My Recent Work

Kade Berry Writes a New Chapter of Cheyenne Frontier Days History

A sold-out crowd of 19,000 roared with excitement at the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. Anticipation filled the air, making the otherwise dry Cheyenne climate heavy with the unanswered question: Who would etch their name into the 2025 history books?What started in 1897 as a community celebration of cowboy skills quickly evolved into the largest outdoor rodeo on Earth—better known as the “Daddy of ’em All.” Now paying out more than $1.16 million in prize money, Cheyenne Frontier Days lives u...

National High School Finals Rodeo Crowns New Class Of Champions

The 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) recently wrapped up in Rock Springs, Wyoming, showcasing the nation’s top high school rodeo athletes competing for national titles. With contestants from across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, the event highlighted the skill, grit, and determination of rodeo’s rising stars.

In bareback riding, Braylon Johnson of Prescott, Arizona, captured the championship with a 236-point aggregate. He narrowly bested Brody Dent of Bend, Oregon (234.5) and Da...

Ledgends Dan Mortensen, Benny Binion, And Shawn Davis Named 2025 Vegas NFR Icons

Rodeo great Dan Mortensen will be honored as a 2025 Vegas NFR Icon, joining legendary contributors Benny Binion and Shawn Davis as the latest figures celebrated for their lasting impact on the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Las Vegas Events announced the trio will be recognized during the 40th edition of the NFR, held Dec. 4–13 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mortensen, a seven-time PRCA World Champion, will be honored during the Dec. 5 performance, with Binion and Davis recognized the following...

Book The Perfect Dude Ranch COWGIRL Vacation This Summer!

If you're looking for a summer getaway that offers more than just a change of scenery, a dude ranch vacation might be exactly what you need. With horseback riding, open landscapes, and a slower pace, these ranches provide a chance to unplug and reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself. Whether you're an experienced rider or just curious about the Western lifestyle, we've rounded up some of the best destinations for an unforgettable cowgirl escape.

Read More: Summer Bucket List For...

CINCH World Championship Junior Rodeo Crowns 2025 World And Event Champions - COWGIRL Magazine

The 2025 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR) wrapped up a thrilling week of elite youth rodeo action at the Lazy E Arena, where hundreds of competitors from across the country battled for championship titles and their share of more than $410,000 in prize money.

From fast times to high scores, the event showcased the future of rodeo. Oklahoma’s own Blaze Carter clocked a 7.81-second run to claim the Youth Tie-Down Roping title and $1,550, while Shayde Jackson (Burbank, Okla.) won the Yo...

Julia Dondero - COWGIRL Magazine

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Hadley Thompson Emerges Victorious at National High School Finals Rodeo, Earning Three National Titles

Home-state cowgirl Hadley Thompson of Yoder, Wyoming, made her mark on the 76th edition of the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR), held at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyo, earning an impressive three national titles.Making history, the Cowboy State athlete took home the coveted All-Around Cowgirl, Breakaway Roping, and Goat Tying titles. In addition to the prestigious honors, Thompson beamed as she carried her new Todd Slone saddles and Gist buckles home.“It was a very...

Weekly Wire: California Rodeo Salinas Previews World Championship Races

As the dog days of summer roll on, so does the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) season. With major rodeos like California Rodeo Salinas concluding, fans and athletes alike are watching the world title races begin to take shape.Nestled alongside the picturesque Monterey Bay and in the heart of the Salinas Valley lies a “Ro-DAY-o” unlike any other. While the agriculturally based “Salad Bowl of the World” is best known for its homegrown produce, Salinas is also known for its historic r...

All-Around Badlands Cowboy Bodie Mattson Overcomes Adversity to Repeat Success in Colorado Springs

“Keep entering.”In the wise words of Bodie Mattson’s University of Wyoming rodeo coach—and four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier—Seth Glause, sometimes you just have to keep entering.Keep entering, keep learning, and keep going.It was this mantra that led the 2024 NFR Open All-Around Cowboy to his second consecutive all-around title in the Pikes Peak foothills of Colorado Springs. A champion of the Badlands Circuit’s Tie-Down Roping and All-Around titles, Mattson accomplished a feat not many...

Weekly Wire: Cowboy Christmas Concludes, Regular Season Earnings Records in Sight

With just over two months remaining in the 2025 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) season, the race to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas is officially in top gear. The conclusion of the Fourth of July rodeo run—unofficially coined Cowboy Christmas by athletes chasing lucrative payouts—brought major shakeups and record-breaking performances to the world standings.From Calgary to Estes Park, Elgin, Colorado Springs, and beyond, the week of July 6–12 proved especially fruitful...

College Rodeo Growth Sparks NIRA Regional Reorganization

College rodeo is growing-- and in a big way. Continued growth in college rodeo participation has prompted the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) to restructure one of its largest and most competitive regions, meaning new opportunities for athletes and fans alike.

During the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), the NIRA Board of Directors approved a plan to split the Southwest Region—previously home to more than 800 competitors—into two separate regions: the Lone Star Region and...

Reno Rodeo Kicks Off Summer Run, Highlighting Top Athletes - COWGIRL Magazine

The 2025 Reno Rodeo wrapped up with electric performances across all events, headlined by Utah’s own Stetson Wright claiming the All-Around Cowboy title after earning $22,654 in saddle bronc and bull riding. Just one year after being sidelined by injuries, Wright returned in true champion form, heading the all-around title.

In the roughstock events, Garrett Shadbolt dominated bareback riding, winning both the second round and finals with scores of 87.5 and 89, respectively. Jess Pope claimed t...

College National Finals Rodeo Crowns 2025 Champions - COWGIRL Magazine

The dust has settled in the historic college-rodeo town of Casper, Wyo., as the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) wrapped up a thrilling week of competition with standout performances and national titles awarded across all disciplines.

In bareback riding, Cooper Filipek of Gillette College clinched the national title with 325 points on four head-turning rides, edging out Missouri Valley College’s Kooper Heimburg by a single point. Bradlee Miller of Sam Houston State won the final round with...

Rodeo Reimagined: Jokers Reign Supreme At Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo

Under the dazzling lights of AT&T Stadium, the Jokers proved they were no laughing matter at the second annual Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on Friday night. Dominating from the opening ride to the final saddle bronc ride, the team, led by rodeo legends Sid Steiner and Joe Beaver, rode away with the championship title and a $500,000 prize.

Read More: Jackie Crawford Makes WPRA History With $1 Million In Career Earnings

The night kicked off with Round 1 bracket action, where the Jokers wasted no time...

Final Roster Set For Calgary Stampede Rodeo, Breakaway Roping Set To Make Its Debut - COWGIRL Magazine

The stage is set for one of rodeo’s most iconic showcases as the full roster for the 2025 Calgary Stampede Rodeo is officially confirmed. Following the conclusion of the Barrel Racing qualifiers on June 11, 210 world-class rodeo athletes are now slated to compete from July 4–13 at GMC Stadium in what promises to be an unforgettable 10-day celebration of western heritage and high-stakes competition.

Among the biggest headlines is the historic debut of Ladies Breakaway Roping. With a $310,250 pri...

Josie Conner Reigns As “The Queen Of Arlington”, Writing Her Name In The History Books - COWGIRL Magazine

Just HOW much has the standout breakaway roper won within the past few months in Arlington??

Josie Conner has carved her name into the heart of rodeo’s biggest stage—AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. Dubbed “The Queen of Arlington,” Conner’s commanding performances in 2025 have earned her a staggering figure, with over $170,000 in winnings inside two of the most iconic venues of the Lone Star State.

Watch Now: Mic'd Up With Breakaway Roper Josie Conner

In April, the impressive breakaway rop...

Inaugural Music-City Rodeo Headlines Top Rodeo Talents In Nashville

The inaugural Music City Rodeo brought a thrilling blend of rodeo action and country music to Nashville's Bridgestone Arena this past weekend, introducing professional rodeo to new stages and a new city. As the city's first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event, it featured top-tier rodeo competitions alongside performances by country music legends, including Reba, Tim McGraw, and Jelly Roll.

From the concert stage to the arena floor and Broadway Street, it truly was a...

Women Take Center Stage: History Made At 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship

As the sun set on Arlington, Texas, the roar inside AT&T Stadium told the story—history had been made. The 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) concluded its weeklong showcase of grit, talent, and tenacious love of rodeo with a championship round that left fans on the edge of their seats. It wasn’t just another night of rodeo—it was a defining moment for women in the sport. All on the largest stage of rodeo action: the PBR World Finals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Now in its fif...

The Ladies Of The 2025 Resistol Rookie Roundup

This past weekend concluded the fourth annual Resistol Rookie Roundup, presented by The Cowboy Channel, highlighting the brightest future stars of rodeo and paying out over $100,000. This exclusive event featured the top 15 rookie cardholders in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), providing them a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on the largest rookie-exclusive stage.

The event, held April 25–26, 2025, at the historic...

Western Industry Leaders Take Home Wrangler BFI Week 11.5 Top Honors - FULL RESULTS - Bob Feist Invitational

Longtime friends and western industry leaders Barry Berg and Monty Crist took the Monday off from their day jobs and walked away with top honors at the 2025 Wrangler Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) #11.5 Businessman’s Team Roping, earning an impressive $175,000 payday.


Teaming up for the first time at the famed Lazy E Arena, Berg and Crist found great success in their hands. In addition to the substantial payout, the cowboys also received an extensive prize package, including Cactus Saddles, Gis...

Draw Team Amado and Holden Clinch the $150K Win at BFI Week 10.5 Over 40 - FULL RESULTS - Bob Feist Invitational

The 2025 Wrangler Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Roping Week continued with standout performances in the #10.5 Over 40 Team Roping, highlighted by Leo Amado and Russell Holden rising to the top.


The duo, who met for the first time as they rode into the box as a draw team, entered the short-go in the top position and remained calm under pressure to collect a staggering $150,000 paycheck. Unique to team roping, athletes can chose to “draw” a partner, allowing them the unique opportunity to take h...

Grimes & Thomas Dominate the 2025 Wrangler BFI 12.5 with $220K Win at the Lazy E - Bob Feist Invitational

The 2025 Wrangler BFI #12.5 Team Roping left fans and athletes on the edge of their seats, reaching buzz-worthy team counts and payouts. The event featured 402 teams and awarded a staggering $220,000 to the first-place winners and a $1,027,500 total payout.


Dalton Grimes and Colton Thomas bested the impressive competition roping four steers in the Faboulus Lazy E Arena in a total time of 29.39 seconds. In addition to the life-changing payout, the cowboys also received an extensive prize packa...

Inside The 2025 Wrangler BFI Week Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping And Breakaway

The 2025 Wrangler Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Roping Week kicked off with excitement as the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping and Breakaway Roping welcomed hundreds of the nation’s top ropers.

The Charlie 1 Horse Team Roping featured 240 teams and awarded a total payout of $131,600. In breakaway roping, the Fabulous Lazy E Arena hosted 237 entries competing for an impressive $99,150 total purse.

When the dust settled on the 2025 Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping, veterans Beverly Robbin...

Slone Weishaar & Cannin Carson Win Record-Breaking $100K 2025 BFI Hooey Junior 10.5 - Bob Feist Invitational

The 2025 Wrangler Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Hooey Junior 10.5 Team Roping broke records and surpassed expectations, reaching historic team counts and payouts. The event featured 465 teams and awarded $100,000 to the first-place winners.


Taking home top honors were Badlands cowboys Slone Weishaar (Belle Fourche, S.D.) and Cannin Carson (Grassy Butte, N.D.), who earned an impressive $100,000 and the coveted title of 2025 Wrangler BFI Week Hooey Junior 10.5 Team Roping Champions.


In additi...
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