PRORODEO Sports News - March 27, 2026 Digital Edition

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THE COWBOYS’ CHOICE SINCE

SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 27 MARCH 2026

• STETSON WRIGHT WINS BRONC RIDING RIDE-OFF • ROCKER STEINER WINS WITH DISCO PARTY • WEBB SETS ARENA RECORD RODEO HOUSTON PRCA, WPRA WORLD CHAMPIONS MAKE HISTORIC VISIT TO WHITE HOUSE TAYLOR SANTOS WINS M.M. FISHER, JR. MEMORIAL STEER ROPING TITLE

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HOW THE WEST IS WORN

RYDER WRIGHT 2024 WORLD CHAMPION SADDLE BRONC RIDER

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CONTENTS

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MANAGER’S MESSAGE Memorable moments from 2006 in PRORODEO ������������������������������������������������ 5 Rocker Steiner rides Disco Party to his second straight RodeoHouston title ������������������������������������������������� 6 It takes ride-off for Wright to win Houston “As difficult as it was, this stuff’s fun. I love rodeo and the camara derie behind the chutes, everybody’s helping everybody.” �������� 10 World Champions visit White House on March 13, 2026 President Donald Trump invited cowboys & cowgirls for a visit �������������� 19 Bull rider Luke Mackey driven by grandparents, representing Colorado ����������������������� 30 Taylor Santos stays hot, wins M.M. Fisher Jr. Memorial Steer Roping title ��������������������������������������������������� 39 Tucker Carricato takes the bareback riding title at Resistol Rookie Roundup ������������������������������������� 40 PRCA PASSINGS Rick Young, Hall of Fame bull fighter and clown, Dakota Rodeo’s star bucking horse Cash Deal and Franklin ‘Tex’ Appledoorn ����������������������������������������������������� 46

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on the cover

At RodeoHouston one ride wasn’t enough to establish a winner in the Shootout round. Stetson Wright rides Cervi Champi onship Rodeo’s Gal Pal in ride-off. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

LISA CUSH • MANAGER DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS Lisa holds a BFA from LSU. Geaux Tigers! She's the creative respon sible for the visual style, layout, and design of publications for the PRCA, including the PSN. She's not a rodeo queen but she knows a few and leans into her Western roots to ensure the PSN reflects the PRCA’s mission, vision, and values.

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TREVOR BRAZILE PRCA file photo

MANAGER’S MESSAGE

titles in a row from 2006-2015. * For the first time ever at the 2006 National Finals Rodeo, the team ropers who fought their way to world championships did not rope together as partners. Header Matt Sherwood, who roped with Walt Woodard, won the gold buckle by $848 over Chad Masters, while heeler Allen Bach, who roped with Masters, secured the other gold buckle. Bach finished $17,140 ahead of Woodard in the heelers’ race after he and Masters each earned $98,714 at the NFR. Both sets of partners entered the 10-day event with differ ent money totals, leading to the split world titles. Sherwood and Bach were the first non-partners to win team roping titles since the PRCA started recognizing separate heading and heeling champi ons in 1995. * On July 15, 2006, John and Mildred Farris became the first hus band-wife team to enter the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. John joined the RCA in 1959, riding saddle bronc, bulls and bareback. He also roped and even did a little steer wrestling. Riding roughstock until the age of 44, when most would hang up their spurs John transitioned to working behind the scenes. From 1967 until 2011, he worked every NFR in some capacity. Most notably as the timed-event chute boss. Mildred was a five-time NFR secretary, a five-time NFR assistant secretary and a 15-time NFR timer. She was named PRCA Secretary of the

MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM 2006 IN PRORODEO

T o understand the present, one must visit the past and there’s no better time than the present to do that in PRORODEO with the PRCA celebrating its 90th birthday in 2026. It is crazy to think that 2006 was 20 years ago. That year, Twitter, which is now known as X, was launched and You Tube was purchased by Google for $1.65 billion in stock. “High School Musical” debuted, starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hug dens and became Disney Channel’s most successful TV movie. And Justin Timberlake had his smash hit song, “SexyBack.” In the world of rodeo, there were plenty of memorable moments. * Trevor Brazile is the gold standard when it comes to PRORODEO all around cowboys. He won the coveted gold buckle a PRCA record 14 times in his career. Still, 2006 was a little different for the Decatur, Texas, cowboy. After winning in 2002, 2003 and 2004, Brazile stumbled. He saw his streak

abruptly end when he lost the all around world title to 21-year-old Ryan Jarrett. Brazile, who earned $197,400 in the all-around race, actually finished third behind Jarrett ($263,665) and Lee Graves ($211,696). Losing the 2006 all-around world championship wasn’t an option for Brazile. The King of Cowboys earned $24,894 during the Cowboy Christ mas run and the lucrative week pushed him past the $2 million mark in career earnings. “There’s no backing off anywhere,” Brazile said in the July 19, 2006, issue of the PRORODEO Sports News. “It doesn’t matter how much of a lead I get. I’m never going to get lackadai

Year eight times. She also qualified for the NFR 12 times as a barrel racer.

sical as in the past where I’ve slowed down. Last year (2005) helped build a fire in me.” No kidding. Brazile not only won the 2006 PRCA All-Around World Championship, but he went on to win 10 all-around world

TRACY RENCK MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA Tracy has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last de cade-plus consumed by PRORODEO. He previously served three years as editor of PRORODEO Sports News.

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ROCKER STEINER RIDES DISCO PARTY TO SECOND STRAIGHT RODEOHOUSTON TITLE

By Ted Harbin, Special to PRORODEO Sports News

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Disco Party has made a habit of that. Tilden Hooper won the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on the pow erful bay paint, distinguishable by his bald face. Wacey Shalla just won the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo three weeks ago with a 91-point ride. In his last four trips, Disco Party has accounted for four straight rides of 90 points or better. To the victor goes the spoils, and Steiner leaves the Bayou City with a boatload of cash and confidence. He’ll adjust his schedule to maintain his health while maintaining a healthy spot in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. “This means I don’t have to rodeo as hard,” said Steiner, who had earned a little more than $25,000 heading into championship weekend in Houston. “I haven’t had the greatest winter ever, but it was better than last year. “Houston is just a great rodeo.” It’s also one with a great Texas history, one that stands strong within his family. “My grandparents, way back when, got engaged in the Astrodome,” Steiner said. “I came here my first year, won second. I was 18 years old, so that was a huge thing for me. I came back a couple years later, won it, then came back and won it again.” The third generation of Texas world champions, it’s only fitting that he’s a two-time titlist at NRG Stadium.

eigning PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion Rocker Steiner had plenty of reasons to celebrate his second-straight victory at RodeoHouston, but he also ac knowledged his counterpart while doing so.

“That horse and I just go together,” said Steiner, who rode Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party for 90.5 points to win the Shootout Round March 21. “That was the third time getting on it.” Their matching has been magical every time. The first came last July during the championship round of the Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede, and Steiner was marked 91.25 points. The rematch occurred during Round 10 of the National Finals Rodeo in December, worth 90.5 points and good enough for second in the round and an exclamation point for his 2025 world championship. He was one of three repeat titlists in Houston, joining three-time reigning Tie-Down Roping World Cham pion Riley Webb and barrel racer Kassie Mowry, who has won the last two WPRA gold buckles. Steiner, who rode Calgary Stampede’s Agent Lynx to the title at NRG Stadium a season ago, cashed in for $72,750, with most coming from his final ride of the rodeo. “That’s everything a Horse of the Year should be,” Steiner, 22, of Weatherford, Texas, told sideline report er Janie Johnson. “It’s a beautiful horse. It’s big. It’s stout. Jumping in the air, stalling out but (still) letting a guy like me do exactly what I can do and just show up for the fans and win big money.”

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Bareback rider Rocker Steiner matched with a familiar bucking horse in Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party to win RodeoHouston. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

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H olden Myers is just carrying on an old family tradition. Myers is the top dog in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford Steer Wrestling World Standings thanks to his $70,750 in RodeoHouston earnings, accentuated by a 4.0-second run to claim the Shootout victory, just four tenths of a second ahead of the runner-up, Oregonian Mike McGinn. “My dad taught me everything about bulldogging, and I definitely wouldn’t be here without him,” Myers said of Rope Myers, a nine-time National Finals Ro deo qualifier and the 2001 PRCA World Champion. Holden Myers is the third generation of his family wrestling steers at a high level. His grandfather, Butch Myers, won the 1980 gold buckle and made 12 overall appearances at the NFR – he also qualified in tie-down roping in 1989. That talent has carried down to his grandchildren; while Holden is hoping this will be his first ven ture to Las Vegas, his cousin, Quade Hiatt, roped calves there in 2024. Houston was certainly the biggest win of his career. Coming off a 2025 season in which he finished 22nd in the standings, he seemed to be enjoying his moment in the sun. “I’ve never been so excited to run a steer after watching that 6.5 (-second run) by Riley Webb,” said Myers, 26, of Van, Texas. “That was the most hyped I’ve ever been during a rodeo. I was just pumped to be able to run one, especially with this kind of crowd. It was awesome.” Another key was horsepower. After his primary horse suffered an injury, he jumped on Whiskers, which has carried Bridger Anderson to three NFR qualifica tions and an intercollegiate championship. “He’s just tried and true,” Myers said of Whiskers. “He takes care of me. I got off a little early in the (10-man round), and then he just packed me through there even though I messed up. He’s just an awesome horse I get to ride, and I’m really blessed.” WIN PROPELS MYERS TO LEAD IN WORLD STANDINGS

Holden Myers took a major jump in the world standings following his RodeoHouston win. PRCA photo by Emily Hilton

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Team ropers Korbin Rice/Cooper Freeman set the mark to beat early and held on for the title at RodeoHouston. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

RICE/FREEMAN SET THE WINNING MARK EARLY Saturday, where they placed fourth to sneak into the Shootout. They took advantage of their position, though. “We were the first right out here, and we had a really good steer,” said Rice, 24, of Hobbs, N.M. “I knew “Any of my success the past three years has come off that horse.” Freeman is still learning the ropes on his ride, Carbon, a 10-year-old gelding.

K orbin Rice/Cooper Freeman set the bar in the Final Four round at RodeoHouston. The team ropers stopped the clock in 4.6 seconds, then watched every thing unfold. Jake Smith/Douglas Rich came within a tenth of a second of catching the leaders, but that was as close as it got. “Korbin got a great start and got it on him good, and he left the hard part up to me,” said Freeman, a 23-year-old heeler from Carthage, Mo. “He did a great job all week, and (I’m) just very blessed to be here.” The blessings came late for the tandem during the three-week rodeo. Freeman and Rice finished second in the fourth of five Super Series. They advanced out of the semifinals and into Championship

“I bought him last summer, and he’s been a huge blessing to me,” Freeman said. “He came in at a time that I needed him, and it’s been good ever since.” Everyone needs a ride to a rodeo. For Freeman and Rice, they were able to rev the right engines at the right time to win highest-paying rodeo of the regular season. “It’s a great event,” Rice said. “It’s the best rodeo of the year in itself. There’s so many great competitors here, and to come out on top of a rodeo like this, it means everything.”

that if we could just go complete the course on him, we were going to win something good.” They did. Each man earned $70,750. Like most of the others, they shot into the lead on their re spective money lists. Big-time runs come from big-time mounts. “He’s a huge part of everything,” Rice said of Poparock, a horse he obtained from two-time World Champion Chad Masters a year ago. “I can’t thank him enough for selling him to me and letting me ride him before that.

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IT TAKES RIDE-OFF FOR WRIGHT TO WIN HOUSTON he four-man round at

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horse, while Garrett’s buddies were getting his gear ready. The scramble was on. When the dust settled, Stet son Wright secured the win with an 84.5-point ride on Cervi’s Gal Pal, two-and-a-half points better than Garrett on Cervi’s Sicilian Kiss. “As difficult as it was, this stuff’s fun,” Wright told Janie Johnson. “I love rodeo and the camaraderie be hind the chutes, everybody’s helping everybody. Good job to Shorty and every bronc rider here, but it’s a fun one.” It’s also an important one. Wright – who finished in a three-way tie for second in his other event – has won Houston’s bull riding title before, but this was his first on bucking horses. “It means a lot to win the bronc

riding here,” said Wright, 26, a 10 time world champion from Beaver, Utah. “My dad’s won it. My brothers and my uncles have all won it, so I just wanted to get my name right there with them.” It was a long but productive day for Wright, who got on three broncs and three bulls March 21. It resulted in a $97,250 payday, with all but $26,000 coming in the saddle. “Positive talk,” he said when asked what helps getting through experi ences like that. “I surround myself with really good people. When I leave here, I’m probably going to call my dad. That’s about how I do it. We try to keep all the negativity out, and it seems to help. You never hurt when you’re only speaking good things.”

RodeoHouston is run at a furious pace. Stetson Wright had just com pleted an 89-point ride on The Cervi Broth

ers’ Vitalix Womanizer, so he was scrambling to get his equipment changed for his bull riding matchup with Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Soccer Mom minutes later. Shorty Garrett upset the apple cart when he matched Wright’s score on Cervi’s R Watson Mad Skills. That forced a ride-off between the two saddle bronc riders. Wright had already moved on to his bull riding boots and had to switch back to his bronc riding gear. Oldest brother Rusty was hustling to get Stetson’s saddle on the next

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One ride wasn’t enough to establish a winner in the Shootout round at RodeoHouston, but Stetson Wright emerged victorious after a ride-off. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

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WEBB WINS TIE-DOWN ROPING WITH ARENA RECORD T he fuel that generates the fire inside Riley Webb’s heart is com petition. It’s why he’s the reigning three-time World Champion Tie-Down Roper. It’s why he won his third RodeoHouston title in four years. The last of four cowboys to battle March 21 at NRG Stadium, Webb had already witnessed history. He then made some for himself. Shane Hanchey, the 2013 world champion, raced through a 7.2-second run to beat the arena record of 7.4 set by Caleb Smidt. Two cowboys later, Kincade Henry stopped the clock in 7.3. Smidt’s mark had already been beaten twice, and Webb knew it would take a third to win the $65,000 grand prize for winning the Shootout. “Kincade and Shane were in the Final Four last year as well,” said Webb, 22, of Denton, Texas. “Three out of four last year, kind of the same scenario (but) not arena records. They pushed it, and they made me step it up and go faster. So, when they started breaking arena records, I just had to shorten my rope up. “I knew I had to try the barrier on, try the start on and just go as fast as I can and throw caution to the wind and let it all hang out. There was no choice.” Webb not only beat Hanchey’s new record, he

smashed it to pieces. When the calf was secured and his hands raised, the clock read 6.5 seconds, sev en-tenths ahead of the runner-up. “I try to rope for first every time I can, and then the first 7.2 came, then the 7.3 came,” said Webb, who pocketed $71,500. “I couldn’t split them. I had to go for first, so I was either going to go for first or fourth.” Riding Rudy, the 13-year-old gelding that has carried him to all those gold buckles, Webb stood tall in the same building that hosts home football games for the Houston Texans. “The fans in this Final Four round (are) unlike no other,” he said. “What is there, 70,000 people in the stands? They gave me a standing ovation after I roped. I’ve never had that happen, especially in a big crowd like that. That’s just a dream come true.”

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Tie-down roper Riley Webb set a new arena record at RodeoHouston en route to the title. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

JARVIS PAVES THE WAY FOR MOWRY TO DEFEND TITLE

PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

K assie Mowry gets the accolades, but she offers the credit where it’s due. “I love that my horse was able to come in here and defend his title,” said Mowry, the two-time defending World Cham pion Barrel Racer from Dublin, Texas. “His name is Force The Goodbye; we call him Jarvis. He is 8 years old, and he’s a two time world champion and now two-time Houston champion. “This means everything to me. Just seeing how he was a year ago and how much he’s grown, it’s just so cool to see how far he’s come.” It was fast. Mowry stopped the clock in 14.19 seconds to win the title, just three-hundredths of a second ahead of four-time World Champion Hailey Kinsel. Mowry’s final time in the arena was the fourth-fastest run of the 19-day rodeo: Mowry was 14.09 to win the second semifinals and 14.17 to win the third round of Super Series Five, and Jordan Driver was 14.18 to win the first round of the second set. This marks the third time in Mowry’s career that she’s won the title at NRG Stadium. She first won in 2017, which pro pelled her to the NFR for the second time. She’s competed in Las Vegas six times in her career. “This rodeo is like the gauntlet of rodeos,” Mowry said of RodeoHouston. “It’s tough to get through this. It’s grueling. It’s asking a lot of your horse. For one to come out on top, I feel that’s the epitome of a great athlete but also a good-mind ed horse that’s trying as hard as he can. It’s a lot to get through all these rounds.” She finished with $71,250 and pushed her season earnings to more than $105,000. She holds a solid lead in the world standings and has an old favorite, RodeoHouston, to thank for that. Like all barrel horse trainers, everything falls on her equine partner. “This kind of pattern … it’s not your normal set up that we’re used to,” Mowry said. “I just feel like it shows how versatile he truly is.”

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T hings got a little nasty during the final event of this year’s RodeoHouston. All four bull riders – Stetson Wright, Jor dan Spears, Trevor Reiste and Jake Gardner – failed to score in the Final Four round. That meant all got another shot. In an event where the highest score in the round wins $65,000, rodeo officials needed a winner. Gardner provided it. He rode Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Bandalero for 86 points on his third bull of the day to take the title and secure $74,375 “The first one went good; the second one didn’t,” said Gard ner, 29, of Fort St. John, British Columbia. “I was kind of dis appointed, but I just had to brush it off quick, because I had to get on another bull so quick. I just put that one in the past, and I trusted my tools that I have. I just capitalized on the opportu nity I had.” The pressure was certainly there. The other three bull riders have all battled at the NFR, and Wright is the biggest name in rodeo for this generation. That made no difference to Gardner, who went with a simple approach on his final bull. “Just keep my hand shut and do my job,” Gardner said. “I tried not to put too much thought into it. I just tried to treat it like another rodeo. I don’t want to put it on a pedestal. At the end of the day, you ride your bulls, and you get paid.” It’s a big move for the veteran cowboy. He finished out side the top 50 in 2025 but won rodeos last season that were co-sanctioned with the PRCA and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. Gardner’s best finish was 28th in the 2021 campaign. “This (win) doesn’t mean much,” he said. “It just means I got some money in the standings, and I’ve still got to keep pushing forward. My goal is to win a world championship. It’s far from over, so I’ve just got to keep on grinding.” CANADIAN MAKES ONE RIDE COUNT FOR IT ALL FOUR COWBOYS. EIGHT BULLS. ONE QUALIFIED RIDE.

Jake Gardner picked up a big payday and win at RodeoHouston. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

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WILLIAMS WINS HOUSTON FOR THE SECOND TIME

I n just its fifth year at RodeoHouston, breakaway rop ing already has a two-time titlist. Hali Williams first won the title in 2023 and utilized it for her first bid to the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas. She’d like to follow a similar path in 2026. Williams was the first of the four finalists to go in the final go-round and set the bar with a 2.6-second run. It pushed her competitors that followed, but only one came close. Macy Young was the final cowgirl to nod

her head and saw the clock stop at 2.4 seconds; alas, she broke the barrier and settled for fourth overall. The win was big for Williams, who had accrued only $3,300 this season before cashing in at Houston, where she pocketed $69,375. “I’ve had a terrible winter rodeo leading up to the start of Houston,” said Williams, a three-time National Finalist. “It was a lot of mental challenges for me to get over that, because winter rodeos are normally a strong suit. That’s where I get my momentum going into the

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Hali Williams claimed her second breakaway roping title at RodeoHouston. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

summer rodeos. “Coming home and having to watch the finals at Fort Worth and San Antonio, I think it just made me chal lenge myself and really prepare myself mentally for these scenarios where you have to take chances. Some times they’re going to work; sometimes they don’t. It worked out today, and it’s going to make the summer run a lot more fun.” Every step is a building block for the young cowgirl, the daughter of eight-time PRCA Heading World Cham

pion Speed Williams. “I was very insecure and bullied a lot growing up,” said Williams of Comanche, Texas. “Being someone that can make people feel welcome and loved no matter what is what I really think my purpose is here. I don’t want to ever make anyone feel like I did growing up. It’s going to get better, and you’re going to make a lot of people feel better than you ever felt.”

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PRCA, WPRA WORLD CHAMPIONS MAKE HISTORIC VISIT TO WHITE HOUSE By Zach Alvira

O n Sept. 24, 1983, world champions from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association made history at Capital Centre in Landover Md. In front of President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan and 10,249 government dignitaries, including Ambassadors from 46 foreign countries, some of the top talent in 1983 had the opportunity to compete in arguably one of the most important performances ever in PRORODEO: The PRCA Command Performance Rodeo. The invitation-only rodeo was designed to pay tribute to America’s government. A White House barbeque followed, with President Reagan awarding special trophy buckles to event winners. “There aren’t too many activities in this land of ours … as purely American as what we have seen here,” Reagan said of PRORODEO.

The 2025 PRCA and WPRA World Champions visited with President Donald Trump in a historic visit to the White House. (White House Photo)

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Bareback riders T.J. Walter and J.C. Trujillo, saddle bronc rider Bob W. Brown, bull riders John Davis and Bobby Del Vecchio, calf roper Joe Parsons, steer wres tler Joel Edmondson, team ropers Dick and J.D. Yates and barrel racer Kaki Lybbert all received buckles from President Reagan for winning their respective events at the Command Performance. That day remains one of the most special in the his tory of PRORODEO. It was a once-in-a-lifetime oppor tunity for athletes at the time, competing in front of the Commander in Chief and his special guests. The Command Performance was one-of-a-kind and is unlikely to be replicated, even if rodeo does return to the nation’s capital. But on March 13, history was made again for the PRCA, WPRA and its world champi ons. For the first time since the Command Performance, PRCA and WPRA world cham pions were invited to the White House as a special tribute to PRORODEO from Presi dent Donald Trump. All-Around and Bull Riding World Champion Stet son Wright, bareback riding world champion Rocker Steiner, steer wrestling world champion Tucker Allen, team roping world champions header Andrew Ward and heeler Jake Long, saddle bronc world champion Statler Wright, tie-down roping world champion Riley Webb, steer roping world champion Cole Patterson, barrel racing world champion Kassie Mowry, and breakaway roping world champion Taylor Munsell were all recog nized for their accomplishments last season by Presi dent Trump. The 10 world champions and Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero met with the President inside the Oval Office and posed for a group photo just steps away from the White House Great Lawn.

The recognition was part of an ongoing initiative by President Trump to recognize some of the United States’ elite athletes and teams. In February, the Pres ident welcomed the Team USA Men’s Hockey Team, which captured the gold medal in an overtime win over Canada during the Winter Olympics. Earlier in March, Inter Miami CF, the champions of Major League Soccer, were recognized. In honor of the historic meeting, President Trump was presented with the Resistol 1776 hat, a limited edition honoring the birth of the United States. The hat, which was presented by Resistol owner Dustin Noblitt, came in a special 1776 blue Resistol box and is No. 1 of 250 that will be made. Inside the lining of the hat is the Constitu tion. It also has a 10-karat gold United States flag. “You guys are crazy,” President Trump said as the cowboys and cowgirls entered the Oval Office. “I watch this all the time. You are totally crazy.” Stetson Wright was the first to be introduced after the President asked how strong a bull truly was. Everyone in the room turned to Stetson, who was greeted with a, “Are you kidding?” from the President when he learned the Beaver, Utah, cowboy was the bull riding world champion. Each athlete took time to introduce their discipline in PRORODEO. They were all met with a resounding, “It’s so cool,” by the President. “That’s amazing,” President Trump added. “You guys are amazing, really amazing. Unbelievable people.” The pivot to Washington D.C. was special for all 10 world champions, despite it taking them away from their regular travel schedule during one of the most pivotal times in the winter run and Texas swing. But just like in 1983, it was a once-in-a-lifetime op portunity. The 2025 PRCA and WPRA World Champi ons shared how special the day was for them following their visit to the White House.

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 21 The 10 PRCA and WPRA World Champions gathered outside the White House alongside Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero before meeting with President Donald Trump. (White House Photo) MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 21

ALL-AROUND AND BULL RIDING WORLD CHAMPION STETSON WRIGHT “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This was never even on the bucket list because I thought (President Trump) was so out of reach for us to meet him. But to be here in Washington and get to hang out with him and actually get to sit down and talk to him, it was incredible. He acted like he knew us all per sonally, so it was sweet to experience that.”

BAREBACK RIDING WORLD CHAMPION ROCKER STEINER “It’s hard to put into words how much this means to me and everybody else here. I think we represent the greatest country of all time. What great year to win the world and get to meet President of the United States, the President of free world, Donald Trump. Just shaking his hand being in the presence of him, it’s something very few people get to do in their lifetime. I’m very

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the the and

for

tunate to be one of them.”

STEER WRESTLING WORLD CHAMPION TUCKER ALLEN “It’s an honor to be able to represent our way of life. I don’t think it’s something that (Washington D.C.) gets to see a lot of. It’s an honor to be able to showcase what we do. It’s kind of the backbone of what our country is.”

TEAM ROPING WORLD CHAMPION HEADER ANDREW WARD “It was just an amazing experience to see the White House and meet President Trump. It wasn’t a goal but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a lot of fun. Trump was amazing and made us all feel welcome. It was a great honor. I just couldn’t believe we were there. I think all of us were a little star struck. It was amazing.”

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TEAM ROPING WORLD CHAMPION HEELER JAKE LONG “I think it’s a once-in-a lifetime deal. Like Andrew said, I don’t even know that we ever thought to make that a goal in life. Our goal is to always win a world title and for other sport ing events you win your championship and you go to the White House. But being rodeo guys, that’s not something we knew to have as a goal. I just feel extremely blessed for the timing to work out to get to meet him. It was everything you could imagine and more.”

SADDLE BRONC RIDING WORLD CHAMPION STATLER WRIGHT “It was awesome, such a cool experience. I’ll never be able to top this. I just got to meet and talk with the most famous man on the plan et. For the PRCA to get us out here and meet him, it’s second to none. I’m just thankful they brought us out here and hopefully we get to do it again next year.”

TIE-DOWN ROPING WORLD CHAMPION RILEY WEBB “It’s such an honor. I’m kind of just mind blown and trying to take it all in. It’s so cool that all of us get to come here and spend time with everybody and get to see part of our world that we don’t get to see every day. We get to tell everybody (here) about our lives and our world, agriculture and the sport of rodeo that we get to do and love.”

STEER ROPING WORLD CHAMPION COLE PATTERSON “It’s an honor to be here. I think huge for the sport of rodeo. We can this thing up and take it places it’s never been before. Rodeo is growing faster than any other sport, I feel like. This will do nothing but acceler

it’s lift

ate

that.”

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BARREL RACING WORLD CHAMPION KASSIE MOWRY “What a privilege and an honor, I’m just trying to soak all of this in. It’s beautiful.”

BREAKAWAY ROPING WORLD CHAMPION TAYLOR MUNSELL “It’s such a huge honor to be recognized at the White House and by the President for a way of life that I grew up in. It’s crazy to see where the rodeo world will take you.”

MISS RODEO AMERICA OLIVIA FAVERO

“To me, being honored here at the White House is one of the most important things to be recognized for by the President of the United States. This is important for each of us as Americans not only as a rodeo community and the PRCA but to pay respect to our country and those who are leading us.”

“Honor” was a commonly used word among the champions. Some, like Mowry, were lost for words at the opportunity to be standing inside one of the most significant buildings in the world, let alone the United States. For most, if not all, it was the first and potentially only time they would be able to step foot inside the Oval Office. Something a large majority of Americans will never get to experience in their life. It was not only a chance for the nation to learn about the faces of the PRCA and WPRA, but to pay homage to the Western way of life and the sport that represents it. “For him to recognize us is super cool,” Long said. “To know that he shows any interest in what we do with everything he’s got going on is amazing. It was just super cool he took the time to ask ques tions to get a deeper knowledge of what we do. “This was pretty remarkable.”

Steer wrestler Tucker Allen inside the Oval Office.

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The Presidential Walk of Fame at the Rose Garden at the White House.

Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero and steer roper Cole Patterson are the first two inside the Oval Office with President Donald Trump.

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 25 (All photos courtesy of the White House)

Team ropers Andrew Ward/Jake Long and tie-down roper Riley Webb inside the White House.

President Donald Trump addressing the world champions in the Oval Office.

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President Donald Trump wearing the Resistol 1776 hat, a special edition to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Only 250 of the hats will be made by Resistol. Resistol owner Dustin Noblitt presented serial No. 1 to President Trump.

The Constitution is written in the liner of the Resistol 1776 hat.

Bareback rider Rocker Steiner presenting a book to President Donald Trump. The book was a gift from Steiner’s grandfather, 1973 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion Bobby Steiner, who wanted President Trump to know the story and impor tance of ranching.

(All photos courtesy of the White House)

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I t’s been 42 years since the PRCA Presi dential Command Performance Rodeo took place in Landover, Md., in front of President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan and special guests of the president. Current and former world champions, along with some of the top cowboys and cowgirls from the PRCA and WPRA, com peted in front of Commander in Chief, with the winners honored with special buckles. In honor of the 2025 PRCA and WPRA World Champions visiting the White House on March 13, the PRORODEO Sports News took a trip down memory lane in the form of pictures of a historic event for the United States and PRORODEO. REMEMBERING THE 1983 PRCA PRESIDENTIAL COMMAND PERFORMANCE By Zach Alvira

U.S. Secretary of Commerce and team roper Malcolm “Mac” Baldrige at the White House.

Dick and J.D. Yates, a father-son duo, won the team roping.

Cowboys and those in attendance gave President Ronald Reagan a standing ovation at the conclusion of the Presidential Command Performance Rodeo.

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1983 PRCA PRESIDENTIAL COMMAND PERFORMANCE RODEO COMPETITORS

BAREBACK RIDING - Bruce Ford - Chick Elms - T.J. Walter - J.C. Trujillo

- Mickey Young - Larry Peabody

SADDLE BRONC RIDING - Monty Henson - Brad Gjermundson

- Shawn Davis - Bobby Berger - Clint Johnson - Bud Munroe - Bob W. Brown

Saddle bronc rider Bob W. Brown receiving his winner’s buckle.

President Ronald Reagan greeting Hadley Barrett.

CALF (STEER) ROPING - Roy Cooper - Joe Parsons - Jim Warren - Chris Lybbert

BULL RIDING - Charles Sampson - John Davis - Bryan McDonald - Cody Snyder - Denny Flynn - Bob Del Vecchio

STEER WRESTLING - Stan Williamson - John W. Jones, Sr. - Harley May - Joel Edmondson - Gary Green BARREL RACING - Lynn Flynn - Jan Hansen - Kelly Yates - Kaki Lybbert TEAM ROPING - Dick Yates/J.D. Yates - Bob Ragsdale/Ron Poindexter - Pete Clark/Leo Camarillo - Bob Robinson/Mark Schricker - Ken Schiffler/Larry Mahan - Stan Harter/Mac Baldrige

The Washington Monument is seen in the background as Stan Williamson shakes hands with President Ronald Reagan.

Historic photos of the event were taken by the late James Fain, a PRCA photographer.

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 29

BULL RIDER LUKE MACKEY DRIVEN BY GRANDPARENTS, REPRESENTING COLORADO By Zach Alvira Luke Mackey has taken the PRORODEO world by storm. The 19-year-old bull rider established himself as one of the top cowboys in the PRCA during his Resistol Rookie season in 2025, as he was part of a four-man race for the Resistol Rookie of the Year honor that wasn’t decided until after the National Finals Rodeo. M ackey finished second in the rookie race behind Bryce Jen rather than moving with his mother. He and his mom still have a good

sen and seventh in the final 2025 PRCA | Bill Fick Ford Bull Riding World Standings. But most importantly, he made a name for himself and represented his grandparents, Laurena and Jerry Mackey, on PRORODEO’s biggest stage. “I’ve just been wanting to do it since I was a little kid,” Mackey said. “My grandma and grandpa, they helped me get to where I’m at. It’s been a blast to do all this at such a young age and make my dreams come true.” Mackey’s relationship with his grandparents goes well beyond the “norm.” He grew up on his grandparents’ ranch in Ignacio, Colo., a small town near the Four Corners region of the state. He learned how to ride from his grandfather and helped out on the ranch. When given the option, he chose to remain there with his grandparents

relationship, but his grandfather acts as his father-figure. Mackey said he has never met his biological father, but his grandfather stepped up to the plate and taught him everything he knows, both in rodeo and life. “I would help my grandpa train colts and stuff like that,” Mackey said. “So I just grew up around hors es. But I always liked bull riding.” Mackey looks up to his grandpar ents. That’s why representing them is something he holds close to his heart. Ignacio has also become a motiva tor for the 19-year-old cowboy. During his run to Las Vegas last year, the townspeople would rou tinely wish him luck on the PRORO DEO road. They even made big signs for him. His love for representing Ignacio and Colorado earned him the nick name, “Colorado Kid,” at rodeos. When he was younger, he would

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Bull rider Luke Mackey made his National Finals Rodeo debut during his Resistol Rookie season. (PRCA photo by Lara St. Jacques)

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 31

compete at multiple performances on the nearby reservation. He was often introduced as “Colorado Kid” at the events. He eventually took a liking to it and put it as his official nickname when he registered for his PRCA card. The nickname has stuck so far in his career. On daysheets for some of PRORODEO’s biggest events, “Colorado Kid Mackey” often appears. “I thought it would be funny to have it as my nick

NFR as the No. 15 bull rider in the world, holding off Luke Mast on the final day of the 2025 regular season. He got off to a quick start in Las Vegas, covering Cervi Champion ship Rodeo’s Vitalix Anthrax for 84.75 points for his first-ever trip to the NFR pay window. He placed fifth in Round 2 with an 86.75-point ride and third in Round 4 with an 86-point ride.

He secured qualified rides twice more during the 10-day stretch of the NFR in rounds 8 and 10. In Round 8, he tied for fifth and sixth with an 87-point ride. In the final round, he was fourth with an 86.25-point ride to clinch the No. 7 spot in the world. Mackey was fifth in the average at the NFR with $134,494 in to tal earnings over 10 days. He was behind only T.J. Gray ($329,662), the Top Gun Award recipient for 2025, fellow Resistol Rookie Bryce Jensen ($210,491), Stetson Wright ($196,297), who secured the 2025 PRCA Bull Riding World Championship and All Around World Cham

pionship, and 2023 PRCA Bull Riding World Champi on Ky Hamilton ($182,398). Mackey said he didn’t feel much pressure as a Resistol Rookie at the NFR. When he climbed in the chutes, he zoned out and did what he knows

name,” Mackey said. “Me and my grandpa were

like, ‘Yeah, let’s put it down with the PRCA.’ It has sort of just stuck.

“(Ignacio) is really proud because it’s been a while since someone from the Four Corners area has gone to the NFR. But I was able to make it hap pen.” Whether it’s the love for repre senting Colorado, his grand

best: ride bulls. That’s the mindset that got him into position to head to Las Vegas in the first place. Walking across the stage at the South Point Hotel Casino during the PRCA Back Number Ceremony is a moment he won’t soon forget. Sharing the mo ment

parents or both, Mackey has used the motivation to his advantage. He quickly climbed up

the rank ings last season,

quali fying for the

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with his grandparents made it more special. “I really look up to my grandpa,” Mackey said. “He taught me to keep a straight head on all the time and I always listen to what he and my grandma say. (That moment at the NFR) meant a lot with my grandma and grandpa. They helped me from when I was riding sheep to now. They still help me out.” Mackey has taken the momentum he gained from Las Vegas and car ried over to the 2026 PRORODEO season. He’s currently No. 2 in the world with $54,086 in earnings so far. He placed third at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver in January and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in Feb ruary. He also placed third at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, second at the 81st Annual Yuma (Ariz.) Silver Spurs Rodeo and had a third round win at RodeoHouston with an 87.5-point ride on The Cervi Broth ers’ Honey Badger. Mackey didn’t qualify for the semifinals in Houston, but the round win helped him shake a slight cold spell as he prepared for other major events, including Lawton (Okla.) Xtreme Bulls, part of the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls Series, San Angelo (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo and Rodeo Austin, both part of the PRO RODEO Playoff Series. “I think the NFR has helped my confidence,” Mackey said as he looks forward to the rest of the 2026 season. “It let me know I can ride on the biggest stage. I knew I could do it, I just had to get there. Now, there’s nothing I’m scared of. I just go out there and have fun doing what I do.”

O n Oct. 30, 1936, world champion steer wrestler Hugh Bennett organized a walkout at the Boston Garden Ro deo. More than 60 cowboys and cowgirls joined the strike to force the rodeo promoter to improve judging and increase prize money. The athletes came together to form the Cowboys’ Turtle Association, reflecting that while they were slow to act, they stuck their necks out for change. Now 90 years later, the movement still holds significant value in the history of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys As sociation, which came to be in 1975. In honor of the 90th anniversary of PRORODEO, the PRORODEO Sports News spoke to multiple cowboys on the road and asked them to share their favorite memories - both new and old - of the Western sport. Those memories will be shared in the print editions of the PRORODEO Sports News every month leading up to the official anniversary of the PRCA in October. Additionally, the PSN will visit some of the historic mo ments, cowboys and roughstock animals in the storied his tory of the sport. Enjoy the trip down memory lane. COWBOYSCELEBRATE, SHARE FAVORITE MOMENT IN HONOR OF PRORODEO’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY By Zach Alvira

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TWO-TIME NFR BULL RIDER AND ONE-TIME NFR BAREBACK RIDER WACEY SCHALLA “This is everything I’ve ever wanted to do since I was little. To be here doing the best I can and hopefully win some gold buckles, it would be even nicer to do it on the 90th anniversary. “I grew up watching Cody Custer. One of my favorite rides of his was when he rode (Growney Brothers’) Wolfman at the (1991) NFR (in Round 10 for 94 points). I thought that was really cool and it made me want to be right up there with him.” TWO-TIME NFR BAREBACK RIDER BRADLEE MILLER “The 90th anniversary … everyone that I’ve watched has been a part of these last 90 years. To be a part of it now is such an awesome thing to look back on. “I’ve watched old videos of (ProRo deo Hall of Famers) Chris LeDoux and Bobby Mote, Kaycee Field … Hopefully I’ll make it to the 100th anniversary.” THREE-TIME PRCA TIE-DOWN ROPING WORLD CHAMPION RILEY WEBB “It’s cool that for 90 years they have had PRORODEO. It keeps getting better and better every year and I’m glad to be in this era coming up and letting it expand with me. I need to keep winning because the prize money keeps getting bigger. “It’s great to be able to make a living with my rope and be a professional athlete. I dreamed of making a living while roping. Never thought I could be doing this but it’s awesome.”

THREE-TIME NFR STEER WRESTLER BRIDGER ANDERSON

“An unforgettable moment is probably the NFR going to Las Vegas (in 1985). It seems like it grew (the sport) exponentially from there and continues to grow. It’s awesome for contestants like me in my generation that we’re able to make a liv ing rodeoing and it’s continuing to get better. Someday, this could be a full career that pays all our bills and we’re able to live well off it. “It’s awesome to see what Vegas has done and what PRORODEO has done to continue making our livelihoods better and add more money to it. I won’t make it for (another 90 years) but I think PRORODEO is something that will never end.

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Pendleton® Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% - 45% Alc./Vol. (80-90 proof). ©2025 Pendleton Distillers, proximospirits.com. Please drink responsibly. LET’ER BUCK and the bucking horse logo are registered trademarks of The Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills.

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 35

2025 RESISTOL ROOKIE BULL RIDER OF THE YEAR BRYCE JENSEN “In 2005 my grandma (Linda Vick was WPRA Reserve Barrel Racing World Champion) at the NFR. That was the year I was born so I don’t remember it but there are pictures of me on stage with my grandma after she won a round. That was a cool memory over 20 years ago. “I plan to be here another 10 years for the 100th anniversary of the PRCA.”

REMEMBERING LEGENDARY BAREBACK HORSE SIPPIN’ VELVET In early January of 1996, Sippin’ Velvet, one of the PRCA’s most celebrated bareback horses passed away on stock con tractor Bernis Johnson’s ranch in Cleburne, Texas. He was 27. Top Bareback Horse. In 1978, Sippin’ Velvet dominated the bareback riding, in 38 outs during the regular season only world champion Paul Mayo made the whistle on Sippin’ Velvet.

During his 22-year career, Sippin’ Velvet won five PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year awards (1978, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987), another five National Finals Rodeo Top Stock - in bareback - and was named the Bareback Horse of the Year six times. Sippin’ Velvet bucked at the NFR 18 years in a row from

Fellow world champion Bruce Ford won Round 3 of the 1978 NFR aboard Sippin’ Velvet with a 76-point ride. Sippin Velvet was retired during Round 9 of the 1994 NFR. “He had a lot of heart; it was bred in him,” Johnson said. “He never had any duck in him - he just bucked.”

1977-1994. He still owns the record for most Top Bucking Stock of the NFR Awards with five - 1978-79, 1982, 1986 and 1989. Sippin’ Velvet was a descendent of the great racehorse Man ‘O War but was bred to buck. Johnson purchased the horse when he bought Hoss Inman’s Flying I Rodeo Co., in the late 1970s. The bald-faced sorrel stood 15.2 hands and weighed 1,075 pounds. In his second NFR appearance in 1978, Sippin’ Velvet became the first bareback horse to win, in the same year, PRORODEO’s two major stock awards - PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year and NFR’s

Legendary NFR bucking horse Sippin’ Velvet. Photo by Dave Jenning

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