Seeing a dream come to reality on this kind of scale is not something a lot of people get to experience. Cowboys and cowgirls have taken over Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. where it is usually home to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
With a purse of more than a million dollars and three headliners to the tune of Hank Williams Jr., Brooks & Dunn, and Zac Brown Band, the Hondo Rodeo Fest is a first class production.
Night number one kicked off with approximately 15,000 tickets sold and the crowd wasn't disappointed. The lineup of contestants was filled with National Finals Rodeo qualifiers both current and past. The bucking stock performed as if they were on the greatest stage they had ever seen and the timed event contestants' equine partners were top-tier.
The cowboys were rewarded for their efforts with a payout over $220,000 just for the first night. Only eight contestants were invited in each event. They will perform each night for three consecutive nights to see who will rise above the rest and be crowned the inaugural champions in each event.
Speaking of events, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding are all being showcased on the dirt floor.
On night number one, each champion took home $12,000 for their fast time or high score. The reserve champion earned $7,500 followed by $3,500 for third and $1,500 for fourth. That means that half of the competing contestants walked away with a check.
The same situation will hold true each night with the highest money earner of all the events earning The Maverick Award which will be worth a smooth $50,000 bonus!
After the last bull was bucked last night champions had been crowned nine contestants rode away with their bank accounts $12k richer.
In the bareback riding RC Landingham was the top dog with his 87 point ride on J Bar J Rodeo's Wild Ninght.
The steer wrestling highlighted an incredible set of men and horses. Both the AQHA 2024 Horse of the Year along with four-time Canadian Pro Rodeo Horse of the Year were present. In the end it was Stetson Jorgensen riding the famous Mable to the win when he threw his steer in just 3.98-seconds.
The team ropers were in fine style for the crowd. It was definitely a star-studded line up of athletes. The fastest time was turned in by Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira with a 4.12-second run.
The classic rodeo event of saddle bronc riding showcased many of the top ranked riders in the nation. Likely one of the most famous names in the rodeo industry was present and took the win. Yep, it was a Wright. Ryder to be exact. He rode J Bar J's horse Dirty Lizard for an astounding 88.5 point ride.
The tie-down ropers weren't in the best form last night but they were paired up against some straining calves. My bet is that tonight will be much faster. Regardless, round one finished up with John Douch turning in an 8.46-second run to take the win.
The breakaway ropers came swinging with their ropes ready. It was the fast Josie Conner who rode her Horse of the Year Dutch to the smoking fast run of 2.05 to gather her $12k on the night.
The barrel race featured the number one cowgirl in the world standings and seven more who have resumes a mile long. Not a single barrel went down with all eight horses performing around the pattern. None other than Lisa Lockhart took the win with her 13.958.
Usually the event everyone is waiting for, the bull riding, was the only event that had more contestants. There were 12 invitees who competed for the prize. The contestants were both from the top of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association standings and the Professional Bull Riders. Wacey Schalla, Jess Lockwood and Cooper James matched up for a tie with 85.5 point scores to split the win.