Western & Rodeo

Barrel racing, reining, roping and ranch life.

7 articles

Leer en español

What Is Ranch Riding? How Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail Are Judged

NSBA/AQHA ranch classes opened the 2026 Quarter Horse Congress. Here is what the judges are looking for, and how to try it yourself.

Updated Oct 1, 20265 min read

NFR 2026: Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Dates, Events and the Race to Qualify for Vegas
Ten nights, seven events, eight event titles: the Las Vegas finals run Dec. 3–12, the regular season has closed, and the barrel racing field is set, pending audit.
Sep 30, 20267 min read
Rodeo Saltillo 2026: Dates, Expo Coahuila Venue, Program and Tickets
Coahuila's rodeo grows to four days and opens a new venue. Here is the visitor guide, plus a plain-language explainer of rodeo disciplines versus charrería and jaripeo.
Sep 30, 20264 min read
Barrel Racing Pattern: The Cloverleaf, the 5-Second Penalty and Kids
Pendleton's barrel race was decided by two hundredths of a second, and a clip of a child climbing into the saddle on their own went viral. Here's how the cloverleaf works, from the first turn to the first playday.
Sep 23, 20267 min read
How Is Bronc Riding Scored? Pendleton's 92.5 Record Ride Explained
Stetson Wright's 92.5 on The Black Tie set a Pendleton Round-Up arena record, and the same weekend Mandan produced a 92 and a 90. Here's how judges get to those numbers, and how timed events like steer wrestling work instead.
Sep 23, 20268 min read
What Is Team Roping? Header, Heeler and the Barrier Explained
The Wrangler finals in Billings, running September 22–27, average more than 6,000 teams, while only 15 headers and 15 heelers make the NFR. Here is how the sport works, from the box to the flag.
Sep 23, 20267 min read
What to Wear to a Rodeo in 2026: Cowboy Boots, Hats and Kid-Friendly Western Outfits
Fashion writers can't agree on cowboy boots in 2026, but rodeo crowds have always known what works. Here's the practical outfit guide for first-timers, parents and kids, plus the hat manners that matter.
Sep 23, 20268 min read

More topics