Yearly Archives: 2026

By Lori Bizzell / Photos Courtesy of LaVergne Family There’s something steady, not loud and not showy, about Ty LaVergne, just tough minded in a way that doesn’t need announcing. As a Cavender’s team member, he carries that same quiet steadiness with him, the kind that shows up in how he rides and how he  Continue Reading »

By Charity Pulliam/Photos Courtesy of Covy Moore Canadian tie-down roper Kyle Lucas says his relationship with American Hat Company began years before a partnership was ever discussed. For most of his career, he chose American hats on his own, believing they were the sharpest and most reliable in the industry. He wanted his appearance to  Continue Reading »

By Ted Harbin | Photo Credit Ric Andersen Photos Nearly 1,000 contestants had already competed days before last Friday’s opening performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s an extensive change in workload for all involved, with contractors, contestants, arena workers and stock show staff spending numerous hours over four days to help  Continue Reading »

By Ted Harbin Bradlee Miller didn’t spend much time in the Texas capital city celebrating his bareback riding victory at Rodeo Austin. Instead, he had more important things to tend to 150 miles east. Not far from his home in Huntsville, Texas, stands the burned skeleton of Branded for Christ Ministry, a church founded by  Continue Reading »

by Ted Harbin It’s a 19-day spectacle with a total payout of $2,518,500, with $65,000 awarded to each of the nine champions. It culminated Saturday afternoon with the finale, which featured 10 contestants in each event battling in the championship round. From there, the top four advanced to the shootout. That’s where the big money  Continue Reading »

by Ted Harbin In a year that the Unites States celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s only natural to look at history. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the 1787 Constitutional Convention to the 27 amendments to the Constitution, there’s a patriotic theme that spreads across this land. Rodeo has its  Continue Reading »

by Ted Harbin Two seasons ago, Riley O’Rourke was still dipping his toes into ProRodeo. He was in the second year of his PRCA permit, a tryout of sorts. Once a cowboy earns enough money on a permit, he is eligible to become a card-carrying member of the association. During that stretch, the young single  Continue Reading »

by Ted Harbin About three hours before the championship round of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, tie-down roper Ty Harris reached out on social media.   “Anyone have room on a plane or a rig headed from San Antonio to Tucson short round?” asked Harris, a seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier.   Saddle  Continue Reading »

by Lori Bizzell Photos by Primo Morales Photography At sixteen, Audrey moves with a composure often reserved for seasoned riders. She did not rush there. She has learned to tune into her horse, to the voices that matter, and to the quiet insights competition reveals when no one is looking. As a committed member of  Continue Reading »

by Ted Harbin Like all professional sports, rodeo is a combination of both. Fans are drawn to the competitive nature of sports, the drive to excel athletically over an opponent, whether that’s a Seahawks’ enthusiast cheering for Seattle to win the Lombardi Trophy or an old cowboy in New Mexico hoping Stetson Wright adds to  Continue Reading »