PRORODEO Sports - April 24, 2026 Digital Edition

“She was the best horse I ever had, by far,” stock contractor Bennie Beut ler said. “We bottle-raised her after her mother died. She never got gen tle, but she would let you follow her around and she was one-of-a-kind.” Killer Bee earned top bareback horse of the 2018 and 2020 NFRs, and top saddle bronc horse of the 2013, 2014 and 2022 NFRs. She also won PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year honors in 2019, top bareback horse of Round 3 at the 2019 NFR and top saddle bronc horse of Round 4 and Round 9 of the 2022

the event’s name during its incep tion, thrived until 1943 when it was canceled due to a fire that destroyed several of the facilities. They rebuilt and continued, evolv ing over the years to include more rodeo events. Now, 94 years later, the San Angelo Rodeo has become one of the most pivotal stops on the PRORODEO road in the spring and as part of the Texas Swing. “This is definitely a rodeo town,” said Justin Jonas, the executive director of the San Angelo Rodeo. “Our rodeo and our stock show is the

Many have remained for several years, dedicating their time for the simple love of rodeo and the city. Every year it brings a little more joy to San Angelo. During its inception in the heart of the Great Depression, it brought hope. “It was put in to strictly try to lift everybody’s spirit, bring everybody together,” Jonas said. “And you know that same spirit still happens once a year, every time out here. So, it’s re ally great. The community is all very, very supportive, and the rodeo is a big engine for our entire town.” San Angelo has become one of the highest

NFR.

SAN ANGELO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO

Killer Bee’s last ride proved a memorable one in Round 9 of the 2022 NFR. In her last out, Daw son Hay tied the Round 9 record with a 92-point ride in front of a packed house at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. “That ride was as good as it gets, everything came together,” Beut ler said. After the ride, Killer Bee trot ted around the arena for one last standing ovation. SAN ANGELO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO : The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo began as an idea in 1932.

paying rodeos in the PRORODEO Playoff Series. With nearly $800,000 up for grabs, it’s be come a must-at tend event for some of the top cowboys and cowgirls. But beyond the main attraction, other events have also flourished in San Angelo. The San Angelo Xtreme Bulls is a major Division I stop along the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls Series. The San Angelo Cinch Chute-Out has provided another opportunity for contestants to improve their place in the world standings. Now, a rodeo

PRCA file photo

J. Culberson “Cub” Deal, who served as the elected manager of the San Angelo Board of City Develop ment, thought the West Texas city would benefit from a spring stock show rather than a fair. Two years later, with success coming quickly, an experimental rodeo took place alongside the stock show. The Fat Stock Show & Rodeo,

biggest event for San Angelo. It’s the biggest economic impact event for the city of San Angelo, and the whole town just supports this rodeo.” Having the support of the com munity has allowed the San Angelo Rodeo to flourish. Volunteers work diligently to ensure a smooth operation for the two-week long stock show and rodeo.

meant to bring joy to a town during one of the most difficult times in U.S. history will forever live on in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. MARY BURGER : It seems only fit ting for Burger to be going into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame 10 years after her last world title (2016), be -

10 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE APRIL 24, 2026