heads back to the yellow bucking chutes in the saddle bronc pen. For the 15 saddle bronc riders preparing for the toughest 10 rounds in rodeo, Virgil is undoubtedly the horse they’re hoping to see on their draw sheets. Rodeo fans will be anxious to see which cowboys get the chance to climb on the legend himself at this year's NFR. 

Some horses are just born great and a select few become legends. Virgil has become an icon of rodeo history, a horse whose name will be spoken with reverence long after he makes his final trip out of the chute.