1 Whether it was to compete, exhibit or simply have fun, they came in droves. More than 1.2 million guests showed up when the weather was cold and windy or sunny and balmy. Page 5 Page 3 More records broken in Junior Sale FWSSR Ups the Ante to $1.5 million They came to stroll the aisles checking out the latest in Western fashion, Chevy trucks, household furnishings, or even livestock handling equipment. They came to experience the amazing Dickies Arena where rodeo athletes put it all on the line for Fort Worth rodeo glory. They came for a spin on the Carnival Midway. They came to enjoy some good food, a beverage and music. They came because the Stock Show is what makes Fort Worth the City Where the West Begins, where Y’all Means All and the City of Cowboys and Culture. No other event celebrates Fort Worth’s uniqueness better than the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Competitors and exhibitors “hustled and showed” their way to some amazing rewards. The FWSSR Junior Sale of Champions presented by H-E-B generated more than $10 million and the PRORODEO Tournament purse was increased to $1.5 million. Few public events around the world have enjoyed as much support as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Since 1896, when a few cattle were haltered and exhibited on the banks of a northside creek, the event has become Fort Worth’s largest public event. For that we say, “thank you.” Thank you for attending, competing, exhibiting, serving, and for supporting. The Stock Show would not be legendary without the support from each and every one of you. ZAPPOLLO TAKES LAST COWBOY STANDING | LOW RIDERS CAPTURE KID ROCK QUALIFIER | FANS ENJOY FIRST FOUR | SPONSORS ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: IN THIS ISSUE THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO MARCH 2025 WHAT AN AMAZING YEAR
Topping the Jr. Sale of Champions at $375,000 was Grand Champion Steer Alley Cat, shown by La Vernia, Texas, FFA member Mattison Koepp 2 3 MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | JR. SALE OF CHAMPIONS THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Topping the sale at $375,000 was Grand Champion Steer Alley Cat, shown by La Vernia, Texas, FFA member Mattison Koepp, who showed the reserve grand champion steer in 2024. Bidding was fast and energetic as auctioneer Bruce Miller called bids and buyer names, yet when the final gavel fell, it was Vaden’s Acoustics & Drywall Inc., with the call, purchasing the first ever American Cross to be named Grand Champion Steer. A member of the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate for the past 25 years, Shane Vaden, joined by his wife, Leslie, noted that this was the year they decided to make the major commitment. “It’s really all about giving back,” he said. “I know this young lady has worked hard to get where she is and to me, that means she’s going to be a success, and we want to invest in a program that promotes success.” Ticking off another first for the sale was the record-setting $300,000 bid made by Ed and Sasha Bass, and Sundance Square, for the reserve grand champion steer shown by Bricelyn Patschke, an FFA member from Idalou, Texas. Celebration of the achievement moved to Dickies Arena for the Champion’s Saturday climax during the PRORODEO Tournament Finals, as the Vadens were presented with the Amon G. Carter award and both steers were feted before the sold out crowd. The 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show’s “Champion’s Saturday” hit new heights as a record $10 million was generated during the Show’s Junior Sale of Champions, surpassing the previous year’s record by $1.8 million. 2025 Junior Sale of Champions Presented by H-E-B Packed With Stock Show Firsts www.fwssr.com NEWS BRIEFS FWSSR PRORODEO TOURNAMENT QUALIFIER RODEOS While the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has come to an end, the quest for the 2026 FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament and a piece of its $1.5 million payout is about to kick off. Rodeo athletes have two ways to qualify for a shot at rodeo stardom in Dickies Arena. For most, qualification will come through the 2025 professional season as the top 49 year-end competitors in each event will automatically qualify. For those not making the top 49, they get a shot through one of seven North Texas rodeos designated as “qualifiers” for the 2026 FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament. Success at one of these seven rodeos guarantees a cowboy or cowgirl that they’ll ride under FWSSR’s lights next January for a chance at a legendary Fort Worth championship buckle. Ellis County Livestock Show & Rodeo Waxahachie, Texas March 28-29 Palo Pinto Livestock Assn. Rodeo Mineral Wells, Texas May 1-3 Gladewater Roundup Gladewater, Texas June 5-7 Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Frontier Days Weatherford, Texas June 11-14 Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo Clebrune, Texas June 11-14 Wichita Falls Pro Rodeo Wichita Falls, Texas August 14-16 North Texas Fair & Rodeo Denton, Texas August 15-17 MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS 2026 Stock Show volunteer applications are being accepted. Go here for more info. MARCH 15 TRADE SHOW VENDOR APPLICATIONS 2026 trade show vendor applications are being accepted. Go here for more info. MAY 15 JUSTIN SCRAMBLE FORE SCHOLARSHIPS Proceeds benefit Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo youth education programs. Entry/Sponsor deadline is April 29. Entries are limited. BUY TEAMS OR SPONSORSHIPS HERE. SEPT. 8 RODEO TICKETS GO ON SALE SEPT. 15 PREMIUM LISTS AVAILABLE ONLINE! Entries accepted: Livestock, Horse, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits. SEPT. 27 YOUTH ART CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE OCT. 2 SHOOT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS SPORTING CLAY TOURNAMENT — Presented by AgTrust Farm Credit. Support FWSSR Junior Shooting Sports Competition and Aim for Education scholarship initiatives. BUY TEAMS OR SPONSORSHIPS HERE. OCT. 3 – 4 FWSSR JR. SHOOTING SPORTS COMPETITION AND AIM FOR EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS 4-H and FFA members, grades 6-12, shoot for a chance at belt buckles, more than $45,000 in premiums, and scholarships for senior students. OCT. 16 – 22 FWSSR INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION Volunteers Needed Contact Rose Alvarez ralvarez@fwssr.com 817-877-2472 continued on page 4 Fields Fotos Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate members congratula champion buyer Shane Vaden. Glen Ellman photo
4 5 The Grand Champion Barrow, a crossbred shown by Grandview, Texas 4-H member, Mason Grady, went for a final bid of $140,000 from Standard Meat Company. Double Eagle Energy topped the bidding at $150,000 for the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow, exhibited by Cambrey Wilson, a 4-H member from Midland, Texas. The Grand Champion Wether Lamb, a Medium Wool Crossbred shown by 4-H member Kasen Wooten from Bedias, Texas, was purchased by Ladies on the Lamb for $100,000. London Watson, an FFA member from Blooming Grove, Texas, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Lamb that sold for $85,000. Ladies on the Lamb and Andrews Distributing Company purchased Watson’s Medium Wool Crossbred. Brynlee Hogg, a 4-H member from Lubbock, Texas sold the Grand Champion Wether Goat for $50,000 to 4M Equine. The Reserve Grand Champion Weather Goat was exhibited by Paizlee Akins, a 4-H member from Whitesboro, Texas and fetched a winning bid of $20,000 from the Law Office of Jason Mills. One hundred percent of receipts are provided to the winning exhibitor. “Our amazing buyers at the Junior Sale of Champions make a tremendous investment in these incredible youth that participate in our show,” said Stock Show General Manager Matt Carter. “A huge thank you to the Fort Worth community that supports these young men and women who will make sure tomorrow’s livestock industry and the world’s most affordable and safest food source is in good hands. “We are also deeply indebted to the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate, along with Women Steering Business, Band of Barrows, U Ol’ Goat Committee, Ladies on the Lamb, and the Tallest Hog at the Trough Syndicate who work tirelessly to ensure these life-changing dollars are available for Texas youth,” he continued, noting that students whose animals did not qualify for the sale do not leave empty handed as premiums earned are bolstered through the Show’s Ag Development Fund. MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com GRAND CHAMPION STEER — $375,000 BUYER: VADEN’S ACOUSTICS AND DRYWALL EXHIBITOR: MATTISON KOEPP, LA VERNIA, TEXAS GRAND CHAMPION BARROW — $140,000 BUYER : STANDARD MEAT COMPANY EXHIBITOR: MASON GRADY, GRANDVIEW, TEXAS GRAND CHAMPION WETHER GOAT — $50,000 BUYER: 4M EQUINE BUYER: EXHIBITOR BRYNLEE HOGG, LUBBOCK, TEXAS GRAND CHAMPION WETHER LAMB — $100,000 BUYER; LADIES ON THE LAMB BUYER; EXHIBITOR KASEN WOOTEN, BEDIAS, TEXAS MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO For professional rodeo contestants, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo PRORODEO Tournament can lay the groundwork for an entire season as it is the first of what’s come to be called “the Texas Swing,” that includes rodeos in San Antonio, San Angelo, Austin and Houston. In 2025, the FWSSR raised the stakes, upping its purse by $300,000 to $1.5 million and no one took better advantage than bull rider Maverick Potter of Waxahachie, Texas. Arguably the toughest event in which to complete a qualified ride, Potter’s journey to the bull riding finals included a long wait as the 24-year-old punched his card to the semi-finals in the first bracket nearly a full two weeks ahead, giving him plenty of time to think about what was at stake. Shad “Money” Mayfield served notice, and served it quick, that he was going to be the one to beat at the 2025 FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament PRORODEO Tournament Lays Groundwork for Pro Rodeo Season FWSSR ups the ante to $1.5 million Maverick Potter of Waxahachie, TX., was the only bull rider to cover all four bulls in the PRORODEO Tournament continued on page 6 Fields Fotos James Phifer photos
6 7 THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | FWSSR CHAMPION’S SATURDAY “I was in a dark hole there for a while,” said Potter, who finished 45th in the standings in 2023 and 24th in 2024. “This rodeo has changed it around. I’ve been in the gym, dialed in and was ready for more.” And more was what he got as he was the only bull rider to ride all four of bulls, capping it off with the high score of 89.5 points in the final round on Sutton Rodeo’s Mr. Demon to win $20,000. Added to his earlier bracket and semi-finals earnings, Potter took home the biggest paycheck of the tournament at $30,333. Watch Potter’s final ride. TRIUMPHANT RETURN Shad “Money” Mayfield served notice, and served it quick, that he was going to be the one to beat at the 2025 FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament when he scorched the tie-down roping competition in bracket one, round one with a time of 7.2, matching the arena record set by Matt Shiozawa in 2020 and Bryson Sechrist in 2022. Watch the record run. The New Mexico transplant now living in Lipan, Texas, made it a triumphant return to Dickies Arena with a consistency he cultivated on his way to becoming the 2024 PRCA All Around Champion, subsequently roping in times of 8.4 and 8.6 before wrapping up in final calf in a time of 7.6, just a hair faster than second-place finisher Kyle Lucas of Carstairs, Alberta, Canada who roped a 7.7. “This is awesome,” said Mayfield, who earned a total of $28,433. “I love Fort Worth. It is one of the most prestigious rodeos in the world and to win it two years in a row is even better, especially on my good horse, Lollipop.” RISING TO THE MOMENT The third-highest money earner of the Tournament was Josie Conner of Iowa, La., with a total of $28,017. She was one of only three breakaway ropers to rope in a time of less than two seconds throughout the 16-day run and she did it when it really counted, roping in a time of 1.8 seconds to take the final round and $20,000. Conner stayed in the hunt throughout the tournament, roping with times of 2.3 and 2.1 before making it to the semi-finals, which she won with a time of 2.4. The final round proved to be a tough one for the final eight competitors, as the majority fell victim to broken barriers and illegal catches, with only three making qualifying runs. “I’ve never had a good winter before and this is a great way to start it out at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo,” said the 21-year-old who was first out in the final round. “I try to do my job every time and that horse [Stylish Drifter “Dutch”] makes it pretty easy. “ See the final throw. MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com Shad “Money” Mayfield of Lipan, Texas., matched the arena record of 7.2 seconds in the first round. Josie Conner of Iowa, La., took home the third largest paycheck of the rodeo with a total of $28,017 after a smoking 1.8 second finish in the final round. BAREBACK BRONC RIDING PRESENTED BY FROST Nick Pelke, Mondovi, Wis. — $26,136 STEER WRESTLING PRESENTED BY BNSF RAILWAY Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. — $25,818 BREAKAWAY ROPING PRESENTED BY BOOT BARN® Josie Conner, Iowa, La. — $28,017 SADDLE BRONC RIDING PRESENTED BY TX WHISKEY Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho — $27,636 TIE DOWN ROPING PRESENTED BY R. WATSON BOOTS Shad Mayfield, Lipan, Texas — $28,433 TEAM ROPING PRESENTED BY UMB BANK Tanner Tomlinson, Mineral Wells, Texas Travis Graves, Jay, Okla. — $25,350 each BARREL RACING PRESENTED BY CHASE Andrea Busby, Brock, Texas — $27,700 BULL RIDING PRESENTED BY MATTRESS FIRM® Maverick Potter, Waxahachie, Texas — $30,333 TOTAL PAYOUT: $1,503,000 2025 FWSSR PRORODEO TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS James Phifer photos
8 9 Zampollo Takes Last Cowboy Standing by PBR Staff In front of a raucous Dickies Arena crowd, Brazilian Leandro Zampollo proved to be the toughest cowboy of them all, outriding the field to be crowned PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Last Cowboy Standing at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on January 22. The event, which replaced the previous Bulls’ Night Out format, was a first for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo as it partnered with the PBR which produced the event. Last Cowboy Standing is one of PBR’s most exhilarating formats and featured 40 of the world’s best bull riders competing across the two-night, ride-to-advance format set to pay the winner $50,000 of the $100,000 total purse. “Last Cowboy Standing was definitely a change up from Bulls’ Night Out,” said Rodeo Director Cal White. “PBR’s reputation for high-energy productions brought a lot of excitement to the event and fans were not disappointed.” After an intense two nights and four rounds of competition, the winner of the PBR Last Cowboy Standing, presented by PlainsCapital Bank, came down to four men: Zampollo, fellow Brazilian Kaique Pacheco, Australian Brady Fielder and Ezekiel Mitchell of Rockdale, Texas. Zampollo advanced to Round 4 courtesy of an 82.75-point ride on Lieutenant Dan (Farris Cattle/Big Schott Rodeo) and an 84.75-point effort atop Stryker (Cooper/Scruggs Bucking Bulls) while Pacheco remained in contention for his unprecedented fourth Last Cowboy Standing title after covering Renegade (Hale/Vella/Ogden/Hart) for 84.5 points, Younts Brody’s Pet (Farris Cattle/Big Schott Rodeo) for 79 points and Sucker Pop (Spencer/Sherman Cattle Co./Farris Cattle) for 87 points. Fielder advanced with two 86.5-point rides, topping Oyster Creek Brawler (Farris Cattle/Big Schott Rodeo) and Mr. Right Now (Silent 7/Hilton Bull Co.) and Mitchell, he punched his ticket to the final rounds of the progressive elimination event by conquering Body Roc (Cooper/Scruggs bucking Bulls) for 86.25 points and Rowdy (Ogden Ranch/Hart Cattle Co.) for 85 points. In the fourth round, Zampollo, Pacheco, Fielder and Mitchell all failed to make the 8. As a result, each member of the quartet advanced to Round 5 as the slate wiped clean and the top scoring rider was prepared to walk away the winner. BRAZILIAN LEO ZAMPOLLO MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com The round began with 2018 World Champion Pacheco, however, he failed to convert, tossed by Magic Hunter (Martinez Bucking Bulls, LLC) in 1.11 seconds. Fielder next took to the chutes paired with Constant Payne (Flying S/ Kasel/Payne). While he initially appeared centered, he was ultimately whipped down in 5.57 seconds. Third out was Mitchell. Nodding with confidence on Rock ‘n Roll (Raymond & Coy Henry/Lidgard), he came down in a heartbreaking 7.01 seconds. As a result of the buckoffs, the event came down to Zampollo on Bamboozle (Farris Cattle/Big Schott Rodeo). Bursting from the chutes, the reserved Brazilian matched the powerful animal athlete jump-for-jump en route to the requisite 8 as the crowd erupted in cheer. Awarded 86 points, the qualified ride clinched Zampollo the title of PBR Last Cowboy Standing. The golden finish earned Zampollo a check for $61,695.24 in addition to a crucial 133 Unleash The Beast points. The Unleash the Beast Series (UTB) is the Premier Series of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR). He rose from No. 60 to No. 26 in the race for the 2025 World Championship. Go here to watch the final round. PBR Last Cowboy Standing, brought to you by PlainsCapital Bank Event Leaders (Round 1-Round 2-Round 3-Round 4-Round 5-Event Aggregate-Event Points) 1. Leandro Zampollo, 82.75-84.75-0-0-86-253.50-133 Pts. 2. Kaique Pacheco, 84.5-79-87-0-0-250.50-46 Pts. 3. Brady Fielder, 86.5-0-86.5-0-0-173.00-35 Pts. 4. Ezekiel Mitchell, 86.25-85-0-0-0-171.25-44 Pts. 5. Daniel Keeping, 86.75-0-84.25-0-0-171.00-40 Pts. 6. Cort McFadden, 83.75-83.25-0-0-0-167.00-24 Pts. 7. Anderson de Oliveira, 80.5-84.75-0-0-0-165.25-25 Pts. 8. Rogério Venâncio, 86.75-0-0-0-0-86.75-23 Pts. 9. Daylon Swearingen, 85.75-0-0-0-0-85.75-15 Pts. 10. Claudio Montanha Jr., 0-84.75-0-0-0-84.75-17 Pts. (tie). Mauricio Gulla Moreira, 84.75-0-0-0-0-84.75-14 Pts. 12. Paulo Eduardo Rossetto, 84.25-0-0-0-0-84.25-11.5 Pts. (tie). Koltin Hevalow, 84.25-0-0-0-0-84.25-11.5 Pts. 14. Boudreaux Campbell, 84-0-0-0-0-84.00-10 Pts. 15. Keyshawn Whitehorse, 83.25-0-0-0-0-83.25-8 Pts. 16. Julio Cesar Marques, 82.5-0-0-0-0-82.50-8 Pts. 17. JaCauy Hale, 82-0-0-0-0-82.00-8 Pts. 18. Luciano De Castro, 81-0-0-0-0-81.00-8 Pts. 19. Sandro Batista, 0-80.5-0-0-0-80.50-14 Pts. Zampollo snagged a check for $50,000 as, from left, FWSSR General Manager Matt Carter, President Brad Barnes, Chairman Philip Williamson and, right, PBR CEO Sean Gleason look on. THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | PBR FIRST OF ITS KIND PARTNERSHIP THUNDERS INTO DICKIES ARENA James Phifer photos James Phifer photos
10 11 Low Riders win inaugural Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier by PBR Staff At the first-ever Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier on January 23, the Low Riders rode lights out, winning the event and $50,000 champion’s prize purse with dominant shootout round victories in the barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping. The qualifier featured five teams of rodeo all-stars vying for their overall seed for the forthcoming and highly anticipated Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on May 16 at AT&T Stadium and their piece of the $100,000 Qualifier purse. With an upbeat contemporary production and revolutionary timed starts, Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier was rodeo re-imagined where the teams, coached by noted rodeo legends, competed in disciplines that include barrel racing, steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping and team roping, as a team of two per event. Under the leadership of 26-time PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) World Champion Trevor Brazile, the Low Riders punched their ticket to the Shootout Round via gold medal showings in the opening round for the steer wrestling and team roping. They were carried to victory in the steer wrestling courtesy of a 5.86-second run by Clayton Hass and a 7.1-second effort by Tyler Pearson. In the team roping, they registered a 6.21-second run by current PRCA World Champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp and a 6.62-second run by Clint Summers and Jake Long. Across the other disciplines, the Low Riders finished second in the breakaway roping, third in the saddle bronc riding, fourth in both the barrel racing and bareback riding, and fifth in tie-down roping. They were joined in the Shootout Round by the Jokers, who also rode to two discipline wins. MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com The Jokers were dominant in the bareback riding as Tim O’Connell rode Scarlet From Hell for 84.5 points and Cole Franks conquered Worth The Whiskey for 85.5 points. They also rode supreme in the tie-down roping as John Douch lit up the scoreboard with a 13.10-second run and Haven Meged tore up the dirt inside Dickies Arena with a lightning fast 12.49-second effort. World Champion Sid Steiner’s Jokers also finished second in both the steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding, third in the barrel racing and team roping, and fifth in the breakaway roping. The title of Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier Champion then came down to one out for each team in the seven disciplines. The winning team would be determined by the first team to ride to victory in four disciplines. The Low Riders were dominant in the first three disciplines. They first won the barrel racing as Italy Sheehan delivered an 18.878-second run, beating the 19.418-second effort by the Jokers’ Paige Jones. Their momentum continued to roll in the steer wrestling. Low Rider Clayton Hass’ 5.91-second run bested the 6.65-second trip from the reigning World Champion and Jokers’ JD Struxness. Team ropers Wade and Thorp then delivered the Low Riders their third consecutive Shootout Round discipline win when they turned in a torrid 6.10-second run, quicker than the 6.93-second effort by the Jokers’ Colby Lovell and Jade Corkill. The Low Riders then had the chance to win the Qualifier via a clean sweep in the bareback riding. However, Joker Cole Franks rode White Claw for 87 points to prevent the early win, beating the 85.5-point ride by Jesse Pope on Scarletts Belle. The comeback by the Jokers, however, was short-lived. In the tie-down roping, Shane Hanchey carried the Low Riders to the event win as his 9.68-second run beat Joker Haven Meged’s 10.46-second trip. In addition to the title of Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier Champion, the No. 2-6 discipline seeds for Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on May 16 in Arlington, Texas, at AT&T Stadium were also on the line. The discipline seeds were determined by each team’s finish in the opening round of the Qualifier. The No. 1 seed in each discipline was awarded to the Free Riders, the inaugural Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Champions. Led by Bobby Mote and Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, the 2025 Free Riders team will be formed following the conclusion of the WCRA’s (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) Rodeo Corpus Christi on May 10 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The discipline seeds for the 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo are: Barrel Racing: No. 2 Convoy; No. 3 Misty Mountain Hop; No. 4 Jokers; No. 5 Low Riders; and No. 6 Sledge Hammers. Steer Wrestling: No. 2 Low Riders; No. 3 Jokers; No. 4 Misty Mountain Hop; No. 5 Convoy; and No. 6 Sledge Hammers Team Roping: No. 2 Low Riders; No. 3 Sledge Hammers; No. 4 Jokers; No. 5 Convoy; and No. 6 Misty Mountain Hop Bareback Riding: No. 2 Jokers; No. 3 Misty Mountain Hop; No. 4 Convoy; No. 5 Low Riders; and No. 6 Sledge Hammers Tie-Down Roping: No. 2 Jokers; No. 3 Misty Mountain Hop; No. 4 Sledge Hammers; No. 5 Convoy; and No. 6 Low Riders. Breakaway Roping: No. 2 Sledge Hammers; No. 3 Low Riders; No. 4 Misty Mountain Hop; No. 5 Convoy; and No. 6 Jokers. Saddle Bronc Riding: No. 2 Convoy; No. 3 Jokers; No. 4 Low Riders; No. 5 Sledge Hammers; and No. 6 Misty Mountain Hop. Click here to watch the entire livestream. THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | PBR James Phifer photos James Phifer photos Chase Brooks of Brock, Tex., handles River Ghost in the saddle bronc riding for the Low Riders. Clayton Hass’s decisive 5.86 run in the steer wrestling helped seal the deal for the Low Riders.
12 13 The first four days of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo set the stage for a rich and diverse experience that intersected the relationship of the Show with the Fort Worth community and the Western tradition it so strongly values. Stock Show fans were treated to events that reflected not only the timehonored traditions of ranching but were given a perspective on how those traditions have served as the birthplace of modern-day competitions and provide common ground that crosses cultures. Five of the six ranches competing in this year’s Best of the West Invitational Rodeo January 17-18 have a history stretching back more than 100 years, so it wasn’t hard to imagine the spirits of their predecessors, like Captain Richard King and Burk Burnett, hovering in the rafters to watch working ranch cowboys compete in events just as relevant today as they were in 1896. A part of Ranching Heritage Weekend, presented by Ariat, the Ranch Rodeo served up an exciting two nights of good-natured, but very serious competition between some of the most storied ranches in the nation. Ranches from Texas included the Four Sixes (Guthrie), King Ranch (Kingsville), Bonds Ranch (Saginaw), R. A. Brown Ranch (Throckmorton), and Tongue River Ranch (Paducah). Oklahoma’s Drummond Ranch (Pawhuska), rounded out the field. Ranches competed in events including ranch vet, double mugging, stock sorting and wild cow milking, as well as saddle bronc riding and girls’ ranch barrel racing. The R.A. Brown Ranch dominated throughout the two-day event, capturing wins in three of six events on the first day of competition, and four of the six events the second day, to take the Top Team honors, sweeping Top Hand and Top Horse awards as well, which went to Myles Brown and his gelding Ranchin Royalty RAB. Watch Myles Brown and Ranchin Royalty RAB at work. BEST OF THE WEST RANCH RODEO RODEOS WITH A FOCUS FWSSR’s Specialty Rodeos Highlight Diverse Western Culture One’s imagination could continue to flare as the colorful drama of the Best of Mexico Celebración played out across the Dickies Arena floor January 19. Produced under the masterful hand of Charro Jerry Diaz, his wife Staci and son Nicholas, the traditionally sold-out event honors the deep Hispanic culture found throughout the North Texas region and engages a number of area escaramuza and charro groups in the festivities. The romance of Old Mexico was on full display throughout the evening kicked off by the North Side High School Mariachi Espuelas de Plata and Ballet Folklorico who filled the arena with melodious mariachi music and colorful dancers, shortly followed by the introduction of charro riders from Mexico and Fort Worth. Fans were treated to charro style bareback and bull riding, as well as the artistry of the charro saddle and the maguey rope through the Smoking of the Horn and the daring Paso de la Muerte, the pass of death, as mounted charros jumped to the back of a riderless horse at full gallop. Most thrilling was the Matadors de Mexico who thrilled the audience with the caping of the Spanish bull. BEST OF MEXICO CELEBRACIÓN MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | THE FIRST FOUR James Phifer photos The Solomon name is certainly not new to the sport of rodeo. After all, 10-time NFR tie-down qualifier and $2 millionearner Cory Solomon has made sure of that, but it’s his daughter, Kortnee, who’s making the waves now. At only 14, Kortnee of Hempstead, Texas, smoked the Cowboys of Color barrel racing competition running a time of 17.28 to take the win ahead of her mother, Kanesha Jackson who crossed the finish line with a time of 17.41. Already a star of the Bill Pickett Invitational, where she debuted at only 5 years of age, the younger Solomon is looking to her father as she adds breakaway roping to her repertoire. Watch. Three-time NFR qualifier John Douch of Huntsville easily handled the field in the tie-down roping, wrapping three legs in a time of 9.6 to second-place finisher Xavier Davis’s 12.6. Brookshire, Texas, steer wrestler Chase Pierre turned in a time of 4.8 to take the win in that event. Jack Mitchell of Weatherford, Texas took home the win in the bull riding with a score of 88. The rodeo, an annual highlight of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also featured the Circle L 5 Riding Club’s precision drill performance as well as a stirring performance by virtuoso violinist Armand Vance of Fort Worth. Myles Brown’s chestnut gelding Ranchin Royalty RAB was voted Top Horse Myles Brown proves his Top Hand mettle during the Wild Cow Milking COWBOYS OF COLOR See the pageantry! Check out John Douch James Phifer photos
14 15 MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | HUSTLE AND SHOW We Hustled . . . We Showed . . . PHOTOS BY FIELDS FOTOS, GLEN ELLMAN AND DUSTY SADDLES
16 AND TO MANY MORE SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE THE STOCK SHOW A WORLD-CLASS EVENT. MAJOR SPONSORS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL STOCK SHOW PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Western Apparel: Ariat • Beer: Anheuser-Busch • Casino and Resort: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts • Automotive: North Texas Chevy Dealers • Workwear: Dickies® • Satellite and Streaming Video Service: DIRECTV • Mattresses and Massage Chairs: Mattress Firm® • Energy Provider: Reliant • Bank: Simmons Bank • Health System: Texas Health • Whiskey: TX Whiskey • Soft Drink: Pepsi® MEDIA SPONSORS • 95.9 The Ranch / 92.1 Hank FM Grounds Announcements and Music • La Grande 107.5 FM / Puro Tejano Fierro 107.5 HD2 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and Dia de la Familia • NBC 5 presents Rodeo Leaderboard • New Country 96.3 • Telemundo 39 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración, Dia de la Familia and presents Cowboys of Color Rodeo • WBAP 820 AM STOCK SHOW ART CONTEST SPONSORS • The Amon G. Carter Foundation • Debbie and Albon Head • Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP • Ann L. and Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust • Marsh McLennan Agency • Whataburger SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS • AgTrust Farm Credit presents Chuck Wagons, Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon, Mustang Magic, NTHSRA Scholarship Rodeo and Shooting Sports • American Warrior Asssociation: R3 CrowdSync Light Show experience • Ariat presents Auditorium Entertainment Series, presents Best of the West Ranch Rodeos, Ranching Heritage Weekend and Ariat Alley • Bank of Texas Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Big Tex / Trailers Direct presents Ranch Rodeo Champion Team Trailers • BNSF Railway presents Steer Wrestling • Boot Barn® presents Breakaway Roping • Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design Ranch Rodeo Awards and Art Contest • Cavender’s Boot City Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Arena Crew Shirts • Central Market presents the Moo-seum Experience and supports Vine 2 Wine “Wine Camps” • Chase presents Barrel Racing • Chicken Express Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Chick-fil-A Rodeo Crowd Engagement Sponsor • Choctaw Casinos & Resorts presents Aerial Rodeo Camera • Dickies Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Dickies Day • Enterprise Mobility Foundation Scholarship Programs • Frost presents Bareback Bronc Riding and Justin Mutton Bustin’® • Grapevine Powersports UTV provider • H-E-B presents Junior Sale of Champions, supporting sponsor of The Milking Parlor, School Tours and High School BBQ Compeitition. • Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services presents Pony Up! 50/50 Raffle and supporting sponsor of Junior Sale of Champions • Hillwood, A Perot Company presents Military Appreciation Day • HOLT CAT presents PRORODEO Tournament Opening Night, Tower Promenade and Scholarship Programs • Junior Agricultural Mechanics Project Show and Texas M.A.D.E. Sponsors: HOLT CAT, Andes Coil Processors, Big Tex, Lincoln Electric, Norfolk Iron & Metal, Miller/Hobart, ONEOK, Panther City Industrial Supply, Priefert, RDO Equipment Co., Harris Products Group, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Saint-Gobain, and United Ag & Turf • Justin Brands, Inc. presents Scramble Fore Scholarships, Justin Sportsmedicine Team and co-presents Justin Mutton Bustin’® and Calf Scramble • Kendra Scott presents Timed Event Challenge Barrel Races • Levi’s presents Timed Event Challenge Roping Events • Los Pastores Restaurant Bakery and Meat Market co-presents the Charro Cala Escaramuza and Mariachi Competitions • Mattress Firm® presents Bull Riding, Rodeo Replay and Petting Zoo • Junior Ag Robotics Challenge: Meta, Texas Capital Bank, and Lockheed Martin Corporation • Michelob Ultra® Roadhouse and Busch Light® Chuck Wagon Sponsor • National Farm Life Insurance presents Poultry, Pigeon and Rabbit shows • North Texas Tollway Authority presents TollTag Tuesdays • Standard Meat presents High School BBQ Competition • Sundance Square presents Contestant interviews, Rodeo Countdown • Tarleton State University Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Buckles, Lunch and Dinner Sponsor • Oncor presents Mobile Jumbotron • PlainsCapital Bank presents PBR Last Man Standing • R. Watson Boots presents Tie-Down Roping • Texas Department of Agriculture presents GO TEXAN Market • Texas Farm Bureau Insurance® sponsors Doorways to Agriculture produced by Texas Farm Bureau® • Texas Health Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Texas Hot Tub Company supports International Wine, Shooting Sports and High School BBQ Competition • Texas Mutual Insurance Co. co-presents Calf Scramble • TX Whiskey presents Saddle Bronc Riding • UMB Bank presents Team Roping and Heifer Superintendent’s Beef Challenge • Visit Fort Worth presents Music Experience and Sunday FUNday • Wild Fork presents Bubbles & Bites • Zimmerer Kubota and Equipment presenting sponsor Rodeo Tractor Drag
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