PRORODEO Sports News - October 3, 2025

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OCTOBER 2025

HOW THE WEST IS WORN

RYDER WRIGHT 2024 WORLD CHAMPION SADDLE BRONC RIDER

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

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OCTOBER 2025

TRACY RENCK MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA Tracy has been a sports journalist for three decades with the last decade-plus consumed by PRORODEO. Tracy previously served three years as editor of the PSN and now leads the communications team for the PRCA.

CONTRIBUTORS

Tom Glause, PRCA CEO PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published monthly by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-4301. PERIODICALS postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colo. , and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to PRORODEO Sports News, P. O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. Subscription rate: $45 for one year, 12 issues. Disclaimer: The PRORODEO Sports News carries advertising as a service to PRCA members and PSN readers. However, publication of advertisements in the PSN does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the PSN to guarantee or warrant any of the merchandise or livestock advertised. TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN OR FOR SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648); To advertise in the PSN, call: 719.528.4704 ©2025, PRCA Properties Inc. , a marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

ZACH ALVIRA PSN EDITOR AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Zach edits and writes for the PSN. He has over a decade of experience working in sports media and communications, serving as a communications editor and sports editor for many years in Phoenix, Ariz. ALEX DODD• MEDIA REPORTER Alex writes for the PRORODEO Sports News and the PRCA’s website. He assists in daily content creation and media op erations. Alex has worked in sports media for over a decade and most recently served as a sports editor in Rapid City, S.D. Alex is a proud Clemson University alum. LISA CUSH• PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DESIGNER Lisa holds a BFA from Louisiana State University. Geaux Tigers! She's the creative responsible for the visual style, layout, and graphic design of publications for the PRCA, including the PRORODEO Sports News. She's not a rodeo queen but she knows a few and leans into her Western roots to make sure the PSN’s content reflects the PRCA’s mission, vision, and values. ANDREW ROSARIO Andrew Rosario is a west Texas native who grew up vis iting his grandparents ranch where he was introduced to the Western lifestyle. He started his graphic design career in at the University of Texas, San Antonio as a hobby but decided to dive head first into a design career. He was born to be a “creative cowboy.” PAUL GRAFF • GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paul has a degree in Commercial Art. Paul has been designing magazines for more than 30 years with a couple national design awards. My design direction and creative expertise consists of managing designs to fit a target audience and enhance the visual experience for the reader and desired audience.

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OCT. 3, 2025

12 DUEL AT THE DUNES Inaugural event caps off 2025 season 16 ROUGHRIDER CUP Tilden Hooper surges at end of season 18 SHORT ROUND NFR Contract Personnel announced

22 HE SAID SHE SAID Who knows Jona than Torres better? 26 COWBOY GRILLE With bull rider Ma son Spain 30 PASSINGS Remembering PRCA cowboys

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ON THE COVER The champions of the Cinch Playoffs Gov ernor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D. (PRCA photos by Click Thompson)

06 MANAGER’S MESSAGE Real fun now begins with season over

08 SIOUX FALLS Ky Hamilton wins big at Governor’s Cup

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OCTOBER 2025

MANAGER'S MESSAGE

WITH PRORODEO REGULAR SEASON OVER, REAL FUN BEGINS By Tracy Renck

S eemingly in the blink of an eye the 2025 PRORODEO regular season has ended. Once the audit is complete around mid-October the Top 15 competitors in each event – bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping headers and heelers, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding – will be vying for coveted gold buckles at the 2025 Wran gler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. All the action will unfold from Dec. 4-13 at the Thom as & Mack Center. Lifelong dreams will be realized, and excitement will be at a fever pitch. There’s nothing like watching the grand entry at the NFR and seeing roughstock cowboys vie for glory in those famed yellow bucking chutes. There’s life in the real world, and there is the NFR. This is the 40th anniversary of the NFR taking place in Las Vegas, which will only add to the drama and prestige of the event. For those keeping score at home, 40 days from the start of the 2025 NFR is Oct. 25. As the days tick down closer to Vegas watch out for special stories and videos on proro deo.com and PRORODEO’s social media platforms talking about the NFR in Vegas. Know this: The cowboy is a relic of sorts; a living memo rial to a unique and colorful past. He still rides and he still ropes. But his actions are often a matter of pride and choice, rather than necessity. He is the rodeo cowboy, and he is an athlete like no other. One of those stellar athletes in 1985 was Lewis Feild. Feild won the PRCA Bareback World Championship and All-Around World Championship. Early in the season, Feild decided he would settle for nothing less than the coveted world titles. Field accomplished his goals. He won the all-around with $130,347 edging legendary team roper Clay O’Brien Cooper ($126,749). In bareback riding, Feild doubled his pleasure earning $103,247 to outdistance fellow future ProRodeo Hall of Famer Clint Corey ($99,271). In 1986, the PRCA media guide summed up why he was successful in the arena. “I think part of the reason I win is because I’m not hap py unless I do,” Feild said. As Adam West used to say as Batman, ‘Truer words are never spoke.’ Winning was in Field’s DNA. He added three more world championships to his resume, the 1986-87 All

Lewis Feild was one of the top cowboys ever. Now several others are chasing the same glory he found at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. (PRCA File Photo)

Around World Championships and the 1986 Bareback Riding World Championship. Feild passed away Feb. 15, 2016, at the age of 59 from pancreatic cancer. His son, Kaycee Field, followed in his father’s foot steps and set the gold standard for PRORODEO bare back riders winning six world championships in (2011 14 and 2020-21). Rodeo world champions and family are interwoven. Look no further than present day with the Wrights. Ryder will be back in Vegas looking for world championship No. 4 in saddle bronc riding and Stetson, after a year off with a hamstring injury, is back to try and win three world championships in all-around, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Stetson’s world championship count is at eight. When the NFR moved to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas in 1985 it became a “Whole New Ballgame.” That Ballgame is now bigger, better and more lu crative than ever and it will be a joy to see who walks out of the arena this year as the history making gold buckle winners.

TRACY RENCK , Manager of Communications and Media

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

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.

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OCTOBER 2025

Bull rider Ky Hamilton matched all four bulls in Sioux Falls en route to the Cinch Playoffs The Governor’s Cup championship. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

Bareback rider Rocker Steiner celebrated with fans in Sioux Falls after his championship ride. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

KY HAMILTON WINS BULL RIDING AT CINCH PLAYOFFS THE GOVERNOR’S CUP PRESENTED BY TEXAS PRECIOUS METALS By Zach Alvira T he story all season has been the race for No. 1 in the Hamilton followed Tristen Hutchings in the semifinals, who secured the first 90-point ride of the rodeo on Stock yards ProRodeo’s Insurrection. It set up Hamilton for a 90.75-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Puckered Up to win the round. In the finals, Hamilton was the only bull rider with a

PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings between Stet son Wright and Wacey Schalla in the bull riding. Ky Hamilton has been quietly waiting in the wings, clos ing the gap rodeo after rodeo as the season came to an end. The 25-year-old Mackay, Queensland, cowboy cashed a check for over $18,100 at the North Dakota Roughrider Cup Sept. 21. He followed it up with a $49,867 payday in Sioux Falls, S.D., winning the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup presented by Texas Precious Metals bull riding title by covering all four bulls throughout the weekend of Sept. 26-28. “This last week, it’s been awesome in North and South Dakota,” Hamilton said. “I knew there was a lot of money on the line. If I did my job, I knew it would help me make up some of the ground I wanted to make up.” Hamilton carried over momentum from his win in Man dan to the first round of the Governor’s Cup Friday, Sept. 26. His first ride of 88.75 points on Harper & Morgan Rodeo’s Muscle Man elevated him to the top of the leader board with a round win. He returned for Round 2 with an 87.5-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Sneaky Situation to finish second in the aggregate and advance to the semifinal round. The Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup started with the 12 cowboys and cowgirls in each event. The field was then trimmed to eight for the third performance on Sept. 28, followed by the Final Four sudden-death championship round.

qualified ride, bringing an end to the Governor’s Cup with a 91.75-point ride on Burch Rodeo’s Cookies & Crème, the same bull Clayton Sellars rode in 2024 to win the Gover nor’s Cup. “At the end of the day, you just try and ride bulls, no matter whatever else other guys have done,” Hamilton said. “I just took care of business (in Sioux Falls) and won as much as I could, and it will set me up well for the NFR.” The wins in Mandan and Sioux Falls come at a pivotal time for Hamilton. The season ended on Sept. 30, with only the Duel at the Dunes in Roggen, Colo., as the last rodeo for cowboys to earn paychecks toward the world standings. Nearly $60,000 in two weekends has Hamilton com fortably in third in the standings, but the gap between him, Wright and Schalla, who took over the No. 1 spot in Sioux Falls, has decreased. Deficit or not, Hamilton knows anything can happen in Las Vegas in December. He was crowned PRCA Bull Riding World Champion in 2023 in dramatic fashion. This year, he’s riding at a high level at the right time, building momentum every time he climbs on the back of a bull. Hamilton said he will take time off between Sioux Falls

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

Steer wrestler Justin Shaffer had three impressive runs, in cluding an arena record, to win the title in Sioux Falls. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

Team ropers Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira proved once again why they are one of the best duos in the world in Sioux Falls. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

and the NFR. That means he will enter PRORODEO’s biggest event fresh. And even if his win at Sioux Falls is put on the backburner for the race for No. 1, Hamilton doesn’t mind. “I don’t mind flying under the radar,” Hamilton said. “I kind of like being the dark horse in the back of the pack waiting for the right moment. It was good to get the win here. I’m just ready to get to Vegas. It ain’t over until it’s over.” Rocker Steiner secures No. 1 ranking with bareback win Rocker Steiner’s lead in the world standings increased dramatically in Sioux Falls, as the 21-year-old Weather ford, Texas, cowboy took home the bareback crown at the Governor’s Cup with an 88-point ride on Penthouse Pro Rodeo’s Cosmic Stardust. Steiner competed in Roggen, Colo., for the final mon ey-earning event of the season. But the wave of momen tum has Steiner prepared to enter the NFR No. 1 in the world for the second straight year. This year, however, winning a gold buckle is a promise he plans to keep. “I went in No. 1 last year and I didn’t really feel any different than the other guys,” Steiner said. “There’s something different about this year. It feels natural, like I’m supposed to be No. 1. It’s going to stay like that for a long time.” Justin Shaffer cashes out with steer wrestling title in Sioux Falls Justin Shaffer was just outside the money after Round 1 of the Governor’s Cup Friday, Sept. 26. He returned for Round 2 with a 3.0-second run that earned him the round win, an $11,000 paycheck and new arena record. The run also matched the arena record at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, the site of the National Finals

Rodeo, set by ProRodeo Hall of Famer Steve Duhon in Round 5 in 1986 and Bryan Fields in Round 6 in 2001. He matched Jesse Brown’s 3.6-second run in the semi finals and won the Governor’s Playoff championship with a 3.7-second run, beating Stetson Jorgensen by a tenth of a second. “Had a little bit of a slow ending to my year so to come into this building and do that is awesome,” Shaffer said. “It adds a ton of confidence. You can prepare all you want but you won’t know you’re good enough until you measure it.” Team ropers Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira to enter NFR No. 1 again Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira did it again. The header and healer tandem have been one of the top duos in PRORODEO all season, and for several years pri or. But proving so at the Governor’s Cup came with some slight adversity. They had a no time in Round 1 but came back with a 3.7-second run in Round 2 to qualify in the average. They swept the field from there with runs of 4.1 and 3.8 seconds, respectively, to claim the team roping titles and secure the No. 1 spot in the world standings heading into the NFR for the fourth time in their careers. “You know it is a struggle all year, it is a marathon, not a sprint,” Driggers said. “I feel like a lot of the greats have said that winning the regular season is harder than winning the world championship. Just the all-night drives and everything you put into it we are definitely blessed to go in No. 1 but we still have a long 10 days in Vegas.” Dawson Hay leads Canadian-filled bronc riding group to NFR Dawson Hay had an opportunity to improve his spot in the standings with the season coming to a close in Sioux Falls. But he had 11 of the best saddle bronc riders by his

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side vying for the same thing. Hay navigated through the talent-filled bucking chutes with two rides of 85.5 points each to qualify for the semi finals. His 88-point ride on Three Hills Rodeo’s Devil’s Advocate led him to a win in the round of eight. Just like he has throughout his career and recently at the Rank 45 Xtreme Broncs Finale, Hay stepped up in the biggest moment. He rode Burch Rodeo’s Moose for 89.5 points to add $32,000 to his total earnings and take home the Governor’s Cup title. Hay will ride in Las Vegas for the sixth time in his career and will be joined by at least three other Canadian cow boys (Zeke Thurston, Ben Andersen and Q Taylor). “It’s crazy growing up and getting on with all of these guys since we started,” Hay said. “I think the Canadians have really made Canada proud with their bronc riding. I probably take it for granted right now but I’m sure I’ll look back one day and realize how cool it is to have this many Canadian riders.” Kincade Henry jumps into top 5 with Sioux Falls win Kincade Henry carries the same mindset to every rodeo he competes in. But even he acknowledged Sioux Falls was different. The Governor’s Cup had thousands of dollars on the line, pivotal for timed-event cowboys like Henry who are trying to improve their place in the standings before the Top 15 is revealed for the NFR. He tied Dylan Hancock’s run of 7.5 seconds in the semi final round. In the finals, he beat out Hancock by a tenth of a second in walk-off fashion to win the title. “Two years ago the same deal happened,” Henry said. “I had to be 7.1 (seconds) to win it and I was at 7 (seconds) flat when my calf kicked up. I was craving it to come back here and come back and get a win. I knew it was a clean slate and it all worked out.” Steer roper Chet Herren claims title Savvy veteran Chet Herren proved on Sept. 27 that he’s Dawson Hay’s win at Sioux Falls guarantees the Canadian saddle bronc rider a trip to Las Vegas as a top 5 cowboy in the world. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

Tie-down roper Kincade Henry knows how to answer in big moments and did it again in Sioux Falls. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

Steer roper Chet Herren claimed the title in Sioux Falls. (PRCA photo by Click Thompson)

still one of the best steer ropers in PRORODEO. The Pawhuska, Okla., cowboy clocked a 9.7-second time to win the Final Four sudden-death round and claim the title at the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup presented by Texas Precious Metals. Herren entered Sioux Falls 11th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings with $47,706 and he added $15,500 to that total which puts him put right outside the top 5 in the standings. With his late-season surge, Herren has solidified his 20th trip to the National Finals Steer Roping Nov. 14-15 in Mulvane, Kan. “I just feel blessed and humbled, and grateful for it (his success),” Herren said. “This couldn’t happen to a better guy at a better time.” Bailey Bates’ championship run of 2.1 seconds helped her claim the Governor’s Cup title. No. 19 in the WPRA World Standings when she entered Sioux Falls, Bates se cured a trip to the National Finals Breakaway Roping. Similarly, Halyn Lide barrel racer needed a big weekend to join the Top 15 in the standings and head to Las Vegas in December. She advanced to the final round in Sioux Falls and had a run of 14.38 seconds to win.

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

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OCTOBER 2025

ROUGHSTOCK COWBOYS END SEASON WITH INAUGURAL DUEL AT THE DUNES CHAMPIONSHIPS By Zach Alvira T he PRORODEO road had one more stop before the end of the regular season on Sept. 30. The Duel at the Dunes, set on the sand dunes I’m blessed to be out here doing this,” Lees said. “Ready to get back at it.”

The three events were broken up into two sections for the long round, with the top three scores moving on to a showdown round. Lees made the most of his first ride on Cervi Champion ship Rodeo’s Colorado Cayenne with 86 points to win the long round. The No. 19 bareback rider in the world standings, Lees entered the Duel at the Dunes with the hope of ending his 2025 season with momentum heading into 2026. When he saw he drew Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Womanizer in the short round, a world champion NFR bucking horse, he knew his odds were good. “I knew that she had been there, done that and been Horse of the Year before,” Lees said. “I’ve actually been on her a long time ago and she gave me a pretty good stinger in my neck. But I was able to get her back a little bit.” Lees followed up his long-round ride of 86 points with an 88-point trip in the short round. He beat out Orin Larsen’s 87.5-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Wild Thang and Waylon Bourgeois’ 84-point ride on Cervi Champion

behind the Cervi Ranch and between the first and 18th holes at the new Rodeo Dunes Golf Club in Roggen, Colo., hosted 20 of the best roughstock cowboys in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding to compete one last time. Many of the cowboys were comfortably in the Top 15 of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings, meaning they had already punched their tickets to the Wrangler Nation al Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. But there were still a few vying for a chance to ride at the Thomas & Mack Center, making the Duel at the Dunes a make-or-break event for cowboys on the bubble. The final standings audit will be watched closely by some, but bareback rider Jacob Lees, saddle bronc rider Weston Patterson and bull rider Hudson Bolton ended the season on a high note with a little more cash in their pockets and as the inaugural champions of the Duel at the Dunes. “I kind of struggled the last bit of the season and it cost me going to the NFR, but a new season starts (Oct. 1) and

Bareback rider Jacob Lees ended his 2025 season on a high note with the inaugural championship at the Duel at the Dunes. (PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn)

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ship Rodeo’s Mike Honcho for the champion ship. Saddle bronc rider Weston Patterson has lived up to the big moment all season. He did the same thing on Sept. 30. His 89-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Triple Threat helped him cruise to the Duel at the Dunes saddle bronc riding title, beating Sage Newman’s 87-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Hitman and Lefty Holman’s ride of 84.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Steak Sauce. “This event was pretty dang cool. It’s not everyday you get to go ride in the mid dle of a golf course,” Patterson said. “The atmosphere here was awesome, the horses bucked and I’m just really blessed to be able to head to my first NFR and finish the season like this.” Patterson, who sat No. 11 in the world

standings heading into the final day of the season, now ends his season on a high note as he prepares for his first trip to the NFR. But with the 2026 campaign kicking off Oct. 1, Patterson isn’t planning too much time out of the bucking chutes. He immediately packed up in Roggen, Colo., and headed north for the Brad Gjer mundson Xtreme Broncs match, the first major event on the 2026 Rank 45 Xtreme Broncs Tour with over $160,000 in added money in New Town, N.D. Patterson said competing in North Dakota will hopefully help him get off to a fast start in 2026, but he still plans for some down time before Las Vegas in December.

Weston Patterson will head to his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with momentum after a win in saddle bronc in Roggen. (PRCA photo by Fernando Sam-Sin)

“We’ll go to New Town, N.D. to start off 2026,” Patter son said. “We’ll go there, then take some time off before the Finals.” As the sun set on the rolling sand dunes of Roggen, Hudson Bolton climbed on his final bull of the 2025 regu lar season. Comfortably in the top 10 at No. 6 in the bull riding world standings, Bolton rode Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Ringling Road for a 92-point trip. He was the only qual

ified rider in the finals, as Luke “Colorado Kid” Mackey and Elijah Mora, a walk-up who made the finals after turnouts and doc tor releases, were both bucked off. “This is one of my favorite rodeos, it’s the first one they’ve ever had,” Bolton said. “I didn’t know much about that bull, but they told me Stetson (Wright) has been 92 on him, so I figured it was going to turn out pretty good. I ride better when I don’t know too much about them.” The payday won’t improve Bolton’s place in the standings, but the 19-year-old Resis tol Rookie bull rider, who began to make a move in the standings in July when he won nearly $20,000 at the Gerry Volun teer Firemen’s Rodeo in New York and Cowtown Rodeo in Woodstown Pilesgrove, N.J., shored up his spot atop the rookie bull riding standings. “There’s a good group of rookies this year,” Bolton said. “It’s not over until it’s over in Vegas. I’m just excited to get ready.” The final standings will undergo an audit beginning Oct. 2, with final results expected by the middle of October.

Bull rider Hudson Bolton continued his stellar Resistol Rookie campaign with a win at the Duel at the Dunes. (PRCA File Photo)

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OCTOBER 2025

DUEL AT THE DUNES DELIVERED BUBBLE DRAMA ON LAST DAY OF REGULAR SEASON By Alex Dodd

E very year, cowboys find themselves on the bubble to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The bubble situation of a few roughstock cowboys was exaggerated on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the final day of the 2025 PRORODEO regular season, during the first-ever Duel at the Dunes in the backyard of the Cervi Ranch in Roggen, Colo. The event hosted 20 of the best bareback, saddle bronc and bull riders – including several in dire need of one

going to jump in the boat and today proved that.” Luke ‘Colorado Kid’ Mackey showed up at his home state event needing to play some defense at No. 15 in the bull riding standings. “It sounds kind of simple, but I just had to keep to myself and just ride (these bulls) like every other bull,” Mackey said. Mackey did that and more with an 81-point ride in the opening performance to reach the three-man short round. He bucked off in

more substantial payday. Saddle bronc rider Lefty Holman entered the final event of the 2025 campaign sitting 16th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Stand ings. He needed to leave with a couple of checks and to finish above No. 15 Wyatt Casper to reach his fifth NFR. “I prayed the hardest I’ve ever prayed,” Holman said of his mindset coming into the event. “God’s been giv ing me these little tiny signs all week, little tiny signs that I know came from him. He just let me know that it’s all going to be all right.”

the final but did enough to unofficially clinch his spot in Las Vegas, pending an official audit. The 19-year-old Resis tol Rookie from Ignacio, Colo., also relished the opportunity to seal his fate in his home state. “I was really pumped that the last rodeo of the year was in my home state,” Mackey said. “Now I’m a little bit closer to go ing back home and resting up for a few days.”

Saddle bronc rider Lefty Holman needed one more payday to secure a trip to his fifth Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, pending an official audit. (PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn)

The bubble took its toll on Mackey over the last several weeks, but shoring up his spot – pending the audit – made the experience worth the stress. “It was really stressful just trying to get inside of that bubble,” Mackey said. “Today it came right down to it. I was going to pop that bubble or stay in it. I stayed in it, and it feels good.” Mackey said he’ll get on a few practice bulls and recover before he makes his way to Las Vegas from Dec. 4-13 for his first National Finals Rodeo. Mason Clements arrived for the bareback riding trail ing No. 15 R.C. Landingham by $1,500. He unofficially did just enough to work his way inside the Top 15 at the Duel at the Dunes. Clements matched Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Blue Ridge Babe for an 85.5-point ride in the long round to finish in the money, despite missing the three-man showdown. Landingham finished outside the money. Until the official audit wraps up in the middle of October, the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings are unofficial. But when it concludes, back numbers will be released on prorodeo.com and the field will be set for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Holman matched Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Tar get Practice in the opening round to reach the short go, and Casper missed out on the final. In the championship round, Holman recorded an 84.5-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Steak Sauce to finish second and unofficially put himself in position for the season’s culminating event. “I had to give myself a chance here,” Holman said. “It’s not just rodeo and wanting to make the NFR. I have a family to feed. I have a reputation to keep up. I have an expensive lifestyle. So not making the NFR doesn’t just kill my ego, but financially it’s horrible as well. So to be a businessman in this game, you’ve got to win, and you’ve got to keep winning.” Holman battled injuries throughout the season, as well as the mental toll of the PRORODEO season’s ups and downs. “It’s been a dogfight,” Holman said. “It’s been non stop and so stressful taking a toll on my mind and my body. I’ve been going to rodeos and not winning any thing, getting on horses I normally wouldn’t and just dogging it out because you have to try. The fish aren’t

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OCTOBER 2025

TILDEN HOOPER SURGES AT NORTH DAKOTA ROUGHRIDER CUP By Alex Dodd

L ife on the bubble isn’t a new experience for Tilden Hooper. The nine-time Wran gler National Finals Rodeo qualifier (2008 09, 2011, 2014, 2018-22) has fought his way onto rodeo’s biggest stage in the closing weeks of the season before, and he knows what it takes. Hooper entered the weekend of Sept. 19-21, 22nd in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Stand ings in bareback rid ing. And he needed to make a move during the North Dakota Rough Rider Cup. The 37-year-old from Carthage, Texas, paired with Macza Pro Rodeo’s

Tilden Hooper shined in Mandan, N.D., at the North Dakota Roughrider Cup, taking home the bareback riding title. (PRCA photo by Chuck Miner)

Tilden Hooper entered Mandan on the bubble and knew he needed to make up some ground with the season nearing its end. (PRCA photo by Chuck Miner)

end of the season), and I’ve done it a lot of times,” Hooper said. “Of the times I’ve made it to the NFR, sometimes it feels easy and you win a bunch all year long. Sometimes you win a bunch in the winter, nothing in the summer and a little in the fall.” In the midst of scrambling across the country to win enough money to reach the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, it can be difficult to maintain perspective. Hooper said it’s not do or die, but he enjoys the thrill of chasing every dollar as the time to add to his ledger ticks down. “In the moment, it’s a little more nerve-racking,” Hoop er said. “But when you look back at it, the times where it comes down to the last weekend and you get it done, it’s a pretty sweet feeling. I’m just thankful to have that chance again.” Hooper in the Pasadena (Texas) Livestock Show & Rodeo and the lucrative Cinch Playoff Governor’s Cup presented by Texas Precious Metals from Sept. 26-28 in Sioux Falls, S.D. The rodeo had a $1.4 million purse. Other winners at the $507,006 PRORODEO Playoff Series Rodeo included steer wrestler Gavin Soileau (3.8 sec onds); team ropers Andrew Ward/Jake Long (4.7 seconds); saddle bronc rider Damian Brennan (89.5-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s Shattered Lunatic); tie-down ropers Riley Pruitt and Blane Cox (8.1 seconds each); barrel racer Austyn To bey (18.06 seconds); and bull rider Ky Hamilton (89-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Sneaky Situation).

OLS Tubs Stevie Nicks on Sept. 21 final performance in Mandan, N.D., and he made it count with a 90-point ride to take the win. “It was better late than never,” Hooper said with a laugh on his way from North Dakota to Texas. “That was just what I needed.” Sam Petersen and Wacey Schalla finished second at the North Dakota Roughrider Cup with a pair of 88.5-point trips. Hooper said he got pretty excited and knew he had a chance to climb to the top of the leaderboard when he saw his draw for the event. “That’s a great horse and she’s been great for a long time,” Hooper said. “I’ve been on her a handful of times. I was probably one of the first guys to get on her when they brought her down here and she was young. I’ve been on her at the NFR once or twice. “I told somebody earlier, she shows up by my name when I really need her and she hasn’t let me down yet. I’m a pretty big fan of hers.” The PRORODEO regular season concluded on Sept. 30, and while Hooper still had work to do to crack the covet ed Top 15 for the 10th time, he’s familiar with the chase. Hooper moved up to 17th place in the world standings and was $2,040 behind Mason Clements whas is in 15th. Hoop er moved up in the standings thanks to earning $18,119 in Mandan. “It’s exciting. I love riding at all of these rodeos (at the

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OCTOBER 2025

6 The number of cowboys who surpassed $3 million in career earnings this season. The list includes Kaleb Driggers, Ryder Wright, Luke Brown, Shane Hanchey, Zeke Thurston and Jake long.

$15,500 The total money earned by steer roper Chet Herren after winning the inaugural steer roping title at the Cinch Playoffs The Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D.

SHORT ROUND

$49,867 The total earnings by bull rider Ky Hamilton after riding four bulls at the Cinch Playoffs The Governor’s Cup presented by Texas Precious Metals in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The announcers at the 2025 Wrangler NFR will be Wayne Brooks, Roger Mooney and Anthony Lucia. The special announcer for the 40th Anniversary of the NFR in Las Vegas will be ProRodeo Hall of Famer Bob Tallman. The NFR is Dec. 4-13 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

FRONTIER RODEO’S CHASE FINNELL RECOVERING AFTER ACCIDENT C hase “Rooster” Finnell is on the road to recovery after an accident while transporting stock for Frontier Ro deo Company on Sept. 18 on the way to Pasadena, Texas.

Brooks is making his 13th appear ance at the NFR, and this will be the ninth appearance at the NFR for Mooney. Lucia, the 2023 and 2024 PRCA Announcer of the Year, will be making his NFR debut. Livestock superintendent John Barnes makes his 20th consecutive

Finnell, the son of Frontier Rodeo Company rodeo man ager Heath Stewart and his wife Shay, had a tire blowout on the semi truck, causing it to go off an overpass and into a concrete wall in Waxahachie, Texas. He was transported to an area hospital with an L2 burst and cuts that required stitches. Finnell underwent surgery on Sept. 19, and Stewart said the surgery was successful. “The surgery went well,”

Wrangler NFR appearance. The assistant livestock su perintendent is Terry Autrey. Raina Hudson is the saddle horse boss. Sunni Deb Backstrom, who was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2021, is the NFR secretary, mark ing the 20th year in a row she has been selected. Jennie Murray is the assistant secretary. Timers are Vicki Pack (first year), Kris Fleener (second year) and Nancy Dorenkamp (third year). Brad Narducci is the music director, and Josh Hilton is the assistant music director. The specialty acts are Tomas Garcilazo, Rider and Beth any Kiesner and Haley Proctor. At the NFSR at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., Nov. 14-15, Scott Grover will handle the announc ing duties, along with Kory Keeth. This is Grover’s third appearance at the NFSR and second in a row. Keeth is a newcomer to the event. Chute boss John Gwatney is back for his 16th consecu tive trip, and the pickup man is Jason R. King. The NFSR secretary is Crystal Longfellow. The timers are Sandy Gwatney and Marien Woner. Randy Mayer has been selected as the music director. Jessica Blair Fowlkes will be the specialty act at the NFSR for the second time. THE CHUTE BOSSES CAUGHT UP WITH 2023 NFR BAREBACK WORLD CHAMPION KEENAN HAYES The Chute Bosses caught up with 2023 NFR Bareback World Champion Keenan Hayes During his first two years in PRORODEO, Keenan Hayes got off to the hottest start of any bareback rider in the history of the sport. In 2022, he set a PRCA single season Permit earnings

Chase “Rooster” Finnell is re covering after he was involved in an accident while hauling stock for Frontier Rodeo Com pany. (Courtesy photo)

Stewart told the PRORODEO Sports News in a text mes sage. “He had some nerves that were kinked up but they got them straightened out and they were not cut. He has a long recovery but the doctors said it should be 100%.” Frontier Rodeo Company owner Jerry Nelson found out about the crash almost immediately after the accident occurred. He said Stewart thought the injuries sustained in the wreck were more serious at first before he was transported to the hospital. “Chase was reared on the ranch in Oklahoma from the time he was a little kid,” Nelson said. “He’s an integral part of what we do at Frontier Rodeo and his dad runs the ship. I’d just tell everybody to keep praying.” According to Nelson, Frontier Rodeo Company lost sev en bucking bulls and 10 breakaway calves in the accident. A makeshift corral was put in place to keep the remaining stock in place. A veterinarian was called to the scene of the accident to assist first responders with moving the other stock from the trailer to another. CONTRACT PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED FOR WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO, NFSR T he contract personnel for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the National Finals Steer Roping were announced Wednesday by the PRCA.

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

SHORT ROUND

record at $108,568. The following

and 67 races between 1984 and 2000 for RCR. But Childress has had other successes. Childress was the first NASCAR owner to win championships in all three of NASCAR’s national series, and his 14 titles are second all time. Childress was the recipient of the Bill France Award of Excellence in 1986. “It’s truly an honor to be invited as the keynote speaker at the PRCA convention,” Childress said. “The rodeo community represents hard work, dedication, and the spirit of competi tion — values I deeply respect and share from my own expe riences in racing and beyond. I look forward to being in Las Vegas on December 3 to connect with everyone and celebrate the incredible athletes and traditions of rodeo.” As in prior years, the convention will feature the State of the PRCA address from Glause as well as the PRCA Member Trade show. The PRCA National Convention is the annual meeting of the organization’s members. It is the gathering to review the achievements of the prior year and lay out new strategic areas of focus for the year ahead. The evenings are highlighted with fan favorites: the 18th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Dec. 1 honoring ProRodeo Hall of Famers stock Billy and Pam Minick as the 2025 Legend of ProRodeo; the PRCA Welcome Reception on Dec. 2, and the PRCA Annual Awards Banquet on Dec. 3 to recognize the extraordinary achievements of PRCA members. The 2025 PRCA National Convention will take place at the South Point. Registration is open for PRCA members and their guests at www.prcaconvention.com.

season in 2023, he rolled through his Resistol Rookie campaign, tallying a record-setting $434,050 to become the first rookie to win the PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship. Last year, Hayes entered the Wrangler National Fi nals Rodeo looking to defend his title, but a groin inju ry hampered him in Las Vegas and ultimately knocked him out for the 2025 season. On Sept. 4, Hayes welcomed The Chute Bosses, Alex Dodd and Zach Alvira, to his home in Hayden, Colo. to discuss a timetable for his return to PRORODEO and an in-depth look at what makes him tick as a competitor. RICHARD CHILDRESS TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT 2025 PRCA CONVENTION R ichard Childress, a legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame owner, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 PRCA Convention in Las Vegas. Childress will address con vention attendees at the Grand Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge at the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas, Dec. 4-13. “We are honored Richard Childress will keynote our convention,” said Tom Glause, CEO of the PRCA. “He is a quintessential American success story who started with a $20 car to become one of NASCAR’s most successful and enduring team owners. He truly appreciates the work ethic of our cowboys and what they represent.” The 2025 PRCA National Convention, held Decem ber 1-4 in Las Vegas, has the theme “Where Rodeo Meets, Connects, and Celebrates!”. Childress, the consummate self-made racer, was respectable behind the wheel. Between 1969 and 1981, he had six top-five finishes and 76 top 10s. Having formed Richard Childress Racing in 1972, Childress retired from driving in 1981. That set in motion his incredible history as a NA SCAR owner. Much of that history is linked to one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, inaugural NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt (2010), who won six championships Ballroom at the South Point Hotel and Casino, Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. (PT). The gathering of PRCA mem bers precedes the biggest event on PRORODEO’s annual calendar, the

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OCTOBER 2025

ON THE TRAIL

First responder night during the first performance of the Lewiston (Idaho) Round up Sept. 4. (PRCA photo by Gini Roberge)

Bareback rider Bradlee Miller on Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Cimma ron Splash during the New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo Sept. 10-14. (PRCA photo by Phillip Kitts)

Saddle bronc rider Jasper Frost on Pent house Pro Rodeo’s Mandalay during the Lake County Round-Up in Lakeview, Ore., Aug. 31-Sept. 1. (PRCA photo by Brett Schneider)

Saddle bronc rider Lefty Holman preparing for his ride at the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madi son, Iowa, Sept. 4-6. (PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn)

A bucking horse and her baby at the Marysville (Calif.) Stampede Sept. 13-14. (PRCA photo by Yoko Kobayashi)

Teepees at the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up Sept. 10-13. (PRCA photo by Alexis Cady)

Bareback rider Colton Clemens during his ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Sapphire at the Lake County Round-Up in Lakeview, Ore., Aug. 31-Sept. 1. (PRCA photo by Brett Schneider)

Specialty act Brian Patton at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene, Texas, Sept. 5-13. (PRCA photo by David Seymore)

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

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21

OCTOBER 2025

HE SAID- SHE SAID W ho knows three-time Wrangler NFR team roping qualifier Jona than Torres better? His wife, Rylea Rae Torres, or his roping partner, two-time NFR team roping qualifi er Nelson Wyatt?

Jonathan’s Answers: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE RODEO ATHLETE? Clay O’Brien Cooper WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? Facebook WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Any song by Pitbull WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VACATION SPOT? Hawaii IF YOU COULD MEET ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Lindsey Vonn WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE RELATIONSHIP? Me WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE TYPE OF FOOD? Cuban IF YOU COULD BE IN ANY MOVIE, WHICH WOULD IT BE? Yellowstone WHAT (NON-NFR) RODEO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO WIN? Salinas WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE? Coca-Cola ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? Extrovert

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

Rylea’s Answers: WHO IS HIS FAVORITE RODEO ATHLETE? Clay O’Brien Cooper WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? Facebook WHAT IS HIS GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Anything by Pitbull WHAT IS HIS DREAM VACATION SPOT? Hawaii IF HE COULD MEET ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Lindsey Vonn WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE RELATIONSHIP? Him WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE TYPE OF FOOD? Cuban IF HE COULD BE IN ANY MOVIE, WHICH WOULD IT BE? Fast and Furious WHAT (NON-NFR) RODEO WOULD HE MOST LIKE TO WIN? Salinas WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVER AGE? Coca-Cola IS HE AN INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT? Extrovert

Nelson’s Answers: WHO IS HIS FAVORITE RODEO ATHLETE? Himself WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? Facebook WHAT IS HIS GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Lil’ Wayne WHAT IS HIS DREAM VACATION SPOT? Hawaii IF HE COULD MEET ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Lindsey Vonn WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE RELATIONSHIP? Rylea WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE TYPE OF FOOD? Cuban IF HE COULD BE IN ANY MOVIE, WHICH WOULD IT BE? Moneyball WHAT (NON-NFR) RODEO WOULD HE MOST LIKE TO WIN? Salinas WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE? Coca-Cola IS HE AN INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT? Extrovert

23

OCTOBER 2025

Bareback rider Rocker Steiner had an 87.5-point ride on J Bar J Rodeo’s JoJo during the North Dakota Roughrider Cup in Mandan, N.D., Sept. 19-21. (PRCA photo by Chuck Miner)

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

25

OCTOBER 2025

COWBOY GRILLE WITH KENSIE DARST-TODD

M ason Spain, 22, has had a standout PRORODEO sea son. The Forney, Texas, cowboy clinched big wins at key rodeos that put him in position to make a push toward the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. How’d you get your start in rodeo? Spain: I grew up around rodeo – my dad and grand father both rode bulls. I remember riding sheep when I was about 5 years old. One day, I told my dad I wanted a go-kart, and he said, ‘Well, you better win enough money to buy one.’ Seventeen years later, not much has changed – except now I’m buying Harley-Davidsons and Cadillacs. When did you know you could make a career out of competing? Spain: I’ve always been pretty successful. I was beyond blessed to be part of a college national title team last year at Tarleton State University and this is my first year – my rookie year – but I’m planning to make it my career plan to make my first NFR. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Spain: I tried a few other events when I was in junior high. I rode bareback and bucking horses, but I couldn’t seem to beat

he draws a bull he doesn’t like or it’s raining – he’s always ready to rodeo. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Spain: There are several marquee events I want to win in my career – of course, the NFR, and notably, Salinas. But one that stands out on a personal level is the Calgary Stampede. Back in 2016, I was fortunate enough to win the cow riding there, and in my interview afterward, I said I’d be back to win the bull riding. That’s a promise I fully intend to keep. What’s your favorite movie? Spain: Top Gun and Lonesome Dove. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Spain: Big fan of Chili’s – you can’t beat the chips and salsa and the triple dipper. What’s the first vehicle you drove? Spain: The first vehicle I bought was a Cadil lac Sedan CTS. Do you have a favorite dessert?

Spain: Blue Bell Choc olate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Spain: Being in my rookie year, I really have focused

Bradlee Miller and Keenan Hayes, so I decided to stick with bull riding. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Spain: I definitely hope to learn the tools to success, wheth er that’s traveling or what rodeos to enter. Just the secrets to being successful at the top at the premier level. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Spain: Clayton Sellars. That guy has the most posi tive outlook on life.

on rodeo and haven’t had that much spare time, but in the little time I have, I like to ride my Har ley-Davidson. What’s your favorite holiday? Spain: My favorite holiday is Thanks giving – it celebrates the start of the NFR. What type of music do you like listening to?

There’s nothing that can get him down, whether

Spain: Texas Country – anything with a steel guitar twang.

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

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OCTOBER 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION.

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OCTOBER 2025

PASSINGS

TEAM ROPER TIMOTHY EDWARD CARNES PASSES AWAY AT 36 PRCA Staff

STEER WRESTLER RANDY VAUGH PASSES AWAY AT 68 PRCA Staff Steer wrestler Randy Vaughn, who qualified

Timothy Edward Carnes, a team roping header in the First Frontier Circuit, passed away Sept. 18 at his home in Howell, N.Y., Sept. 18. He was 36. Carnes’ passing came as a shock to the PRORODEO community, especially for those in the First Frontier Circuit. Brock Hower,

for the National Finals Rodeo in 1978 and 1981, passed away Sept. 23 in Chi co, Texas. He was 68. Vaughn placed 13th in the world stand ings in 1978 and 10th in 1981. In 1978, he placed fourth in Round 3 with a 6.8-second time

the president of the circuit, said Carnes was always a happy-go-lucky personality and someone that was enjoyable to be around. “He was just known for being friendly with ev erybody,” Hower said. “He’s always somebody who was good for joking

Randy Vaughn. (File Photo)

and in 1981 he placed third in Round 5 with a 5.2-second run.

Vaughn, who was 6-foot-6, 240 pounds in his prime, finished the 1981 season with $33,403. He was second in Denver ($7,600), earned over $5,000 in San Anto nio and $3,00 each in Tucson and Salinas. Vaughn also won rodeos in Fort Worth, Pendleton, Pecos, Texas, and San Angelo. “I just enjoy going to ‘em,” Vaughn said back in the day. “The competition is my favorite part, but I also appreciate the friendship and the camaraderie you see around rodeo.” Vaughn grew up on a Texas ranch riding horses and at age 14 he decided to become a top steer wrestler. He credited his father, Charlie and Ronnye Sewalt and Walt Garrison for his early coaching and encourage ment. He joined the PRCA in 1976. In addition to qualifying for the NFR, Vaughn was the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo champion in 1983 and nine-time Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo qualifier. Vaughn was Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo Official (1985, 1989), Tuff Hedeman Championship Challenge Bull Riding Arena Director (1998-2001), PBR World Finals Arena Director (2000-2001), Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant Judge (1997-1998), Windy Ryon Roping Com mittee member (1995-2000), and National Promo tions Manager, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co., Copenha gen Pro Rodeo Program (2000-2009).

around and laugh ing and hanging out after the rodeo. He just wanted to have a good time and be there for anybody when they needed them.” A PRCA member since 2023, Carnes frequented the Cowtown Rodeo in Woodstown Pilesgrove, N.J., and placed as high as first alongside heeler Casey Cox on June 7. With Mike Charles as his heeler, they finished first with a 5.8-second run at the Cecil County Fair Pro Rodeo in Elkton, Md., July 21-22. Carnes also competed at several other rodeos, in cluding the Gerry (N.Y.) Volunteer Firemen’s Rodeo, the Attica (N.Y.) Pro Rodeo and Painted Pony Champi onship Rodeo in Lake Luzerne, N.Y. At the Apple Hill Stables Rodeo in Levant, Maine, Sept. 5-7, he and Charles finished second. Carnes earned $4,530 this season. “People are just devastated by the news,” Hower said. “It was just completely unexpected, and a true loss for the circuit.” Edward Carnes. (Courtesy Photo)

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS