July 17-26, 2026
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July 17-26, 2026
The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum is proud to announce the opening of Aloha Vaqueros, an international traveling exhibit celebrating the multicultural roots of ranching and rodeo culture. Originating from the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias, the exhibit will be on display at the museum from April 11 through September 13, 2026.
The public is invited to attend a special Opening Reception on Saturday, April 11, from 4-6 p.m. at the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum. Admission to the reception is $15 for the general public and free for Museum members. Appetizers will be provided, and the evening will feature CHISPA dance performers along with remarks from featured speakers representing the three cultural traditions highlighted in the exhibit.
Guest speakers include Dr. Billy Bergin, representing the Hawaiian Paniolos; a representative from the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias, speaking on the Mexican Vaquero tradition; and Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum Curator, Mike Kassel, who will speak on the history and legacy of the American Cowboy.
Aloha Vaqueros explores the shared heritage of Hawaiian Paniolos, Mexican Vaqueros, and the American Cowboy. Through historical photographs, authentic artifacts, and powerful storytelling, the exhibit highlights the cultural exchange that shaped ranching and rodeo traditions across Hawaii, Mexico, and the American West. This exhibit will feature both Spanish and English interpretations.
The exhibit has a special connection to Cheyenne through Ikua Purdy, the Hawaiian cowboy who won the 1908 World Roping Championship at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and was later inducted into both the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Throughout the duration of the exhibit, the Museum will host a variety of interactive educational programs for both children and adults in collaboration with several community partners, including CHISPA and the Laramie County Library. These programs will include cultural demonstrations, lectures, hands-on activities, and more.
For the latest Aloha Vaqueros updates, follow CFD Old West Museum on Facebook. For more information about Aloha Vaqueros and events, check out www.oldwestmuseum.org/alohavaqueros.
The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) is proud to announce that the Indian Relay Championship of Champions will be held at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming, September 25–27, 2026. Tickets for the highly anticipated event go on sale April 1, 2026, and fans are encouraged to purchase early as seating will be first come, first served.
Frontier Park, best known as the home of the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days, provides a historic and exciting venue for one of the most thrilling sports in Native American culture. The 2026 event celebrates the 10th Annual Indian Relay Championship of Champions, a major milestone for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. Moving the event to Cheyenne begins an exciting new chapter as Indian Relay racing continues to grow in popularity, drawing competitors and fans from across North America.
“We are excited to bring the Championship of Champions to Cheyenne,” said Calvin Ghost Bear, President of the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. “Frontier Park is one of the most iconic western venues in the country, and we’re proud to showcase Native horsemanship and culture in a place with such deep rodeo history.”
The three-day event will feature the fastest and most skilled Indian Relay teams in North America competing for the coveted Championship title. Each performance will begin at 2:00 p.m., with races taking place on Friday, September 25, Saturday, September 26, and culminating in an action-packed Championship Sunday on September 27.
Indian Relay racing is widely considered America’s first extreme sport, rooted in tribal traditions and horsemanship that date back generations. Teams race bareback around the track while exchanging horses at full speed between laps, creating one of the most electrifying spectacles in horse racing.
Each team races with three horses, one rider, and a skilled crew of holders and catchers who assist with lightning-fast exchanges between laps. The sport requires exceptional horsemanship, courage, teamwork, and precision timing.
The Championship of Champions brings together over 100 relay teams representing 15 tribal nations, drawing thousands of spectators each year. Fans attending the event in Cheyenne can expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with competitive racing, cultural pride, and the unique traditions that make Indian Relay one of the most exciting spectator sports in North America. Previous host cities have included Billings, Montana; Walla Walla, Washington; Fort Pierre, South Dakota; and Casper, Wyoming.
The event is expected to bring visitors from across the United States, Canada, and Europe to Cheyenne during the fall tourism season.
Tickets for the Championship of Champions go on sale April 1, 2026, and can be purchased at: www.horsenationsindianrelay.com
Due to high demand and first-come, first-served seating, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early.
About Horse Nations Indian Relay Council
The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) was established in 2016 to preserve, promote, and expand the sport of Indian Relay racing. Rooted deeply in Native American culture, Indian Relay showcases the extraordinary horsemanship, speed, and agility of its competitors. HNIRC’s mission is to honor the heritage of Indian Relay racing, support the communities involved, and inspire new generations of fans and competitors. Through its events and partnerships, the organization works to bring greater awareness and appreciation of Native American traditions to audiences across North America.
An expanded rodeo schedule with an updated format will highlight the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration in 2026.
For the first time in the rodeo’s history, there will be 10 consecutive days of professional rodeo with the addition of the first Friday rodeo, from July 17 – 26. The additional performance allows for more rodeo action while enhancing the overall experience for fans, contestants and volunteers.
In 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days will increase rodeo prize money from $770,000 to $960,000 reflecting a continued investment in maintaining its elite status as one of the richest payouts in professional rodeo. CFD is also introducing revisions to the tournament style format designed to support the rodeo’s long-term sustainability.
Cheyenne Frontier Days faces challenges accommodating the huge number of modern rodeo rigs used by contestants in timed events to house both the contestants and their horses. The new format will allow road-weary contestants and their animals time to rest while on Frontier Park. It will also ease park congestion, while supporting the volunteers who are preparing for the celebration. Current challenges also exist with cattle availability, a major factor for the rodeo industry.
The updated rodeo format eliminates qualifying slack rounds for timed events the week before the official start of Cheyenne Frontier Days. Instead, CFD worked with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) to select qualifying rodeos across the country for contestants to be among the elite that compete at the Daddy of ‘em All.
“Our goal is to have long-term sustainability for all of our events, especially the rodeo that is the cornerstone of our celebration,” said Tom Hirsig CFD Chief Executive Officer. “There are a lot of factors to consider when planning, from our relationships with our sanctioning bodies (PRCA and WPRA) to the contestants and the thousands of volunteers who put in countless hours to make it all possible.”
In the timed events of tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing, contestants will qualify through a combination of selected qualifying rodeos, world standings and circuit qualifications. Advancement to the semifinals will be determined by performance during the first six preliminary rounds, with top competitors moving on to one of three semifinal rounds. From there, finalists will advance to championship competition, where champions will ultimately be crowned during the finals on July 26, ensuring a competitive field and strong nationwide representation inside the Frontier Park arena.
“We are excited for the rodeos selected to serve as qualifiers,” Hirsig said. “This is a groundbreaking opportunity to work with other professional rodeos that are spread out geographically across the United States. We are confident that contestants will utilize them as a chance to punch their ticket to the Daddy of ’em All.”
Daily rodeo tickets range from $26 to $53, with a $3 discount available on tickets purchased before July 1. Fans are welcome to come out on Monday and Thursday mornings for the Wild Card Rounds for a $5 gate admission. CFDrodeo.com is the only official source for tickets to the Daddy of ‘em All, and tickets for the new Chute 9 are now available for purchase.
Celebrating its 130th year in 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days continues its legacy of showcasing elite rodeo competition, honoring tradition and delivering an unforgettable Western experience to fans from the seasoned veteran to those that travel to Cheyenne from around the world.
Cheyenne Frontier Days has been honored with the 2025 PRCA Remuda Award, recognizing the rodeo committee that provides the best and most consistent pen of bucking horses in professional rodeo.
The Remuda Award, presented annually by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), celebrates a rodeo and stock contractor that offers contestants the highest-quality livestock, giving cowboys the best opportunity to showcase their talent and compete on a level playing field.
“It’s really exciting for us to even be considered for the Remuda Award,” Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig said. “There are so many great rodeos out there and the quality of bucking horses has gone through the roof.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days has worked diligently to develop its tournament-style format, with nine evenly matched performances designed to give each cowboy an equal shot at the title. Working closely with Smith Pro Rodeos, the committee collaborates with multiple subcontractors to assemble nine balanced pens of horses, a process requiring months of planning and deep knowledge of each animal’s style and ability.
Hirsig gave a special thank you to Stace Smith Pro Rodeos, the primary stock contractor for Cheyenne Frontier Days, and acknowledged the other contractors that provide livestock for the eight-day rodeo extravaganza.
“I think we’re just very thankful that we’ve got Stace Smith, who really cares about our rodeo and is trying to make it one of the best ones when it comes to the bucking horses,” Hirsig said. “He’s worked hard to try to get us to this level and it’s great to see that we’re getting acknowledged for it.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days also continues to invest in animal welfare and performance excellence. In collaboration with Smith Pro Rodeos and the Samuelson Family, the organization developed a dedicated resting and grazing area north of Cheyenne to provide bucking stock with a quiet, natural environment during the celebration, ensuring the horses remain in peak condition.
The Samuelson Family has been a tremendous supporter of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and their generosity made this important project possible. Their unwavering commitment to the sport, the animals, and the spirit of the Daddy of ’em All has strengthened CFD’s foundation and helped ensure that both contestants and livestock perform at their best.
The award will be presented at the PRCA Awards Banquet on Dec. 3 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, ahead of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
MeadowAnn King has been named the Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) 2026 Lady-in-Waiting after a selection process that included a written application, an accomplishment book, a horsemanship skills demonstration and an interview.
MeadowAnn is the daughter of John and Ginger King. She is a 2024 graduate of Cheyenne Central High School, where she was involved in wrestling, softball, cheerleading, volleyball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, 4-H and multiple leadership roles. She is currently attending Laramie County Community College, pursuing degrees in elementary education and kinesiology.
Her family has proudly served as CFD volunteers for decades. King and her siblings, Wyatt and Bella, have carried on the volunteer tradition in roles such as mounted marshals, ticket committee workers, mare and colt race competitors, night show security, and outriders for the parade. One of King’s most meaningful high school experiences was serving as a CFD Dandy, a dream she had since childhood.
“For me, this role is not about standing in the spotlight but about riding for the brand, doing everything I can to make the committee, my community and our volunteers proud while celebrating and advocating for the growth of rodeo,” King said. “I want to be a small part of the incredible machine of volunteers who make Cheyenne Frontier Days possible, carrying forward the same spirit of service and dedication my family has lived by for generations.”
King will work with Miss Frontier Katherine Olson in 2026 to represent Cheyenne Frontier Days.
The leadership of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) has named new General Committee members for the 2026 celebration.
The Board of Directors has selected Hans Ritschard to be the next General Chairman. Ritschard is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who now directs improvement work at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He served as Military Chairman from 2014 to 2016 and was a member of the CFD Board of Directors from 2018 to 2024, including two years as board chairman.
Jenny Lakin has been selected as the new Concessions Chairman. Lakin is a manager in provider relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. She has volunteered on the Concessions Committee for 17 years. Lakin was named Concessions Committee Volunteer of the Year in 2014 and was inducted into the HEELS in 2021.
Richard “Bull” Singhas has been selected as the new Parades Chairman. Singhas is a construction manager for the U.S. Air Force and holds a master’s degree in management. He has volunteered on the CFD Parades Committee for 21 years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2014. Singhas was inducted into the HEELS in 2018.
Jimbo Tanner has been selected as the new Rodeo Chairman. Tanner is the general manager at B&W Glass Inc. He has volunteered on the Rodeo Committee since 2003, was named Rodeo Committee Volunteer of the Year in 2014 and was inducted into the HEELS in 2016.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve Cheyenne Frontier Days as the next General Chairman,” General Chairman Hans Ritschard said. “It is also humbling to succeed those leaders who have built such a strong foundation. St. Bernard of Chartres compared us to dwarves perched on the shoulders of giants. He said that though we might see more and farther than our predecessors, it is not because we have keener vision or greater height, but because we are lifted and held up by their giant size. I would like to thank outgoing General Chairman John Contos, along with Chairmen Woody Acord, Jason Bain, Byron Matthews, and Jim VanCise for their longstanding dedication and commitment to our organization.”
The General Committee has already begun planning for the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2026 — the Year of the American Indian — which will feature the grand opening of the Morning Star American Indian Village and the reconstruction of Chute 9.
From sunup to sunset, the 129th edition of Cheyenne Frontier Days was packed with entertainment, memorable moments and a boost to the local economy.
This year’s theme, the “Year of the Bull,” honored legendary bulls, bull riders, bullfighters and stock contractors. Special tributes throughout the event recognized the iconic figures and animals that helped shape the sport of rodeo.
Cheyenne Frontier Days, established in 1897, would not be possible without the dedication of the Cheyenne community, staff, and more than 3,000 volunteers who put in countless hours to bring the celebration to life.
Nearly 1,600 rodeo contestants came to Frontier Park to compete for $1.3 million in prize money. The addition of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Xtreme Bulls added $100,000 of that prize money and is likely to become a fan favorite event.
The rodeo’s qualifying rounds started on July 7 bringing over 1,000 hopeful contestants to Frontier Park. From those, the 72 best in steer wrestling, breakaway, team and tie-down roping advanced to performances. The top 12 steer ropers on two head punched their ticket directly to Championship Sunday.
Across nine rodeo performances, 110,383 fans attended the event, compared to 115,494 in 2024. The Quarter Finals, Semifinals and Finals were broadcast on The Cowboy Channel, while qualifying rounds streamed on The Cowboy Channel+ app. The final Saturday also honored National Day of the Cowboy.
On-site attractions included longtime favorites such as the Indian Village, various musical stages around the park, vendors and carnival. The Behind the Chutes Tours remained a popular free experience, with 4,001 guests getting a behind-the-scenes look at the rodeo arena and livestock.
Cheyenne Frontier Days continued to spotlight suicide prevention and mental health awareness through the Pick-Up Man Initiative. Yellow feathers on cowboy hats across Frontier Park served as visible reminders to “pick up” those who may be struggling.
Military Monday paid tribute to all branches of the armed forces, with free admission for active-duty service members and veterans. Special opening ceremonies included a performance by the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, a display of military vehicles around the track, and a giant American flag carried by volunteers. With a change to performance day, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds screamed across the Wyoming skies on the final Saturday.
Frontier Nights drew 113,144 attendees, compared to 119,793 in 2024. On the final Saturday night, Megan Moroney broke the Cheyenne Frontier Days record for a female artist, with more than 20,400 tickets sold.
The 2025 celebration also introduced the inaugural PRCA Xtreme Bulls at Cheyenne Frontier Days. This standalone, two-night event brought the top 40 bull riders in the world together to compete against some of the toughest bulls in the sport. Held under the lights at Frontier Park, the high-adrenaline event quickly became a fan favorite and served as a fitting highlight of the Year of the Bull. 13,977 fans turned out for high-scoring rides and an electric atmosphere.
In addition to rodeo and concert attendance, 26,060 gate admission tickets were sold, bringing total attendance to 249,587.
Approximately 6,500 head of livestock were on-site for rodeo events, parades and bull riding. Veterinarians conducted multiple daily health inspections on all animals. Ten animals required treatment, and all but three recovered.
Downtown Cheyenne hosted four parades and three pancake breakfasts as part of the festivities. Horse-drawn wagons and other historic entries paraded through the streets, celebrating Western heritage. The Kiwanis Club, CFD volunteers and community members served 17,059 people during the free pancake breakfasts.
The Native American Indian Village offered interactive cultural experiences for all ages, including storytelling, hoop dancing and flute music. Approximately 38,600 people visited the village, closing the chapter on its current location. Mo Brings Plenty, star of Yellowstone, was our guest and Grand Marshal of the Tuesday parade.
“Cheyenne Frontier Days 2025 was remarkable.” said General Chairman John Contos. “Celebrating the Year of the Bull gave us an incredible platform to showcase rodeo’s legacy. At the same time, we could welcome new generations of fans to the sport and traditions that we love. Our volunteers, staff, sponsors and community members once again made it all possible. We can’t thank them enough.”
As the dust settles on another unforgettable celebration, planning is already underway for the 130th anniversary in 2026 — the Year of the American Indian — and the grand opening of the new Morning Star Indian Village, as well as the reconstruction of Chute 9.
The 129th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo (CFD) ended with a record-setting final championship round.
Saddle bronc riding has been part of the “Daddy of ‘em All” since 1897. Over the years only three cowboys have won the bronc riding title three times- Earl Thode in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Cody DeMoss in 2004, 2010 and 2012, and local favorite Brody Cress who was the first to win three in a row from 2017 to 2019.
Cress, who is from nearby Hillsdale and graduated from a Cheyenne high school, was the favorite to win after a random draw gave him the chance to ride THE Black Tie. The mare, owned by Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics, was the dance partner for the past two CFD champions and helped Ryder Sanford set the record in Frontier Park two years ago.
The scores were high with a pair of 89.5-point rides leading as the final two cowboys left the chute. First, Cress scored 91 points bringing the crowd to its feet, then four-time world champion Zeke Thurston made a great ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cat Walk for 90 points.
Cress became the first cowboy to win the saddle bronc riding title four times and said the fourth win was the sweetest yet, after not coming close for the six years since his last win here.
Cress wasn’t the only record setter on Championship Sunday. Bareback rider Kade Berry of Weatherford, Texas, broke a record set more than 50 years ago by three-time CFD champ Joe Alexander.
Berry rode Brookman Rodeos’ Lunatic Heaven for 93.5 points, half a point higher than the record and two points higher than former world champion Jess Pope who rode Smith Pro Rodeo’s Risky Business just before Berry.
The winningest cowgirl in Women’s Professional Rodeo Association history, Lisa Lockhart of Oelrichs, South Dakota, made her own CFD history. Lockhart was the champion here in 2015 riding her famous buckskin horse Louie. She joined the list of two-time CFD champions when she and another Buckskin, Rosa’s Cantina, stopped the clock in 17.03. She is the first woman to win titles here ten years apart.
But the decade between Lockhart’s wins in Frontier Park wasn’t the longest. Steer roper Scott Snedecor won the championship here in 2009. Last year the four-time world champion came close to winning his second CFD title, but his steer did not stay tied for the required time.
The Texan was as happy as any first-time winner after winning his event by a tenth of a second with a 12.7, taking home his second CFD championship after 16 years.
Danielle Lowman of Gilbert, Arizona, became the first woman from the Navajo Nation to win a CFD title. The talented breakaway roper who has competed three times at the National Finals Breakaway Roping made a 4.3-second run on her new horse Gucci to win the championship and more than $19,500. She was the biggest money winner of the rodeo.
Tyson Durfey, the former world champion tie-down roper, stepped away from fulltime rodeo after the 2020 season, staying home with his growing family, fighting a serious illness that kept him from riding a horse for a year and a half, and building his coaching business. Durfey’s professional career has included 14 trips to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and more than 20 trips to Frontier Park, but he had never been successful in Cheyenne.
“I made the short round in 2021, had the best calf and messed up due to nerves,” he said. “I never thought I’d get the chance again to win here.” He turned in a 10.9-second time he described as “not the picture-perfect run that I wanted,” but it was enough to win the championship that had eluded him.
Team ropers Aaron Tsinigine of Tuba City, Arizona, and Jeremy Buhler of Arrowwood, Alberta, each have world championships, but had never won at Cheyenne. They took home the coveted winner’s package after taking first in their event with a time of 9.3 seconds. Tsinigine said he had been trying to win in Frontier Park for 20 years, a title on his bucket list. Buhler said they are both at the point in their careers where “you aren’t sure how many more chances you’ll have to win here.”
The most demonstrative winner was steer wrestler Tyke Kipp. The 32-year-old cowboy was fired up after his 5.5-second run gave him the walk-off win. An all-around hand in high school and college (he was successful in bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping), Kipp lives on a New Mexico ranch near Lordsburg that has been in his family for 147 years.
For the second time in five years, an Australian won the CFD championship in bull riding. Rookie Qynn Anderson of Koumala, Queensland, scored 90 points on Dakota Rodeo’s bull named Hunter. Anderson now leads the bull riding rookie of the year standings and is 12th in the bull riding world championship standings.
Several individuals were in contention for the CFD all-around championship, but when the rodeo was over the honor went to Jake Clay of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Clay, who has come close to making the NFR in team roping the past few years, competed in team roping and steer roping and won almost $7,000.
2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days Champions
All Around – Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $6,880 in steer and team roping
Steer Roping – Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas, 12.7, $12,072
Bareback Riding – Kade Berry, Weatherford, Texas, 93.5 points, $13,399
Tie-Down Roping – Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas, 10.9 seconds, $17,700
Breakaway Roping – Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Arizona, 4.3 seconds, $19,537
Saddle Bronc Riding – Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyoming, 91 points, $15,216
Team Roping – Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Arizona and
Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta, 9.3 seconds, $13,530
Steer Wrestling – Tyke Kipp, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 5.5 seconds, $16,614
Barrel Racing – Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, South Dakota, 17.03, $22,010
Bull Riding – Qynn Andersen, 90 points, $12,563
The following are unofficial results from the Championship Finals at the 129th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, Sunday, July 27.
Steer Roping: 1, Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas, 12.7 seconds, $12,072. 2, Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., 12.8, $10,261. 3, Roger Noella, Redmond, Ore., 15.0, $8,450. 4, Blake Deckard, Eufaula, Okla., 15.7, $7,243. 5, Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla., and Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas, 16.2 and $5,131 each. 7, Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas, 16.7, $3,018. 8, Ty Williams, Sulphur, Okla., 17.2, $2,414.
Bareback Riding: 1, Kade Berry, Weatherford, Texas, 93.5 points, on Brookman Rodeo’s Lunatic Heaven, $9,432. 2, Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan., 91.5, $7,145. 3, Wacey Schalla, Arapaho, Okla., 90, $5,145. 4, Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont., 89, $3,430. 5, Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas, 88.5, $2,001. 6, Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La., 88, $1,429.
Tie Down Roping: 1, Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas, 10.9 seconds, $11,500. 2, Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash., 11.8, $10,000. 3, Tom Simpson, Malad, Idaho, 12.3, $8,500. 4, Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb., 12.5, $7,000. 5, Cole Clemons, Okeechobee, Fla., 14.1, $5,500. 6, Kyan Wilhite, Clovis, N.M., 15.0, $4,000. 7, (tie) Tripp Brown, Kenansville, Fla., and Pecos Tatum, La Plata, N.M., 15.7 and $1,750 each.
Breakaway Roping: 1, Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz., 4.3 seconds, $13,021. 2, Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif., 4.9, $9,864. 3, Bailey Bates, Tohatchi, N.M., 5.9, $7,102. 4, Jacee Currin, Heppner, Ore., 6.2, $4,735. 5, Shy-Anne Jarrett, Comanche, Okla., 6.3, $2,762. 6, Shawnee Sherwood, Coolidge, Ariz., 6.4, $1,973.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo., 91 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics The Black Tie, $9,157. 2, Zeke Thurston, Big Valley Alberta, 90, $6,937. 3, Waitley Sharon, Ordway, Colo., 89.5, $4,166. 4, Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho, 89.5, $4,163. 5, (tie) Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D., and Brody Wells, Powell, Wyo., 88.5, $1,665 each.
Team Roping: 1, Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz., and Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta, 9.3 seconds, $11,500. 2, (tie) Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C., and Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo.; and Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Wesley Thorp, Stephenville, Texas, 9.5 and $9,250 each. 4, Ryon Boatright, Mulhall, Okla., and Jett Hillman, Perry, Okla., 9.7, $7,000. 5, Kyle Polich, Cortez, Colo., and T.J. Watts, Eads, Colo., 10.0, $5,500. 6, Devon Johnson, Red Oak, Texas, and Zane Pratt, Congress, Ariz., 10.8, $4,000. 7, Billy Bob Brown, Carbon, Texas, and Blaine Vick, Breckenridge, Texas, 16.0, $2,500. 8, Kash Bonnett, Ponoka, Alberta and Logan Cullen, Courtenay, British Columbia, 16.3, $1,000.
Steer Wrestling: 1, Tyke Kipp, Lordsburg, N.M., 5.5 seconds, $9,200. 2, Talon Roseland, Marshalltown, Iowa, 5.8, $8,000. 3, Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La., and Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii, 6.1 & $6,200 each. 5, Mason Couch, Bronaugh, Mo., 6.8, $4,400. 6, Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas, 6.9, $3,200. 7, Colten Leech, Chico, Texas, 7.1, $2,000. 8, Paul Melvin, Paradise, Texas, 7.2, $800.
Barrel Racing: 1, Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 17.03 seconds, $10,819. 2, Tayla Moeykens, Three Fordk, Mont., 17.19, $8,954. 3, Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas, 17.23, $7,088. 4, Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla., 17.31, $5,223. 5, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 17.39, $3,358. 6, Carlee Otero, Perrin, Texas, 17.40, $1,865.
Bull Riding: (four rides) 1, Qynn Andersen, Koumala, Queensland, 90 points on Smith Pro Rodeo’s Hunter, $10,063. 2, Colten Fritzlan, Rifle, Colo., 87.5, $7,827. 3, Jesse Petri, Dublin, Texas, 86.5, $5,870. 4, Dakota Warnken, Wakarusa, Ind., 86, $4,193.
Wild Horse Race: (Sunday) 1, Gotta Go, $960. 2, Young Gunz, $720. 3, Team Meanus, $480. 4, Graves Team, $240. (total money) 1, Gotta Go, $6,000. 2, Young Gunz, $4,800. 3, Graves Team, $3,360. 4, Turquoise Rose, $2,310.
Wyoming’s Brody Cress stands alone in the Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) record book after becoming the first man since the event began in 1897 to win the saddle bronc riding championship four times. Cress scored 91 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ bucking horse named THE Black Tie. The horse has carried cowboys to the CFD title for the past three years, including Ryder Sanford’s record-setting win in 2023. CFD photo by Laura Storey
The longest-standing arena record at Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) fell after 51 years when Kade Berry of Weatherford, Texas, scored 93.5 points on Brookman Rodeo’s Lunatic Heaven to win the bareback riding on Sunday. Berry broke the record set by three-time CFD champion and hall of fame cowboy Joe Alexander in 1974 by half a point. CFD photo by Tonya Hamner
Lisa Lockhart of Oelrichs, South Dakota, was all smiles after winning the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo’s barrel racing championship with a time of 17.03 seconds. Lockhart won her second championship in Frontier Park a decade after her first win in 2015. CFD photo by Click Thompson
With the conclusion of Semi Finals 2 at the 2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo (CFD), the field is set for Championship Sunday. The last contestants for this year’s final round were determined on the National Day of the Cowboy at Frontier Park.
Three-time CFD champion Brody Cress, who is from nearby Hillsdale and graduated from high school in Cheyenne, earned the chance to try to become the first saddle bronc rider since 1887 to win four championships at the “Daddy of ‘em All.” Cress scored 89.5 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s horse named Devils Advocate to win the semifinals. He bested another Brody from Wyoming, Brody Wells from Powell, by just half a point.
The highest score in bareback riding at Frontier Park this year went to world standings leader Rocker Steiner. Steiner, who lives in Weatherford, Texas, rode Dakota Rodeo’s horse called Native Lights for 92 points, just one point shy of the record set back in 1974 by three-time CFD champion Joe Alexander. Neither Steiner’s grandfather and father managed to win a championship here in their specialties (bull riding and steer wrestling, respectively), so he could accomplish a first for his storied rodeo family should he win on Sunday.
Former world champion tie-down roper Tyson Durfey stepped away from full-time rodeo a few years ago to concentrate on his coaching business. He qualified for his 14th National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2020, and five years later, it looks like he hasn’t missed a step. He roped his calf in 9.6 seconds to win Semi Final 2 and match the fastest time of this year’s rodeo set by Nebraska’s Riley Pruitt in the qualifying round. Pruitt won Semi Final 1 and will be among tomorrow’s ropers along with Durfey.
Jordi Edens-Mitchell, daughter of NFR team roper Tommy Edens, qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2022. Since then, she married a team roper, changed her name and had a baby. Her breakaway roping time of 4.9 seconds won the semifinals and advanced her to Sunday’s championship round.
Four former CFD champions compete in the team roping on Saturday, and all four advanced to the championship round. Billy Bob Brown, who won the heading title in 2016, tied for first in Semi Final 2 roping with fellow Texan Blaine Vick. Their time of 10.6 was matched by a pair of Oklahomans, Ryon Boatright and Jett Hillman. Another pair of Oklahomans, Bubba Buckaloo and 2018 CFD heeling champion Joseph Harrison finished third. South Carolina’s Luke Brown, 2015 champion header, and his partner Trey Yates, 2019 champion heeler, finished fourth.
Garrett Oates of Huntsville, Texas, notched the biggest win so far of his rookie season in pro rodeo by winning Semi Final 2 in steer wrestling with a time of 6.0 seconds. He is currently second in the rookie standings, but a strong finish on Sunday could help him reach number one.
Michelle Alley of Madisonville, Texas, bested three former CFD champions to win the barrel racing with a time of 17.09 seconds riding Lipstick N Stillettos, a mare she trained. Two of those former champions, 18-time NFR qualifier Lisa Lockhart and three-time world champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, also advanced.
Bull rider Gavin Mitchell of Graford, Texas, earned $5,200 when he rode Dakota Rodeo’s bull named The Judge for 88.5 points to win the semifinals.
The rookie saddle bronc riding, a tradition at the “Daddy of ‘em All” since 1911, concluded Saturday, and Josue Molina became the first Mexican cowboy to win a championship in Frontier Park. The 22-year-old from Juarez in Chihuahua scored a total of 159 on two horses to win the event.
For the 129th time Cheyenne Frontier Days will crown champions on Sunday with the championship performance beginning at 12:45 p.m.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 26, 2025)- The following are unofficial results from the Semi Finals (seventh performance) at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Saturday, July 25. The top six in each event advance to Championship Sunday.
Bareback Riding: 1, Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas, 92 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Native Lights, $3,441. 2, Kade Berry, Stephenville, Texas, 88, $2,606. 3, Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas, 87, $1,877. 4, (tie) Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla., and Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan., 86.5, $991 each. 6, (tie) Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont., and Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 86, $261 each.
Tie Down Roping: 1, Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas, 9.3 seconds, $5,200. 2, Ty Moser, Volga, S.D., 10.7, $4,300. 3, (tie) Kyan Wilhite, Clovis, N.M., and Pecos Tatum, La Plata, N.M., 11.0, $ 2,950 each. 5, Tripp Brown, Kenansville, Fla., 12.2, $1,600. 6, Jarvis Demery, Beggs, Okla., 12.3, $900.
Breakaway Roping: 1, Jordi Edens-Mitchell, Stephenville, Texas, 4.9 seconds, $6,510. 2, Shy-Anne Jarrett, Comanche, Okla., 5.4, $4,932. 3, Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz., 5.8, $3,551. 4, Brooke Bruner, Parker, Colo., 5.9, $2,367. 5, Sequin Brewer, Union City, Okla., 6.6, $1,381. 6, Maddy Dearman, Hope, N.M., 6.8, $986.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo., 89.5 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Devils Advocate, $3,416. 2, Brody Wells, Powell, Wyo., 89, $2,588. 3, (tie) Waitley Sharon, Ordway, Colo., and Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas, 87, $1,553 each. 6, Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah, 85.5, $518.
Team Roping: (five times) 1, (tie) Billy Bob Brown, Carbon, Texas, and Blaine Vick, Breckenridge, Texas; and Ryon Boatright, Mulhall, Okla., and Jett Hillman, Perry, Okla., 10.6 seconds, $4,930 each. 3, Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla., 11.9, $3,580 each. 4, Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C., and Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo, 12.1, $2,680 each. 5, Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz., and Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta, Canada, 15.6, $1,780 each. (Kyle Polich, Cortez, Colo., and T.J. Watts, Eads, Colo., also advance from Semi Final 1.)
Steer Wrestling: 1, Garrett Oates, Huntsville, Texas, 6.0, $4,060. 2, Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii, 6.2, $3,360. 3, Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La., 6.3, $2,660. 4, Joe Nelson, Watford City, N.D., 6.5, $1,960. 5, Jacob Edler, Alva, Okla., 6.6, $1,260. 6, (tie) Colten Leech, Chico, Texas, and Nathan Duvall, Hitchita, Okla., 7.7, $350 each. (Leech advances on tiebreaker.)
Barrel Racing: 1, Michelle Alley, Madisonville, Texas, 17.09 seconds, $5,410. 2, Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 17.21, $4,477. 3, Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas, 17.33, $3,544. 4, Bristan McCarley, Happy, Texas, 17.35, $2,611. 5, Tayla Moeykens, Three Forks, Mont., 17.55, $1,679. 6, Hadley Tidwell, La Luz, N.M., 17.62, $933.
Bull Riding: 1, Gavin Mitchell, Graford, Texas, 88.5 points on Dakota Rodeo’s The Judge, $5,200. 2, Robbie Taylor, Chinle, Ariz., 87, $4,300. 3, Ernie Courson, Jr., Okeechobee, Fla., 86, $3,400. 4, Qynn Anderson, Koumala, Queensland, Australia, 85.5, $2,500. 5, Jesse Petri, Dublin, Texas, 83.5. $1,600. 6, Mason Spain, Forney, Texas, 82.5, $900.
Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding: (second round winners) 1, Ty Brenna, Keene, N.D., 82 points on Smith Pro Rodeo’s 180, $1,242. 2, Josue Molina, Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico,, 80, $941. 3, (tie) Tayson Jones, Howes, S.D., and Mitchell Story, Bayfield, Colo., 79, $564 each. 5, Jase Stout, Bayfield, Colo., 77, $263. 6, Tag Moses, Keenesburg, Colo., 76.5, $188.
(overall winners) 1, Molina, 159, $1,242. 2, (tie) Story, 157, $941. 3, Logan Nunn, Lovell, Wyo., and Moses, 153.5, $564 each. 5, Izaah Bartels, New Underwood, S.D., 153, $263. 6, (tie) Jasper Frost, Browns Valley, Calif., and Stout, 152. $94 each.
Wild Horse Race: 1, Crazy Horse, $600. 2, /M Ranch, $450. 3, Gotta Go, $300. 4, Young Gunz, $150.
Steer Roping: (first round winners) 1, Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla., 13.1, $6,941. 2, Blake Deckard, Eufaula, Okla., 14.0, $6,036. 3, Tuff Hardman, Atoka, Okla., 14.7, $5,131. 4, Kelton McMillen, Weatherford, Okla., 15.0, $4,225. 5, Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., 15.3, $3,320. 6, (tie) Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla.; Jesse Stipes, Salina, Okla., and Cash Fretwell, Pleasanton, Texas, 16.1, $1,056 each.
(second round winners) 1, Riley O’Rourke, Skiatook, Okla., 12.0 seconds, $6,941. 2, Troy Tillard, Douglas, Wyo.,12.2, $6,036. 3, Cash Myers, Kaufman, Texas, 12.4, $5,131. 4, Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas, 12.5, $4,225. 5, Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla.,13.3, $3,320. 6, (tie) Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla.; Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas; and Ryan Rochitz, Pine Bluffs, Wyo., 13.4, $1,509 each.
(finals qualifiers) 1, Deckard. 2, Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas. 3, Poppino. 4, Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla., 5, Roger Nonella, Redmond, Ore., 6, Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas, 7, Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas, 8, Ty Williams, Sulphur, Okla., 9, Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kansas. 10, Tuff Hardman. 11, Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas. 12, Chris Pearson, Broken Bow, Neb.’
Local favorite Brody Cress of nearby Hillsdale won Semi Final 2 of saddle bronc riding at Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) with 89.5 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s horse Devils Advocate. He will be aiming for the CFD record books on Championship Sunday when he tries to become the only cowboy since CFD began in 1897 to win four saddle bronc riding titles. CFD photo by Laura Storey