— 2026 WCJR Unveils Expanded Format, New Partnership with CN Productions–

Guthrie, Okla. – The Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR), presented by Montana Silversmiths, has announced the event format and schedule for the 2026 event, along with a new collaboration with CN Productions. The event will return to the iconic Lazy E Arena on new, earlier dates, July 6–11, and will feature enhanced payouts, updated qualification routes, and more opportunities to win for athletes. The 2025 event paid out over $410,000.

Recently, the WCJR and the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) in Shawnee, Oklahoma, coordinated their event dates through 2028 to create a two-week youth rodeo showcase in Oklahoma. This alignment maximizes competition opportunities for young athletes and is expected to award $750,000 combined between the two events. Future WCJR & IFYR Event Dates: 

Year	WCJR Dates	IFYR Dates
2026	July 6–11	July 12-17
2027	July 7–12	July 11-16
2028	July 5–10	July 9-14

The 2026 competition will once again be divided into two age divisions. The Youth Division (15 & under) will compete for $5,000 added per discipline and may also “enter up” into the Junior Division (19 & under), which features $10,000 added per discipline. New for 2026, a special roll-over option will be available in barrels and poles, allowing Youth contestants to carry their times into the Junior division.

There are two routes to qualify for the event:

• Nominate through the Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ). The top 15 contestants per timed event discipline and the top three contestants per roughstock discipline will earn a direct spot in the semi-finals with no additional entry fee—standings determined from the VRQ 2026 WCJR Leaderboard as of June 22, 2026. To nominate, visit vrqapp.com.
• Enter the WCJR Last Chance Qualifier. From the LCQ qualifier, the top six timed event athletes in round one and round two, along with the top 15 in the aggregate, will move forward and earn a position in the semi-finals rounds. Entries will open April 1 on Nextgen Rodeo.

New to 2026, WCJR timed event nominations through the VRQ will not have any age restrictions, and any athlete 19 and under can nominate.

In the roughstock events, the top three contestants from the VRQ will advance directly to the semi-finals with no entry fees. The remaining athletes must enter the event starting on April 1. All roughstock semi-finals will be limited to a total of 15 athletes.

Contestants that do not qualify through the LCQ will have one more shot to qualify through the buyback round. The top three in that round will also move on to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals round will consist of the top 15 athletes from the WCJR Leaderboard, 27 from the LCQ, and three from the buyback round, with a total of 45 timed event athletes competing in the semi-finals round. The top 15 times in the timed events and the top eight scores in the roughstock will advance to the final round.  WCJR World Champion will be determined on the aggregate time and or high score from the semi-finals round and the finals round. 

For a detailed schedule, please see here. The event schedule is as follows:

Date	Event
July 6	Move-In & Check-In Opens
July 7	LCQ Check-In Deadline; Jackpots Begin
July 8	LCQ Round 1
July 9	LCQ Round 2
July 10	Buyback Round
July 10	Semi-Finals: Barrels & Poles
July 10	Semi-Finals: Rough Stock
July 11	Semi-Finals: Tie-Down, Team Roping, Breakaway, Goat Tying, Steer Wrestling
July 11	WCJR Finals Performance; Top 15 per event for all Timed Events – Top Eight Per Roughstock Event

“We are excited to partner with Chris Neal and the CN Productions team to produce the 2026 WCJR,” said Dan Wall, General Manager of the Lazy E Arena. “Chris has a proven track record with events like Future Stars, Rising Stars, Oklahoma’s Richest, and the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway. Together, we’re focused on delivering a high-level production experience for contestants and offering more opportunities to win money at the WCJR.”

For more event details, advancement charts, and athlete information, visit wcjrodeo.com.

–30,000-Square-Foot Event Center and New Amenities Aim to Elevate Western Sports at the Historic Venue–

Guthrie, Okla. — The Lazy E Arena (LEA), one of the most iconic venues in Western sports, has announced an ambitious infrastructure expansion aimed at elevating its status as the premier destination for rodeo, equine, and special events. Construction is already underway on a development that will feature a cutting-edge event center, new barns outfitted with Priefert stalls, and a new covered arena. The expansion also includes an upgraded facility equipped with updated restrooms, laundry, and shower amenities, as well as dedicated office spaces designed specifically for event promoters.

At the heart of this expansion is a modern, 30,000-square-foot multi-purpose event center designed to host a wide array of events—from concerts, and corporate meetings to trade shows, horse sales, and community gatherings. The new space will also feature a new covered arena and will be equipped with cutting-edge amenities to provide an elevated experience for both attendees and event organizers.

“The Lazy E Arena has always been a leader in Western sports, and with the support of the McKinney Family, this expansion marks an exciting new chapter,” said Dan Wall, General Manager of Lazy E Arena. “We’re not just expanding our footprint—we’re redefining what’s possible for events in this industry and delivering a world-class experience to the western community.”

Beyond the event center, the expansion includes a newly completed facility building featuring showers, restrooms, and a laundry area for both contestants and guests. In addition to the two new barns and 266 permanent Priefert stalls, 160 stalls are currently under construction and slated for completion by November 2025.

To further support event operations, the Lazy E will also introduce new office spaces designed specifically for event promoters to use as temporary headquarters during their shows and productions.

The event space is projected to be fully completed by June 2026.

For decades, the Lazy E Arena has stood as a cornerstone of Western sports history. From helping launch the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to hosting the prestigious Cinch Timed Event Championship of the World, the venue has welcomed countless world champions and legendary personalities. Today, the Lazy E proudly hosts more than 35 events annually and remains steadfast in its mission to be the world’s premier Western entertainment facility.

Guthrie, Okla. – The 2025 World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR) is set to take center stage at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, from July 23–26, bringing together hundreds of the world’s elite youth rodeo athletes to compete for a record-breaking estimated $400,000 payout and gold buckle glory. The competition will be broadcast exclusively on Nextgen Rodeo, delivering every second of action to fans around the world.

Competition gets underway Wednesday, July 23, with Round One of the WCJR Open Rounds. Round Two follows on Thursday, July 24. Each day will feature a full slate of Youth and Junior Division heats in timed event disciplines. On Friday, July 25, the action intensifies with a full Buy Back Round before launching into the Semi-Finals, beginning with Roughstock. The Youth Division Semi-Finals will follow, featuring all timed event disciplines. The Junior Division Semi-Finals will close out the day.

The excitement reaches a fever pitch on Saturday, July 26, when the Championship Round takes center stage. The top seven athletes in each roughstock discipline and the top ten in each timed event discipline will compete head-to-head in a final showdown to crown the 2025 WCJR event champions.

Event advancement can be found here. 

Division Youth World Champions will be crowned following the conclusion of the Championship Round. These titles will be awarded to the athletes who earn the most world points across all disciplines between June 23, 2024, and July 26, 2025.

In addition to the competition, July 23–25 will also feature open jackpots in goat tying, breakaway roping, and team roping at the Reliance Arena.

For detailed schedule, please see here. Event Schedule is as follows. 

DATE	TIME	ROUND	ARENA	Disciplines
23-Jul	8 A.M.	WCJR Open Round One	Lazy E Arena	GBR, TD, TR, SW
23-Jul	9 a.m.	WCJR Open Round One	Reliance Arena	BAW, GT, PB
24-Jul	8 A.M.	WCJR Open Round Two	Lazy E Arena	GBR, TD, TR, SW
24-Jul	9 a.m.	WCJR Open Round Two	Reliance Arena	BAW, GT, PB
25-Jul	7 a.m.	Buy Back Rounds	Lazy E Arena	All Disciplines
25-Jul	Noon	Junior Division Semi-Finals Round	Lazy E Arena	Roughstock
25-Jul	2 p.m.	Youth Division Semi-Finals Round	Lazy E Arena	All Timed Events
25-Jul	5:30 p.m.	Junior Division Semi-Finals Round	Lazy E Arena	All Timed Events
26-Jul	2 p.m.	Youth Division Championship Round	Lazy E Arena	All Disciplines
26-Jul	7 p.m.	Junior Division Championship Round	Lazy E Arena	All Disciplines

Nextgen Rodeo will be the exclusive home of the 2025 WCJR, streaming the event live July 23–26. The Qualifying Rounds on July 23–24 will be available via paid subscription, while the Semi-Finals and Championship Rounds will be offered as a free stream to fans everywhere. For streaming access or to download the app, visit NextgenRodeo.com.

2025 WCJR entries are open now HERE and will close on July 17 at Noon CT.  All Open Entry athletes will begin in the Qualifying Rounds.

For more event details, advancement charts, and athlete information, visit wcjrodeo.com.

–$750,000 Two-Week Rodeo Bonanza to Create Back-to-Back Opportunities for Youth Athletes—

Guthrie, Okla. – The Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo, presented by Montana Silversmiths (WCJR), and the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR)—two of the premier youth rodeo events in the world—have announced their event dates for 2026 through 2028, ahead of their highly anticipated 2025 competitions. In a landmark move, the two events have coordinated their schedules to maximize opportunities for young athletes, creating a blockbuster two-week youth rodeo showcase in Oklahoma.

Together, the events are projected to award nearly $750,000 in combined payouts. Future WCJR & IFYR Event Dates:

Year	WCJR Dates	IFYR Dates
2025	July 22–26	July 6-11
2026	July 6–11	July 12-17
2027	July 7–12	July 11-16
2028	July 5–10	July 9-14

“This partnership is a game-changer for youth rodeo,” said Dan Wall, General Manager of the Lazy E Arena. “By aligning our schedules, we’re removing logistical barriers for athletes and their families while creating a true two-week youth rodeo destination. Our goal is to give families the time and clarity they need to plan ahead and make the most of their summer rodeo season over the next few years.”

Now in its 33rd year, the IFYR is one of the world’s richest and most prestigious youth rodeos, awarding more than $250,000 in prize money across 11 performances. The event annually attracts nearly 1,000 athletes from more than 35 states and three countries.

“Aligning with WCJR allows us to elevate the entire youth rodeo experience,” said Dale Yerigan, IPRA General Manager. “This partnership is about more than just scheduling — it’s about giving young athletes the best platform possible to compete, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Open entry for the IFYR will open on April 1, 2026.

2025 WCJR entries are open now HERE and will close on July 9 at Noon CT.  Late entries will open on July 9-17 and will incur an additional late fee of $50 per discipline. Full entry details are available at WCJRodeo.com. All Open Entry athletes will begin in the Qualifying Rounds.

In 2024, the WCJR paid out nearly $400,000. The 2025 event will include over $215,000 in guaranteed added money and bonuses. Open Entry is available to athletes ages 10–19 (must be 15 for roughstock and steer wrestling).

Both the IFYR and  WCJR is open to youth athletes competing in 11 disciplines, which include Bareback Riding, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping Heading, Team Roping Heeling, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Pole Bending, Ladies Goat Tying, and Bull Riding.

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Equine Network and Lazy E Arena have signed a landmark 10-year partnership to host the Ruby Buckle Barrel Race and the Pink Buckle Barrel Race & Horse Sale. 

This extends the long-established relationship between the industry’s leading entities and guarantees that Guthrie, Oklahoma, will continue to host these world-class events.

“The Lazy E team is committed to excellence,” said Chad Beus, co-founder of Pink and Ruby Buckle. “They’ve proven it time and time again, and we’re excited that they’ve committed to investing in the expansion of their facility. That will complement our formats and horse sales, making the E the perfect home for our events, which bring the heart and soul of the horse industry to Guthrie.”

With a combined $5.95 million guaranteed minimum payout for the two 2025 events alone, these barrel races provide unrivaled competitions and purses. Lazy E’s investment into growing the Western sports in a family-friendly environment includes the construction of a new, 30,000 square foot events center that will cater to horse sales and trade shows, a new covered arena, five new horse barns that will provide an additional 426 new Priefert stalls and a shower, restroom and laundry facility.

“Our goal isn’t to be the biggest; our goal is to be the best fit for the events that call the E home,” said Dan Wall, Lazy E vice president and general manager. “We needed to add these new amenities to stay up with the growth of our tremendous events.”

The Lazy E works tirelessly to prepare world-class footing for these top-tier events that can withstand the volume of runs and remain consistent from the first run to the last run each day–and from day one to day 10. With acres of dedicated RV spots that provide ample space to camp while still being close to your horses, and a large, covered warm-up arena, the championship caliber of facilities and competition are a match.

“The Pink and Ruby Buckle events originated at the E, and we’ve been privileged to watch them grow into the events they are today,” said Wall. “They have completely changed the landscape of the barrel racing industry for everyone, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue to play a small role in their success for the next 10 years.”

About Equine Network, LLC  
Equine Network’s membership services are designed to entertain, support and inform the equine community, and include unique tech-enabled services for horse owners, live equestrian events, innovative content and engaging digital experiences. For more information, visit EquiNenetwork.com.

About Lazy E Arena, LLC
Lazy E Arena, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is one of the premier rodeo and equestrian venues in the country. With its rich history of hosting championship rodeo events, Lazy E Arena is a hub for the sport of rodeo, attracting competitors, fans, and industry leaders from all over the country. The Lazy E, recognized as the premier western entertainment facility, is committed to offering world-class facilities for competitors of all levels. For more information, visit LazyE.com.

About Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle

The Pink and Ruby Buckle Programs are designed to dramatically increase the number and quality of barrel racing performance horses by promoting the Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle stallions and their offspring. Visit PinkBuckle.com or TheRubyBuckle.com.

The WCRA Division Youth (WCRA DY) and The Lazy E Arena are excited to announce that Discounted Early Bird Open Entry is now available for the 2025 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR) presented by Montana Silversmiths, set to take place July 22–26 in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Athletes who enter between March 17–31 will receive a $100 discount per entry. Starting April 1, all entry fees will return to full price.

In 2024, the WCJR paid out nearly $400,000, and the 2025 event will feature over $215,000 in guaranteed added money. Open Entry is available to youth athletes ages 10–19 across 11 disciplines. 

Open Entry Details

• Junior Division (ages 13–19): $350 per entry
• Youth Division (ages 10–15): $250 per entry
• Required documents: Birth Certificate and W-9 (uploaded during entry)

Athletes must be of age on the first date of the competition (July 22, 2025). 

Athletes can enter via NextGen Rodeo. Full entry details are available HERE. All Open Entry athletes will begin in the qualifying rounds.

In 2024, the payout in each discipline was as follows:

Event	Junior Payout		Youth Payout
Breakaway Roping	$40,520.00	$15,000.00
Tie Down Roping	$23,160.00	$9,200.00
Team Roping – Header	$30,720.00	$10,000.00
Team Roping – Heeler	$31,000.00	$10,400.00
Barrel Racing	$31,280.00	$16,200.00
Pole Bending	$18,400.00	$9,200.00
Goat Tying	$17,560.00	$7,400.00
Steer Wrestling	$18,400.00
Bareback Riding	$11,960.00
Saddle Bronc Riding	$13,080.00
Bull Riding	$19,240.00
World Champion Bonuses	$22,000.00	$7,000.00
All-Around Champion Bonuses	$8,000.00	$4,000.00
Event All-Around Champion Bonuses	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
IronMan Payout	$6,200.00
Total	$296,520.00	$93,400.00

Leaderboard Qualification:

All roughstock athletes must qualify for the WCJR through the WCRA Division Youth Leaderboard by securing a spot in the Top 12. These top-ranked roughstock athletes, along with the top leaderboard athletes in timed events, will be seeded directly into the Semi-Final Round and will receive a complimentary entry. To earn points and climb the leaderboard, athletes can nominate their rodeo performances through Sunday, June 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Payment Plan Option:

Athletes who enter one or more disciplines between April 1 and May 1 will be eligible to spread their entry fee payments across 3-4 payments based on the date they enter within the Payment Plan window. Athletes are not required to use the Payment Plan feature and may opt to pay the entry fees in full at the time of entry. 

At the 2024 WCJR, Open Entry athlete Dusky Lynn Hall dominated the Youth division, capturing the Youth Barrel Racing Championship with a blazing final-round time of 17.097 seconds. She led the event from start to finish, clocking 17.178 in Round 1 and 17.108 in the semifinals. Dusky also claimed top times in Youth Pole Bending, winning both rounds and leading the average with a combined time of 40.306 seconds. Her standout performances were powered by her talented partner, Aint Seen Famous Yet. Hall finished the event as the second-highest-earning youth athlete, taking home nearly $9,000 in winnings. 

All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCJR can visit WCJRodeo.com. 

The 2024 event is open to youth athletes competing in 11 disciplines, which include – Bareback Riding, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping Heading, Team Roping Heeling, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Pole Bending, Ladies Goat Tying, and Bull Riding. WCJR athletes can enter only one age division and once per discipline. Roughstock events are Junior Divisions only. 

About WCRA DY (World Champions Rodeo Alliance Division Youth):

WCRA DY is a year-long leaderboard race of rodeo events worldwide, culminating at the World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR). The 2025 World Finals event will have over $2015,000 in added money and will take place in Guthrie, OK at the Lazy E Arena July 22-26. The 2024 events paid out nearly $400,000. Athletes can qualify by nominating their rodeo efforts and earning points for the WCRA DY leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Athletes can nominate their rodeo efforts until Sunday, June 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. to nominate and earn points. The top 16 on the leaderboard will qualify for the event with no entry fees.

ABOUT LAZY E ARENA: 

The Fabulous Lazy E Arena – just southeast of Guthrie and northeast of Edmond/Oklahoma City – was established in December 1984, just in time for the ’84 National Finals Steer Roping Finals. Originator of the E, E.K. Gaylord II had a vision that both the National Finals Steer Roping Finals and the National Finals Rodeo would happen the same time, in the same area, creating the most epic days rodeo had seen. While the plan only worked for one year, as the NFR moved to Vegas in ’85, the legacy and standards E.K. set from the beginning still carry on today. From giving PBR its start to the Timed Event Championship of the World, the Lazy E has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. In 2005, Gaylord sold the property to a partnership from Nevada, and in October 2013 the property was sold to the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. The ownership group has long recognized not only the tremendous facility, but also the importance of the Lazy E’s place in Rodeo and Oklahoma history. The Family has committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the World’s premier western entertainment facility. Many updates and renovations are taking place at the Arena which will only enhance the lure of the Lazy E to the general population.

CN Productions, LLC and Lazy E Arena proudly announce a landmark five-year partnership to host Oklahoma’s Richest Calf Roping and Breakaway Roping. This extends the already established relationship between entities and guarantees that Guthrie, Oklahoma will continue to be the heart of this world-class competition with family-friendly entertainment.

The new five-year agreement will bring together the best up-and-coming talent in both calf roping and breakaway roping, creating an unparalleled event that celebrates the skill and tradition of these two essential rodeo disciplines. Lazy E Arena, a renowned venue known for hosting some of the country’s most prestigious and lucrative events in the world will provide the perfect setting. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Lazy E Arena to take Oklahoma’s Richest to new heights,” said Chris Neal, CEO of CN Productions. “This long-term collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expand the opportunities for rodeo athletes. We’re also excited to continue the expansion of Oklahoma’s Richest by hosting the newest collaboration event of CN Productions and the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway qualifier as part of the three arena competition to showcases talents for all ages and levels while providing a family-friendly experience.”

The Oklahoma’s Richest Event will feature top-tier ropers from across the country competing for one of the largest prize pools in rodeo, drawing spectators and competitors from all over the world. With Lazy E Arena’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff, the event is poised to become an annual highlight in Oklahoma’s vibrant rodeo culture.

Lazy E Arena, with its iconic reputation in the rodeo community, offers the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. “We’re honored to be partnering with CN Productions to host Oklahoma’s Richest,” said Dan Wall, General Manager at Lazy E Arena. “This partnership aligns with our mission to support and grow our industry at the highest level.”

Oklahoma’s Richest is set to become a premier event on the rodeo calendar, attracting families, fans, and competitors from across the nation. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the event will feature a full slate of western entertainment, shopping, and attractions, creating a festive environment for all attendees.

About CN Productions, LLC

CN Productions, LLC is dedicated to promoting the sport of rodeo and supporting young talent through its signature youth events as well as showcasing the professional level athletes for high level western entertainment. Their commitment to creating family-friendly events allows fans to experience the best of western sports, with a focus on calf roping, breakaway roping, and other rodeo disciplines. CN Productions is passionate about preserving and celebrating the traditions of rodeo for future generations.

About Lazy E Arena

Lazy E Arena, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is one of the premier rodeo and equestrian venues in the United States. With its rich history of hosting top-tier rodeo events, Lazy E Arena is a hub for the sport of rodeo, attracting competitors, fans, and industry leaders from all over the country. The arena is dedicated to fostering the growth of rodeo and offering world-class facilities for competitors of all levels.

For more information about the event or CN Productions, please visit cnproductions.com

Four-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo header JoJo LeMond has left the arena in the back of an ambulance just one time in his cowboy career. It’s a Cinch Timed Event Championship flashback he’d like to forget. But not even his worst rodeo-related nightmare could keep this Andrews, Texas all-around hand from a return trip to the Lazy E.

It might be fair to say LeMond and the Timed Event have a love-hate relationship.

“I won third a couple times—that was good,” he grinned. “In 2009, I tore the ACL and PCL in my left knee in the bulldogging. But I kept team roping, and set the heading and heeling records. Spencer (Mitchell) and Jade (Corkill) have since beat those records (Corkill was 4.3 in the heeling in 2013, then Mitchell was 4.3 in the heading in 2014), but it was pretty cool to have them both at one time. A couple years later I tore up my right knee at the Windy Ryon in the steer roping.

“Several years later, I had a bulldogging steer hit me at the Timed Event. Everything went to hell in a handbasket. It bruised my spine and internal organs. Pretty sure that’s my only ambulance ride out of an arena. It took me awhile to get over that. I couldn’t even ride a horse.”

LeMond has headed at the NFR for Martin Lucero in 2008, Randon Adams in 2009, Cory Petska in 2010 and Junior Nogueira in 2015, when JoJo rolled up from 16^th to replace Jake Barnes after a horse fell practicing for that year’s Finals. LeMond has also qualified for five National Finals Steer Ropings, in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. 

“My wife (Blair) was a school teacher, so we went as a family to the steer ropings in the summertime,” said JoJo, whose family also includes son Newt, 18; daughter Shaylee, 16; and son Gunnar, 14. 

LeMond pulled up from team roping on the full-time rodeo trail after that last NFR in 2015. 

“I just didn’t feel it was fair to my family to be gone all the time,” he said. “Rodeo’s a single-man’s game. I didn’t think it was fair for my wife to be home working and me out playing cowboy.”

These days, LeMond Performance Horses rides 50-60 head of outside horses on a year-round basis. 

“I train and show cutting horses,” he said. “I went rodeoing when I was 18, then went home and took a job riding 2-year-olds at a cutting horse place. I always knew this is what I would do for a living. Newt and have started 40-50 2-year-olds the last few years. The majority are cutters. I also keep a few rope horses around, and go to a few rope horse futurities.

“I love the cutting way more than I ever did roping. I roped to make a living. Now we make cutting horses. We make a living at it, and we’re getting to ride really nice horses. We have some amazing clients, and it’s great to get to ride great horses. I also have 2,000 head of yearlings turned out, and day work and cowboy.”

So why in the world does he want to return to such a grueling cowboy contest as the Timed Event at 42?

“I might be 42, but I feel like I’m 65,” he said. “I have a few aches and pains from getting ready for Timed Events past. But I have a lot of people behind me, and a lot of cutting horse people coming to watch and root me on. I don’t want to let them down. I just want to prove to myself that I can go get through it. I’m going to prove all the doubters in the old fat guy wrong.”

About that. LeMond is 6 feet tall, and tipped the scales at a slight 145 pounds when he was rodeoing.

“I weigh 215 pounds,” he said. “I’m definitely bigger and fatter than I once was. I’m full grown now. But I’m not scared of any of it, and I feel like I can still do it. I have a good set of horses, and can still rope sharp enough to get by. And I’m sure I haven’t lost much of my bulldogging ability.”

JoJo will head at his ninth CTEC on Gunnar’s horse Raider, whom they raised and trained. He’ll rope calves on Shaylee’s breakaway horse Sylvester. Look for LeMond to heel on either his own young futurity horse Shaq or Brad Lund’s Rabbit, a horse JoJo used to show who’s now owned by Heather Hankins. NFR steer wrestler Bray Armes, who recently cracked back out, will be there for him with a bulldogging team. LeMond will steer rope on a horse they call Elvis that he helped train for Bobby Boyd and now belongs to Chris Glover. 

The original plan was for Newt to head and heel for his dad at the Timed Event, but now Newt’s competing at the World’s Greatest Horseman at the same time. Armes is handling the hazing chores, Chris Francis will head for JoJo in the heeling, and Cade Passig will heel for him in the heading. Francis and Passig won the 2018 BFI in Reno before the roping moved to the Lazy E in 2020.

LeMond was a renowned reaching gunslinger when he headed for a living. 

“I can’t reach across the table to grab the salt anymore,” grinned the guy who went 3.4 in front of Adams in Round 9 at the 2009 NFR to break the then-3.5-second Thomas & Mack Center record until a few runs later when Chad Masters and Jade Corkill went 3.3. “When I rodeoed, I couldn’t catch four in a row. I’m in horse trainer mode now. I run right up in the middle of them and catch.”

Tell us one more time why you want to risk another round of Timed Event punishment, JoJo.

“I love the Timed Event—it’s a cowboy event,” he said. “I felt like I left a lot there, and could have done better in the past. I hurt myself before I even got there some years by overdoing it practicing for it. Then there were those two years I got hurt and didn’t get to finish. I don’t think the competitive nature ever leaves anyone who rodeos for a living, and I don’t think a guy ever forgets how to do it. I want to go back healthy, and try it one more time.”

Rodeo roots run deep in families. The love of this cowboy game is a tradition that tends to be handed down from one generation to the next. Paul Tierney and Chance Kelton are certainly not the only high-profile dads with sons on this year’s Cinch Timed Event Championship presented by Smarty Rodeo roster. But they’re two of the most experienced when it comes to advice directly gained from their own days in that CTEC arena at the Lazy E. 

Trevor Brazile is the Timed Event king with seven titles to his credit. But with eight CTEC championships between them, the Tierney boys are the winningest family. Patriarch Paul has won four of the coveted Rodeo Ironman crowns in three different decades; son Jess won the 2017 Timed Event; and little brother Paul David took his third CTEC victory lap last year. 

So, what does it take to win this thing?

“Good help and good horses,” Paul said. “You don’t want to take the second team to this one. The team roping cattle really ran last year. A second-rate head horse would not have cut it. I would say you better have strong personnel and A-team-type horses.”

Only 19 men have ever topped the Timed Event marathon since Leo Camarillo won the first one 40 years ago in 1985. What sets these winners apart from the rest?

“You have to be a good cowboy with good horses to stand a chance,” Tierney said. “When you make 25 runs, things go good and things go bad. You’ve got to be able to improvise instantaneously when things don’t go according to plan. You can’t kick the tires and get mad at yourself. Sometimes, there’s a disaster. I saw Trevor Brazile take a 60 (no time) on his first run in the heading, and come back and win it one year. That’s the kind of stuff that can happen at this event.”

Are elite all-around cowboys born or made?

“Definitely made,” Tierney continued. “As time goes on, you do more of this and more of that. When both of my boys were sophomores in high school, I said, ‘We’re going to start bulldogging this year.’ They said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘Because you might want to go to the Timed Event one day.’ It’s a lot easier to learn to bulldog at 16 than 26.

“Back in my day, roping calves and bulldogging was the most common road to being an all-around cowboy. Very few guys do that now. More of them rope calves and team rope today.”

Is success at the Timed Event more physical or mental?

“Both,” said Tierney, who was the 1980 world champion all-around cowboy and also won a world tie-down roping title in 1979. “You can’t just get by physically or mentally. You’re trying to win $100,000 competing in events you don’t do all the time. The steer roping was the hardest event for me, and that’s always the last event. So I had to close the deal in my hardest event. When it comes to being physically and mentally tough, you can’t have one without the other. You have to be both.”

Papa Paul says it was harder to watch his sons compete at the Timed Event in their early years than doing it himself. But by now he’s an old CTEC parent pro. 

“There was some anxiety watching my boys do it for the first time,” he said. “It’s not as hard now, because they’ve been there so many times now. I’m proud of our family.”

As is Dad Kelton of his. Chance headed at three-straight Wrangler National Finals Rodeos—he qualified all three years with Brent Lockett, but roped with Monty Joe Petska at the third one in 2000 after Lockett broke his leg at the last rodeo of the regular season at San Francisco’s Cow Palace that year. Kelton also qualified for five National Finals Steer Ropings in his cowboy career. 

Kelton threw his name in the Timed Event hat 14 times, from 1999 through 2012. He also raised 2025 CTEC rookie Ketch Kelton, who won the Jr Ironman the last two years. Ketch, who turned 19 on February 22, is currently a freshman at Cisco (Texas) College.

While Paul Tierney thinks all-around cowboys are made, Chance Kelton sees his son as born to be one.

“I think they’re born, because Ketch was just a natural,” Chance said. “Whatever I showed him, he could do it. I like to do all the events, so I wanted my kid to do them, too. I wish all kids would do all the events, so they could see what they’re made of.”

The Jr Ironman consists of three rounds in four events—heading, heeling, tie-down roping and steer wrestling—whereas the Timed Event is five rounds in five events, which also include steer roping. Not a problem.

“I think Ketch ran his first steer roping steer when he was 12 or 13,” Chance remembers. “I always had steer roping horses, and slow cattle. He’s tripped a bunch.

“Ketch has worked his whole life getting ready for the Timed Event. It’s kind of cool for your kid to grow up doing the same things you did. My best advice to him going into his first one is to stay grounded and just go through the basics, step by step. The guys who put in the work get it done at the Timed Event.”

NFR switch-ender Colter Todd will help Ketch in the heading and heeling, and fellow Timed Event titan Tyler Pearson will haze. 

“Ketch loves to go catch wild cattle with Derrick (Begay) and Colter,” Chance said. “It’s pretty handy watching. Colter has been very good to my kid. He’s Ketch’s hero. I think my kid asks Colter more questions than he does me.”

The plan is for Ketch to ride big sister Kenzie’s head horse, Peaches; more than likely his own heel horse/calf horse combo, Happy Meal; Damian Padilla’s blue roan bulldogging horse; and one of past Timed Event cowboy Scott Snedecor’s steer horses. 

How does Dad like his son’s chances as a CTEC rookie?

“It’s tough to bet against him,” Chance said. “That arena’s been good to Ketch. I’m all-in.”

This year’s defender of the Cinch Timed Event Championship presented by Smarty Rodeo crown Paul David Tierney took his third CTEC title in 2024, and has over the years racked up $388,500 in CTEC earnings alone at this elite Ironman cowboy contest. 

“The chance to win money like this sure makes life easier,” said the 35-year-old South Dakota native, who now calls Oklahoma City home. “It just helps, and we don’t have many places where this kind of money is possible. As just one example, I bought a brown head horse (Andale) with Timed Event money. I was able to win a lot on him, and when you have a family there are always bills to pay.”

Tierney’s first CTEC title in 2014 was worth a whopping $50,000 plus round money. His champ’s check doubled to $100,000 in both 2016 and 2024. Paul David has also finished second in this one-of-a-kind 25-head average three times. 

Tierney has for 2025 enlisted the same human helpers he had in place when he won it all last year. NFR header Logan Olson will head in the heeling, 2015 World Champion Heeler Kollin VonAhn will heel in the heading and Kody Woodward will haze in the steer wrestling. Paul David plans to ride his calf horse Macaroni, one of his own head horses, four-time Timed Event titlist dad Paul’s heel horse Hiho; Woodward’s bulldogging horse Blackjack; and Jate Saults’s steer horse Rocket. 

“I ride horses that are easy and don’t take anything away from you at this event,” Paul David said. “You won’t see me riding a head horse that I’ll lose my rope on. Been there, done that. Won’t do it again.”

It’s easy to understand why Tierney considers his Timed Event record the highlight of his cowboy career. 

“We (big brother Jess won the 2017 CTEC) grew up making sure we were ready for this,” said Paul David, who plans to head for Casey McCluskey at the rodeos this year. “More than anything, Dad knew we were going to want to do it growing up, so the foundation was set early. We bulldogged, roped calves and team roped in high school and college. I won my first steer roping jackpot when I was a junior in high school. So when it came time to enter the Timed Event, none of this was new to us. 

“When I was a kid, I missed a lot of the Timed Events earlier in my dad’s career, because I wrestled since I was six years old and the state wrestling tournament was on top of it. I think seventh or eighth grade is when I first started thinking about entering the Timed Event myself. This event was made for how we grew up doing it all.”

It’s no surprise that Paul David was a scrappy wrestler, and a two-time South Dakota state champ. That same inner scrap comes out loud and clear every year when it’s steer wrestling time and he cowboys up beyond what the scale should allow at the CTEC. 

“The Timed Event is the only time I bulldog now,” he said. “It’s fun for me to steer rope at the Timed Event, too, because the big arena at the Lazy E gives me a chance to be competitive. I always look forward to the Timed Event. The name of the game is never get in a hurry, and have smooth times. It’s a true cowboy contest, and you can’t luck out and win a 25-header.”