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Team Cavender’s Rylie Eden

When Rylie Eden walks into an arena, she brings the same confidence she shows on the volleyball court or the basketball court back home in Hillsboro, Texas. The high school senior balances nearly every sport her small public school offers while competing at an elite level in the breakaway roping and pole bending.

Eden, who joined Team Cavender’s three years ago, was nominated by longtime friend and fellow competitor Tana Trosper.

“Every year when the seniors on the team graduate, they nominate somebody else to be on it,” Eden said. “Tana nominated me in my sophomore year.”

Since then, Eden has embraced both the responsibility and the opportunity that come with representing one of the Western industry’s most recognized names.

“Team Cavender’s has helped me in so many ways,” she said. “They have this summit every year where different rodeo athletes and sponsors come talk to us, not just about rodeo but about being a better person.”

That annual Team Cavender’s Summit has made a lasting impression on nearly every team member, and Eden is no exception. She calls the experience one of her favorite parts of being on the team.

“You’re there for three days with your teammates just getting to know each other,” she said. “My first year, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it’d be like a class, but my favorite memory is always the volleyball games we play at the Sonic across the street every year.”

Off the road, Eden’s life is equally busy. She attends the public school where her mother serves as principal and participates in volleyball, basketball, track, cross-country and softball.

“Most schools probably wouldn’t let me get away with all my absences,” she said with a laugh. “But my mom and our school have been really supportive. They even created a rodeo team, so my absences count as school events and don’t go against me.”

Rodeo runs deep in her family. Her mother qualified for the United Professional Rodeo Association Finals in both the breakaway roping and barrel racing, and her father competed in the tie-down roping.

“My mom ran barrels when she was pregnant with me,” Eden said. “I’ve been around rodeo since before I was born.”

By junior high, Eden said she was hooked. She qualified for state and national competitions in the breakaway roping, and began to realize her talent could take her far.

“That’s when I kind of singled out breakaway as what I wanted to focus on most,” she said.

“In barrels, you’ve got to have a really nice horse to win, but in breakaway, even if you’re not riding the nicest horse, you can make it up with your rope.”

Her proudest moment so far came at the Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City when she was just 12 years old. “I made the gold medal round, and I was the only kid under 16 or 17 to rope there,” she said. “Even though I didn’t finish how I wanted, it was an amazing experience. The stands were packed, and I’ll never forget it.”

Now in her senior year, Eden said she is looking ahead to life beyond high school.

“I definitely want to pro rodeo and try to make the finals and hopefully win the finals someday,” she said. She plans to attend college online so she can continue competing full-time while representing her future school.

Eden credits several professional cowgirls as role models, especially Martha Angelone and Hali Williams. “Martha sets the bar high,” she said. “She came from nothing and won the world doing it all on her own. That makes me want to work hard so it’s just me and my horses against the world.”

When asked what advice she would give to younger rodeo kids hoping to join Team Cavender’s, Eden didn’t hesitate.

“Think of them more like a family,” she said. “If you ever need anything, you can call anyone on the team and they’ll be there. They really make you feel like family in and out of the arena.”

Photo Courtesy of Rylie Eden

She added a final reminder that reflects her grounded perspective. “Always thank the people who help you,” she said. “One day they might not be there and you’ll realize how much they did for you.” •

December 1, 2025

Team Cavender’s: Jacee Williams

For senior cowgirl Jacee Williams, Team Cavender’s feels a lot like home. The Coweta High School student joined the team as a sophomore after watching her older brother, Kade, serve on the original roster. She said the family atmosphere drew her in from the start.

“My brother was actually on the first Team Cavender’s,” Williams said. “I went with him to one of the summits and met Jennifer [Green], who was super sweet. I liked how everything felt close-knit and like family. When I got to high school, I applied and got accepted.”

Now in her senior year, Williams said the experience has helped her grow beyond the arena. Her favorite part has been the Cavender’s Summit held each August.

“I use those three days as personal growth days,” she said. “They bring in leaders from rodeo who share lessons about life and leadership. It’s helped me with interviews and confidence.”

Williams said the summits taught her how to communicate under pressure. “When I first joined, I didn’t know what to say in interviews,” she said. “Now I’ve learned how to talk with people and represent myself well. It’s made a big difference.”

Rodeo has always been part of her life. Her father was a calf roper, her mother a goat tier and breakaway roper, and her grandparents spent decades raising cattle and training horses.

“I’ve always been around rodeo, but in the last 10 years I’ve gotten more competitive,” she said.

Williams competes in breakaway roping, an event she said highlights both the athlete and the horse. “I tried barrels, poles and goats, but breakaway stood out,” she said. “It takes timing and trust with your horse.”

Her most significant influence is her mother, Janna. “My mom has always been my coach and my cheerleader,” Williams said. “She’s the one who got me into breakaway, and she pushes me to get better every day.”

Alongside rodeo, Williams plays volleyball and runs track for Coweta High School. She said managing it all takes strong time management and focus.

“It’s hard if you don’t stay organized,” she said. “I’m taking college classes, so I rope in the mornings before school. During volleyball season, it gets busy, but I make it work.”

Williams plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, where she hopes to major in elementary education with a minor in psychology. She said college rodeo is her next goal, followed by competing professionally.

“I had some college volleyball offers, but roping is what I want to focus on,” she said. “After a couple of years in school, I want to hit the pro rodeo trail.”

Her main horse, a veteran gelding, will retire soon. She’s training a young mare named Jenny to take over next spring, with another two-year-old in the works. “My grandpa starts all our colts,” she said. “It’s special to ride horses our family raised.”

Williams still ropes with her brother when he’s home from college. “He comes home in the summer, and we jackpot and go to some local rodeos,” she said. “It’s something we’ve always done together.”

Her dream is to compete in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a rodeo that’s long been on her bucket list. “It’d be amazing to rope there one day,” she said.

For girls who hope to follow in her footsteps, Williams offers simple advice.

“Be yourself,” she said. “People can tell when you’re genuine, and that’s what will get you far.”

November 3, 2025

American Hats: Rowdy Parrott

Steer wrestler Rowdy Parrott is no stranger to the ups and downs of professional rodeo. But after a strong showing at last year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Louisiana cowboy is carried confidence — and cash — into the end of the 2025 season.

“This is the best position I have ever been in at this point in the year,” Parrott said. “I have never had this much money won this early, and it is just a way better feeling going down the road knowing you can do your job without stressing about every single win.”

Parrott credits much of that success to his partnership with American Hat Company, which signed him just before the NFR last year. He joined through a personal friendship with Jake and Mercedes Bloomer, and the relationship quickly became a natural fit.

“My favorite part of being with American is just the values we share — faith, family, all of that,” Parrott said. “They are always there to help, super easy to deal with, and just great people across the board.”

While Parrott wears several different American hats on the road, he said he is not particular about which one tops his head. “They just send me whatever, and I roll with it,” he said with a laugh.

On the arena dirt, Parrott’s highlight of the season came in Nashville, where he captured the inaugural win at the city’s first professional rodeo. “That one really gave me momentum going into the summer,” he said. “Winning first there set the tone.”

Much of his recent success comes aboard Crush, the standout horse owned by world champion steer wrestler Ty Erickson. Crush was named Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year in 2024, and Parrott says the gelding makes his job easier. “When you are riding a horse like that, you do not have to worry,” he said. “You can just focus on the steer. A huge part of my success has been because of him.”

Parrott often hits the road with Erickson and fellow steer wrestler Gavin Soileau. His brother, Remey, joins them at times as a hazer, a setup that adds comfort to the grueling rodeo schedule. “It is really nice having good friends and especially my brother out there with us,” Parrott said.

The 31-year-old cowboy did not slow down as the regular season wound towards its September finish. With big-money rodeos like Puyallup, Sioux Falls and Pendleton on the line, Parrott planned to “keep the hammer down.”

“At the NFR last year, I won fifth, but money-wise it was not a lot,” he said. “This year, the goal is to win as much as possible going in because it can all come down to those last rounds in Vegas.” Parrott’s career reached a milestone last December when he earned his first NFR round win after three previous appearances in Las Vegas. “That was something I had worked so hard for and envisioned for so long,” he said. “I had been close with seconds and thirds, but to finally get that win was awesome. It just lit a fire knowing how close I was in the average, and it gave me confidence moving forward.” He wears the go-round buckle proudly. “I worked hard for that one, so I am going to wear it,” he said.

Outside of the arena, Parrott and his wife, Lynette, run a family business — Crawfish Outlet to Geaux — which he says had its best year yet. The venture not only provides a steady income but also allows the family to spend time together when he is home. His wife and three children often travel with him during the first part of the summer, though the school year keeps them closer to home in the fall.

With family, faith, strong horsepower and solid backing from American Hat Company, Parrott believes 2025 could be his best season yet. “I am really confident going into the NFR this year,” he said. “I think it is going to be our best year.”

October 3, 2025

Team Cavender’s: Tana Trosper

When Tana Trosper talks about her rodeo life, it’s easy to hear the energy and gratitude in her voice. The 18-year-old barrel racer from Texas said she has spent nearly her entire life in the arena, following in the footsteps of her parents while carving her own path as a member of Team Cavender’s.

“I had a pony before I could even walk,” Trosper said. “My parents bought me one for my first birthday, and my dad would lead-line me around while I held on to the saddle horn. That’s really where it all started.”

From those early days, rodeo quickly became central to her life. She said she began entering at local play-days, eventually moving into youth rodeo associations like Winnsboro Youth Rodeo Association (WYRA) and Little Britches, before stepping up to Texas High School Rodeo Association events. Barrel racing became her primary focus, though she also competes in pole bending.

Her family’s rodeo roots run deep. Trosper’s father, Jason, once team roped as a heeler. Her mother, Melinda, grew up competing in barrels and poles in eastern Oklahoma and was crowned Miss Rodeo Oklahoma in 1994. That second-generation influence provided Trosper and her sister, Jada, with a strong foundation.

It was a family friend, world champion tie-down roper Riley Webb, who Trosper said first encouraged the sisters to join Team Cavender’s.

“Riley was like, ‘Y’all need to apply. They’re a great company to represent, very family-oriented,” Trosper said. “So my sister and I both applied, and we were so excited when we got it. Team Cavender’s has been amazing to us.”

Summit Camp, the annual Team Cavender’s gathering, has been her favorite experience so far. But for Trosper, the lessons she learned extend beyond the arena.

“I definitely believe that connections are more significant than I realized,” she said. “The people you meet and the relationships you build matter just as much as what you accomplish in competition.”

Today, Trosper campaigns two horses: Shiny Cartel – or “Shiner,” a tall mare with both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines – and Joker, her steady pole horse. Shiner’s racetrack background means she can be high-spirited, but Trosper calls her “a blessing” and a powerful athlete. Joker, though older, still plays like a colt.

“He’s my trouble child,” she said, smiling. “But you’d never know he’s 20 or 21.”

While barrel racing is her passion, Trosper has not ruled out roping. She began practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic with Webb and other friends, but never found the right horse to compete on. “It wasn’t that I didn’t like roping — I just didn’t have the right mount to keep going,” she said.

Outside of rodeo, Trosper lives a busy life as a senior in public school. She has spent four years on her school’s bass fishing team, pairing with a classmate to compete in statewide tournaments. What started as a self-taught hobby in middle school grew into another competitive outlet.

“I learned how to fish by watching YouTube videos in eighth grade,” she said. “Then my best friend and I joined the team once we got to high school, and it’s been such a fun experience.”

She also hunts and fishes recreationally, and works odd jobs for local farmers to save money for college. That’s because she has another passion outside of the arena: aviation.

“I’m going to apply to flight school,” Trosper said. “Within four years, I hope to have my commercial license. Then I plan on trying to pro rodeo after that.”

She said she is considering programs close to home, though Oklahoma State University (OSU) is also on her list. Her sister, Jada, who is two years older, is currently on the rodeo team at OSU.

Trosper’s long-term dream is to balance both aviation and rodeo, but she doesn’t underestimate the challenge. Still, the mentors she admires in the sport, like professional barrel racers Lisa Lockhart and Emily Beisel, remind her that humility and persistence go a long way.

“They’re both so humble, and I love the way they compose themselves,” she said. “That’s the kind of presence I want to have in rodeo.”

October 3, 2025

Team Cavender’s: Colee Cox

For Colee Cox, rodeo runs in her veins. The high school senior, breakaway roper and goat tyer has carved her path into the arena as she looks ahead to the professional ranks.

Cox, 18, joined Team Cavender’s in 2023 with the help of fellow competitor and friend Sage Galliard. The sponsorship program, considered one of the premier youth rodeo teams in the country, has given her more than just backing in the arena.

“Team Cavender’s is one of the most prestigious youth teams out there right now, and they’ve taught me everything from social media to resumes and job applications,” Cox said. “They’ve brought in pro athletes and industry professionals to guide us, and I’m truly honored to be part of it.”

Her favorite memories come from the team’s annual summit, a gathering where members train, learn and bond. This year, as a senior, Cox designed and customized a pair of boots — a standout moment in what she calls one of her most meaningful experiences.

But what she values most from the program may surprise some.

“Definitely the social media aspect,” Cox said. “Before Team Cavender’s, I was terrible at it. They showed me how to be professional online, and since social media is one of the biggest things in our industry, it’s been huge for me.”

Unlike many competitors, Cox did not grow up in a rodeo family. Her father, Chad, was a drag racer who showed horses, while her mother, Holly, played nearly every sport from volleyball to basketball. Cox said she showed horses and played youth sports before discovering her true passion almost by accident.

“I took my show horse to a local rodeo one day and won it,” she recalled. “I told my dad, ‘I have the need for speed,’ and I’ve never looked back. Rodeo has become my life.”

With the help of mentors such as roper Chad Detweiler and goat-tying coach Kassidy Eakin, Cox developed into a well-rounded competitor. Friendships with professional cowgirls also gave her valuable insight into the rodeo lifestyle.

Her parents, despite not having a rodeo background, quickly became her biggest supporters.

“My parents haul me up and down the road every weekend,” Cox said. “If I say I want to enter, they’ve got me entered. I couldn’t ask for a better set of parents.”

A homeschool student, Cox has built her schedule around both academics and competition. She also competes on the Childress High School golf team, thanks to a Texas law allowing homeschoolers to participate in University Interscholastic League sports, and she shows pigs through 4-H.

After graduation, Cox plans to attend college, where she said she hopes to balance academics with professional rodeo. Long-term, she has her sights set high.

“I want to make the NFBR one day, and I’d love to be an all-around champion at the College National Finals Rodeo,” she said. “One of my biggest goals is to rope at Calgary when I get my pro card.”

Cox’s string of horses reflects years of dedication. Her go-to breakaway mount, Rouge, has carried her on some of the biggest stages. Fly, a sorrel gelding, is equipped for fast setups, while Tag, a buckskin, recently helped her win the Texas Cowboy Reunion. Ruby, her only mare, handles goat tying with the same grit she once used in steer wrestling.

Together, the lineup has helped Cox secure a growing list of titles, including back-to-back junior world finals championships in breakaway roping (2022 and 2023) and the 2023 Texas High School Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year award.

Her time competing in Las Vegas has given her a taste of what lies ahead.

“Vegas is such a different atmosphere,” Cox said. “Getting that experience now makes it easier to handle the nerves when we get to the pro level.”

For Cox, success in rodeo is about more than buckles and saddles. She carries a personal motto with her into every competition: JISTA — “Jesus Is Still The Answer.”

“You’ll see that or the ‘God is greater than the highs and lows’ logo on all my stuff,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going in this crazy world.”

As Cox looks toward her future, her mix of faith, family support and relentless drive suggests that her name may be one rodeo fans will see at the top of results for years to come.

September 5, 2025

A Shift in Horse Power: Market Trends for this Sale Season

As horse sale season kicks into high gear, buyers and breeders are keeping a close eye on the traits and bloodlines that are driving demand in today’s competitive Western performance market. Watching the sport of rodeo flourish in the past decade has had a lasting impact on the market, along with other changes within the industry. Echoing what we’ve seen in previous years, market trends are leaning heavily toward well-bred, athletic horses with proven lineage, strong minds and early performance records. The top cowboys and cowgirls across the globe are always looking for the next best addition to bring to their lineup as the market changes. Whether you’re shopping for a future rodeo athlete or a solid all-around prospect that will help you get the job done, understanding the trends in each discipline can make all the difference this sale season.

Photo Courtesy of Turner Performance Horses

Having a firm understanding of what sales are bringing the top horses can make all the difference this sale season, as everyone continues to search for the next big thing. One sale that continues to draw attention in the Pacific Northwest is the Central Washington Livestock horse sale in Moses Lake, Washington. In addition to their regular weekly sales, they have three upcoming dates dedicated specifically to horse auctions: September 6, October 11 and November 8. Each sale is expected to feature a dominant lineup of consignments. Known for its working-horse atmosphere, this sale offers a platform for local buyers and sellers, as well as a few highly anticipated cataloged events throughout the year. It’s become a reliable source for ranch-broke geldings, younger prospects with potential, and everything in between to find the perfect fit for you. The June 14 horse sale at Central Washington Livestock showcased strong demand across the board. The high seller, Hip #46, consigned by Paul and Tyler Smith, brought an impressive $12,400. The top five horses averaged $8,750, while the top ten averaged $6,840. The loose horse market also brought competitive bidding, with the high-seller going for $3,000 and the top five loose horses averaging $1,920. Whether you’re buying or browsing, this is a sale that belongs on your radar.

Photo Courtesy of Central Washington Livestock

A strong demand for versatile, well-rounded horses with solid minds, sound conformation and popular bloodlines is driving current market trends in horse sales. These are all obvious qualities that owners want to see in their horses, regardless of the job at hand. Buyers are weighing qualities heavily on horses that can perform under pressure, whether in the arena, on the ranch, or out on the trail. Desirable traits of a well-rounded horse include, but are not limited to, athleticism, trainability, a calm disposition, and a history of performance or exposure to real-world work. With how fast the rodeo industry continues to grow, buyers are looking for bloodlines that enhance cow sense and speed. Quarter Horses continue to dominate the market as we have seen for years, especially those with bloodlines tied to top money earners in the performance world. There is also growing interest in horses that blend multiple characteristics and are capable of thriving in roping, barrel racing or ranch work, while remaining safe and user-friendly for amateur riders or families. Buyers want a horse that can excel in any circumstance they are exposed to. This focus on reliability and multi-purpose ability reflects a shift toward horses that fit a wider range of riders and lifestyles.

Another standout horse sale, grasping the attention of serious buyers this summer, is the League of Legends Horse Sale in East Helena, Montana. This auction is keeping its reputation for bringing in elite performance prospects and proven bloodlines in the heart of Big Sky Country. The origin and purpose of this sale make it very unique from others. The goal was to create a unique, invitational sale where potential buyers could come and try horses being featured before auction day. This sale is completely invitational—a decision made by founders Chad and Paje Turner, who, through their deep involvement in the industry, recognized the need for an event that highlights quality and consistency. Their vision was to bring light to horses versatile enough to transition from the show or performance arena to a hard day’s work on the ranch while still having the qualities of one that can spend the day on the trail – all of which are proven qualities buyers are constantly seeking in their next purchase. League of Legends is a sale designed for everyone, from first-time buyers and busy professionals to beginners and seasoned horsemen, making it a standout stop on the summer sale circuit. The sale kicks off as “Casual Friday” on August 1, where registered buyers can spend the day riding as many “Legends” as they want on the trails or in the arena in hopes of finding their perfect fit. The next day, buyers gather with anticipation, ready to place their bids on the ideal horse to fit their needs.

In the past few years, the League of Legends Horse Sale has seen a noticeable rise in first-time and female buyers. Many bidders are parents and grandparents searching for safe, dependable horses for their children and family members, while others include retired couples looking to spend their next chapter on horseback. A growing trend noticed is among busy professionals who may not have time to ride regularly but are still drawn to the sale, confident that when they do get the chance, their horse will provide a safe and enjoyable experience. A rising number of first-time sale buyers have been seeking flexible performance horses that can double as reliable partners on the ranch or out on the trail. A good horse can do it all. The League of Legends Horse Sale makes it possible to ensure you are getting a quality equine athlete that fits the needs of each and every aspect of your life horseback.

As the demand for high-quality, diverse horses continues to grow, it’s very evident that the Western performance horse market is thriving. The current broad demand in the horse market centers around finding a horse with a strong heart and the drive to support you in excelling across all areas of your life. Whether you’re looking for a seasoned performance prospect, a reliable family companion, or a strong ranch tool, success in today’s market comes down to doing your research, asking the right questions, and understanding what characteristics you truly value in a horse. With thoughtful preparation and a clear understanding of your goals, sale season offers the perfect opportunity to find the horse that fits your life, no matter the discipline.

September 4, 2025

American Hat: Pecos Tatum

Nineteen-year-old Pecos Tatum might be young, but his rodeo résumé already reads like that of a seasoned pro.

Hailing from La Plata, New Mexico, Tatum said he has been roping and riding nearly all his life.

“Everybody in my family has always rodeoed or had something to do with rodeo,” Tatum said. “It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.”

A longtime supporter of the American Hat Company, Tatum’s relationship with the brand began early.

“I think I was like seven or eight when Mr. Keith gave me my first hat,” he said, referring to the late Keith Maddox, owner of American Hat Company.

“Before he passed away, he was always just a great guy to me and my family. It’s very easy to support a company with such a great product and great people.”

That early connection sparked a partnership that continues to shape Tatum’s professional image and confidence, both on and off the court.

Now a full-time professional cowboy, Tatum bypassed college to hit the road and chase his dreams.

“Last year was my rookie year,” he said. “I didn’t go to school. I finished high school and left home to go rodeoing.”

Homeschooled since the first grade, Tatum credits that flexibility with helping him build the skills and experience he needed to excel.

“It opened up a lot of opportunities,” he said. “Being homeschooled let me rope with more people and go to more rodeos.”

Last year may not have ended the way he hoped, but Tatum views it as a learning experience.

“It taught me a lot of things I could do differently,” he said.

Now ranked in the top 25 in the world standings, Tatum is focused on qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

“My goal is to get to the NFR this year,” he said. “There was a big learning curve last year. I had to figure out how things worked and improve my mental game.”

Tatum said he currently splits his time between Texas and the rodeo trail, with a dependable string of horses behind him. His central mount is a horse he purchased during his junior year of high school.

“I bought him right before state finals and made it to nationals on him,” Tatum said. “It’s kind of just gone on from there.”

His secondary horse, a sorrel named Raymond, was purchased from a family friend in Arizona.

“He’s really strong in long setups like Cheyenne and Salinas. He’s my go-to for those,” Tatum said.

Outside the arena, Tatum said he also enjoys auctioneering, a trade passed down from his grandfather, who spent years selling at local livestock barns.

“He started teaching me when I was six or seven,” Tatum said.

“I’d go to the sale barn with him and get to sell a few things, just messing around. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Despite his age, Tatum speaks with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the value of hard work, support from family and mentors, and the importance of staying grounded.

“It’s been a blessing,” he said. “There are so many people who’ve helped me, my parents, my grandparents, friends; I wish I could name them all.”

With ProRodeo at its peak and eyes on Las Vegas in December, Pecos Tatum said he is focused on two things: roping smart and staying consistent.

August 7, 2025

Team Cavender’s: Harley Pryor

At just 17, Harley Pryor has spent nearly half a decade as a member of Team Cavender’s. What started as an invitation back in middle school has turned into something much more than a sponsorship.

“It’s like family,” Pryor said. “You don’t just sign up to be on Team Cavender’s. They hand-pick people, and that makes it feel more personal and meaningful.”

Now entering her senior year of high school, the Florida native says she is splitting her time between her hometown of Moore Haven, Florida, and the heart of Texas rodeo country—Stephenville, Texas—where she trains and competes full-time.

Though she has been part of the Cavender’s team for four years, Pryor said her favorite memories come from the annual team summit, where members gather for a few days of connection and education.

“They bring in speakers like Amy Wilson, fitness coaches, social media experts—just people who help us be better in and out of the arena,” she said. “Plus, it’s a lot of fun. We hang out at the pool, have dinner with the Cavender family, and get to see the main Cavender’s building.”

Pryor’s journey into rodeo was not a matter of if—it was a matter of when. Her family has been rooted in Florida ranching and rodeoing for generations. She said her dad wrestled steers, his mom and grandparents roped, and she was roping calves by the time she could walk.

“If I didn’t rodeo, I was going to be working cows the rest of my life,” she said. “We live on a big ranch and everyone ropes. My grandpa taught me, and he is still my biggest supporter.” Despite being raised on a Florida ranch, Pryor knew early on that Texas was where she needed to be to take her career to the next level.

“Florida is more cowboying. Texas is rodeoing,” she said. “People don’t realize how different it is until they come out here.”

These days, Pryor said she is homeschooled through Florida’s system, with plans to graduate and hit the professional rodeo trail full-time after filling her permit. She has already made a name for herself on the amateur circuit and once competed at The American at just 13 years old aboard her standout horse, Jol.

“She tore both her deep flexors, and they told me I’d never ride her again,” Pryor said. “But she came back. I only haul her to the big ones now.”

Pryor said her current string of horses is carefully selected to match different setups: Muffin, a go-fast horse; Tick, who is versatile on speed and timing; Jolene, an up-and-comer still in training; and Jol, who remains a cornerstone of Pryor’s story.

“My grandpa always said you are only as good as your horsepower, and I have been blessed with great horses,” she said.

When she is not in the arena, Pryor said she enjoys hog hunting and collecting gator eggs back home—a nod to her roots on Florida’s rugged ranchlands. And even with big dreams ahead, she carries her upbringing with her into every competition.

“I told myself I wanted to get out of Florida and make a name for myself,” she said. “I’m still working on that, but I’m getting there.”

August 7, 2025

JJ Gottsch’s Gamblers Come Up Aces

JJ Gottsch has enjoyed eight months of basking in the glory of ultimate professional success. He is not resting on his laurels. The CEO of the 2024 Professional Bull Riding Team Series Champion Austin Gamblers, Gottsch has been busy working to keep his franchise stacked for the upcoming season. Despite being a defending champion, Gottsch recently added the top available free-agent bull rider, Sage Steele Kimzey, to an already star-studded roster.

This relentless approach to not only achieve but to maintain success can be traced back to Gottsch’s youth. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Gottsch was raised about 25 miles west in the small town of Valley before moving to Elkhorn.

“My cousins, aunts and uncles lived there. The Gottsch family is big in Nebraska as far as livestock feeders. They’ve been in the top 15 for probably 40-50 years. The other uncles and their kids did a lot of farming, and then my dad and my two older brothers were involved in the commodities aspect of it, so everybody worked together. I learned by watching my family, who were all hard workers. They were all hustlers and never took anything for granted. Nobody felt like they were entitled to anything.”

Gottsch comes from an athletic family. His father, Virgil, was a member of the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame, while his mother, Judy, was a professional bowler. JJ Gottsch himself had a brief career in Minor League Baseball after playing at Creighton University.

“I was just like every other little kid with dreams of playing in the College World Series. I got to check that box. Then, you hope to make it to the major leagues. I was fortunate enough to sign a professional contract after college. The problem was that as everybody else continued to get better, I probably peaked in college.”

His playing career eventually led him to a position as a marketing director with the Round Rock Express, the Nolan Ryan family minor-league franchise. From there, he got a position with another minor-league team, the Corpus Christi Hooks, as general manager.

“The experience working with the Ryan family was great. There were so many things we did there that involved building a franchise from the ground up that helped me learn the fundamentals of blocking and tackling when it comes to things like politics, merchandising, creation of logos and everything like that. I was 27 at the time. I just tried to pay attention and take good notes. Then the Ryans were good enough to let me go to Corpus Christi in 2003, where we did a lot of the same things we had done with Round Rock.”

His front office work in Minor League Baseball led to a stunt that is forever enshrined in internet history.

“The world of Minor League Baseball is built on fun and unique promotions. It occurred on May 6, 2010. Long story short, Will Ferrell, when he was in college at USC, had a fraternity brother who got cancer and had to leave school to get treatment. This depleted a lot of the family’s funds. They had been running a golf tournament out in San Diego to help, but eventually, word got to Reed Ryan, CEO of the Round Rock Express, and they decided to do something down here. He contacted me about promoting a golf tournament here, and I suggested that we could do something really fun that would get eyeballs on it. So, we put together this creative team that came up with the idea of creating a fake baseball pitcher named Rojo Johnson, out of Venezuela, who had served jail time for importing reptiles into the United States. They just really ran with it. So, Will Ferrell comes out of the bullpen as reliever Rojo Johnson to pitch to me, pretending to be a member of the Nashville Sounds, in the middle of a real game. He was supposed to bean me with the pitch, but he missed me. I charged the mound and ended up chasing him around in centerfield. It was a lot of fun. Those were the early days of YouTube, and I think it got over a million hits in the first three or four days. It was just the epitome of Minor League Baseball.”

These experiences cast Gottsch perfectly for what was to come next. A new professional sports league attempted to turn a traditional individual competition into a team-based concept. The Professional Bull Riding Team Series was looking to go live and a franchise in Austin, Texas, needed leadership.

“At the time, I was on the board of the Austin Sports Commission. I remember one of the executives from the baseball team came over and mentioned this new bull riding team that’s coming to town. So, I called their headhunter and said, ‘I’m on the Sports Commission board and would love to help you with whatever assets and resources we have available to get the franchise landed here.’ So, he called me, and we went back and forth for a couple of days. He ran some things by me, and I offered some feedback on different folks locally and regionally. Then, three or four days later, he just asked, ‘Hey, what about you? Would you be interested?’ Initially, I wasn’t because I was working for Nolan Ryan and had been there for 20-plus years. We had a great relationship, and I still enjoyed my time there. But they kept coming back and continued to tell a more compelling story. The more I heard about the opportunity to build things and create things, the more it really attracted me. The opportunity to open the Moody Center, and to be a part of not only the launch of a new team and a new brand but a new league was exciting. You don’t get many opportunities in your life, especially when you’re fifty, to start something new again and utilize everything you’ve learned.”

The Gamblers had their man JJ Gottsch, and the league had an executive well-versed in marketing and promotion. The PBR Team Series has grown significantly in three years of operation. With a slick marketing campaign that has led to a weekly broadcast contract with CBS and expansion into major markets in Florida and New York City, the league is well-positioned for future growth.

“I think it’s hugely important to have people understand and recognize your brand. While we sit here today in April of 2025, I think a lot more people know who the Austin Gamblers are, and that we’re a professional bull riding team and part of the PBR teams; that was the case in April of 2022. But we’ve still got a lot of work to do. I think with what you’ve seen not only here in Austin but now in the other nine markets where we expanded from 8 to 10 teams, the team concept is a much-easier-to-consume product than the individual competition because you don’t really need to know the intricacies of bull riding or how bulls are scored or how riders are scored. It is just about my team being the green team from Austin, and there goes the orange team from Kansas City. We rode four bulls. They rode three. We won.”

Gottsch attributes the growing popularity of bull riding to a parallel national interest in Western culture.

“I think a lot of what Taylor Sheridan has done; it was the perfect time for that show to come out. You were right on the heels of COVID, and people wanted to have an opportunity to get away from the city and have their own little piece of real estate in their little piece of the country, and then Yellowstone came out and 1923 and all the different spinoffs. Then, the explosion into other parts of society in terms of fashion, in terms of music and the pop stars, which have now turned into country stars. You kind of see these trends come and go, but this one has seemed to stick, and now there’s so much investment in it. I think it’s going to be around for a long time. At the end of the day, it is just the authentic, humble nature that makes up the cowboy. Hard work, grit and determination are all the qualities that make them appealing. If you are someone who puts your hand in a bull rope and is on the back of a 1500-to-2000-pound bull, you’re going to be humble, and you’re going to understand a lot of things and have respect for a lot of things. The first thing that they typically do is to get down on their knees and pray and thank God.”

As is the case with so many who embrace Western culture, Gottsch’s faith is important to him.

“I’m more spiritual than I ever was before. Growing up, I went to the Lutheran Church in town, but then in high school, I transferred to a larger high school in Omaha for my last two years specifically to have the opportunity to play sports and get noticed by Division One universities. The school I went to was a Jesuit Catholic school. From there, I went and played baseball at Creighton University and was there for three years. So, for five years in a row, I was in a Catholic institution or institutions. Then, I transferred to TCU (Texas Christian University), where I graduated and ultimately coached for a couple of years. In that aspect, I had a lot of religion and theology. I was exposed to several different religions, and then as I’ve gotten older, it’s just kind of continued to develop. It definitely plays a part in my life, and probably more so since I’ve gotten into this bull riding business because it does play such an important role in all our riders’ lives and the whole PBR rodeo system. It is a very faith-based sport. I would say my faith and exposure to faith has increased probably tenfold over the last three years.”

July 14, 2025

Breaking Barriers: From the rodeo arena to the big screen, Najiah Knight is paving her own road.

Najiah Knight grew up watching her father ride bulls and knew from an early age that she wanted to follow in his footsteps. The high school senior from small-town Oregon has had many successes in her young career, riding her first steer at seven. Najiah has competed in the International Miniature Bullriders Association since 2010, qualifying for the finals five years in a row. She has also qualified for the Junior World Finals, appearing in Vegas for six years in total. In 2020, she was the first woman to ride bulls at Madison Square Garden. These milestones have led to opportunities outside of the arena, including acting, modeling and representing Western life on a national stage. A young woman riding bulls is certainly not common, but Najiah believes that anyone can pursue their dreams and hopes to set that example for other young people. She hopes to eventually ride in the PBR.

Born to Ride

Najiah is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junky, and her early interest in bull riding didn’t come as a surprise to her parents, Andrew and Missi, who have both been steadfast supporters. “I’m a daddy’s girl through and through, so I grew up behind the chutes with him, watching him ride and learning how to put the ropes on properly,” Najiah recalled. “When I first got on a bull, it definitely scratched an itch. I just wanted to keep doing it, and my dad let me.”

Andrew still gets on the occasional bull, sometimes competing against his daughter. “I never thought I would be riding against my dad, but then here I am. Sometimes he’s beating me, and sometimes I beat him. It’s funny, and I love it,” Najiah remarked.

Physically being able to ride bulls and make the buzzer built Najiah’s confidence, and she realized she had a skill for the sport when she started overcoming the inevitable challenges with humility. Najiah has made many good rides, but has also broken her arm and had her fair share of tough landings.

She shared, “Even after a bad bull ride, I always tried to keep a positive attitude. I realized I had a natural talent for it when, even if I did get hurt, I would still go for it, and I still wanted to do it.”

Putting in the Work

Bull riding is just one of many things on Najiah’s plate. She will graduate from high school this spring, and has participated in sports like track and field, volleyball and basketball. In addition to her academic responsibilities, time is limited and precious in the teenager’s day-to-day life. Najiah still finds time to prepare physically and mentally for competition.

Najiah has built this work into her daily routine, utilizing the gym she built with her dad and using practice barrels at her house. “You have to work out every day, and need to have the dedication and heart for it,” she shared.

Riding horses is also a valuable tool.

“I ride bareback, which really helps with bull riding — you practice feeling an animal beneath you,” Najiah explained.

Physically, riding bareback works the core, and Najiah also goes out with her dad, riding up and down hills. “That really helps with learning how to set your hips and get back over your hips in bull riding,” she shared.

Being smaller than the average male bull rider can be an advantage and a challenge. Najiah has found that a stock contractor’s prediction of what a bull is going to do usually doesn’t pan out when she’s aboard, no matter how consistent the animal has been in the past. “Bulls will do something completely different with me because I’m way lighter,” Najiah said.

Mentally preparing for a ride, and dealing with the excitement or disappointment that comes after the eight-second buzzer is also important to Najiah. She has found her parents to be the best resource and support. “The way I overcome a bad ride is to talk to my parents about it. My mom records everything, and she’ll go over the videos with me. My dad will tell me what I did, and what I could have done better,” she explained.

This review is helpful, but Najiah is careful not to dwell on bad rides for too long. She also doesn’t think too much before a ride. “I’ve learned that I can’t focus on it too much,” Najiah reflected. “I can overthink it, and then overdo things. I’ve learned that I just have to go talk to people, laugh, have fun and take my mind off of it for a minute. Then, when it’s time to ride, I definitely focus and do what I need to do.”

Najiah points to her parents as being a critical part of her success, in bull riding and beyond. In the beginning, they helped her get to rodeos and paid entry fees. Once Najiah had momentum, Missi, who Najiah says is her “personal cheerleader,” helped her daughter find sponsors, which opened new doors and also helped pay her way. “They are the most supportive people,” Najiah shared. “Without my parents, I definitely would not be where I am.”

Representing Western Life

These partnerships and Najiah’s success in competition have put her on a national stage. She has appeared in advertisements for companies like Walmart, and has represented her Native Paiute culture at events like the West Coast Indigenous Fashion Show. She is sponsored by and has collaborated with brands, including Ariat, Cooper Tires, Chad Berger Bucking Bulls, MX Bull Ropes and HundredX Helmets, and has gained a significant following on social media. These opportunities, which are the result of many years of hard work and humility, have allowed Najiah to further pursue her goals.

With modeling experience under her belt, Najiah was tapped for a role in the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff. She was a part of the filming last fall, and will be traveling back to Montana after graduation to film for six more months. Her role in the project came about thanks to relationships built through the Western community. “Corrie Caster is my agent. She wants to see me succeed in life, so when any opportunity she sees seems like it’s a good fit for me, she helps me.” Najiah shared. “I’ve become friends with Jennifer Landon and Mo Brings Plenty, and they helped me get this part because they knew I can ride horses. They were just very supportive of me, and I’m very grateful.”

She has also stepped into her place as a role model in and out of rodeo.

“I want to represent all of the unheard people, like women and Natives, and break down barriers that have been built up for so long,” Najiah said.

“I love all of the support people give me. If anyone says I shouldn’t be doing what I do because I’m a girl or I’m Native, I say that I’m not doing it for anyone else. I’m doing it for me and because I get to.”

Najiah frequently gets to hear first-hand how her life and career are inspiring others. Women haven’t been present in events like bull riding, and Najiah believes that this shouldn’t stop anyone from chasing their dreams.

“Girls can do anything and everything they put their minds to. Do not let anyone hold you back because you can do whatever you want to do in life, as long as you work hard, put your mind to it, are dedicated, and have the heart for it,” Najiah said.

Follow Najiah on Instagram @najiahknight to stay up to date on her work and competitions.

July 14, 2025

Beyond the Arena: The Jake Eary Memorial Rodeo

Rodeo is a testament to the Western lifestyle, which incorporates family, community, passion and tradition. Whether a first-time audience member, a returning fan, a child living their dream of competing in their favorite event, or a seasoned competitor, rodeo creates cherished memories for all. It is an experience that captivates those who have the privilege of being a part of it.

All rodeos have their own unique origin story. One that holds the utmost importance for its community and fosters a sense of unity, remembrance and family is the Jake Eary Memorial Rodeo, held in Spring Creek, Nevada.

The rodeo honors a cowboy as true as they come—a boy with a deep passion for the sport, and, more importantly, a love for the people in his life. This memorial rodeo, held May 30 through June 1, holds a place for everyone in the family. Jake touched the hearts of every person he encountered, just as the Jake Eary Memorial Rodeo does for both competitors and audience members.

Jacob “Jake” Eary was born on October 13, 2001, to Jess and Carrie Eary in Winnemucca, Nevada. He spent the majority of his life at the Bullhead Ranch outside of Paradise Valley, Nevada, where he always offered a helping hand with ranch work.

Before his second-grade year, Eary and his family moved to Spring Creek, Nevada. He lived his life to the fullest playing in the Police Athletic League (PAL) Basketball League, competing in junior rodeos, telling stories, and making countless friends along the way. Eary tragically passed on Friday November 26, 2010, at 9 years old during a sledding accident.

Jake dreamed of being a bull rider when he was older. He had a passionate imagination that drove his love for rodeo.

“Many times, I would catch him riding the arm of the couch playing PBR bull rider,” said his mother, Carrie Eary. “He would get off his bull, go over, face the wall, and have his interview with whoever was interviewing him.”

According to Carrie, Jake was her goofball. He loved rodeo but loved visiting and telling stories even more. When he was in the peewee age group, his family would have to go find him to do an event. Whether it was wooing the little girls or conversing with the old-timers, building connections came naturally for Jake.

Carrie recalled a memorable moment when Jake won the buckle over his brother, Daniel Eary. Daniel was renowned for taking home the saddles and buckles. During a winter roping series in 2010, several months before he passed, Jake took home the win.

“He wasn’t even trying,” Eary said. By simply swinging his rope, he proudly took home the buckle.

Carrie explained that the first Jake Eary Memorial Rodeo was held in 2011 with about 250 contestants entered. It was the contestant’s admiration for the rodeo that led to its annual continuation, averaging about 400 contestants every year.

“I believe they love the concept of it. I believe that they love what the memorial fund does for around the state, whether it’s the rodeo clubs, junior rodeos or 4H that we donate to,” Eary said.

The memorial rodeo has events for the whole family to attend. According to Carrie, kids who have started in the peewee age group have evolved to become sponsors and competitors in the open events.

“That’s pretty big in the rodeo world if you can bring your whole family and everybody gets to do something.” Carrie continues, “I believe that’s where Jake’s rodeo has continued to be what it is—because everybody is included.”

This year, dummy roping and stick horse riding have been added to the rodeo, creating opportunities for children with disabilities to experience the joy of rodeo.

A unique aspect of the event is its inclusive and family-oriented environment. Carrie said, “For the last five years, we have not charged a gate admission to get in to watch the rodeo.” She continues, “A family of five or six can come and enjoy something without breaking the pocketbook.”

Saddles, buckles and saddle bags are awarded to winners of the rodeo, labeled with Jake’s name on it. It is a special and unique reminder of his influence.

“I can honestly say that we have either awarded a first-time buckle or first-time saddle at every single rodeo,” Carrie said. “Because it has Jake’s name on it, they will always remember it as their first buckle or their first saddle,” she explains.

The Jake Eary Memorial rodeo’s influence and impact go far beyond the successes in the arena. Every win is a tribute to Jake. Families, communities and friends join together every year to honor Jake through an event centered around friendship and the Western industry. Jake’s story will always be remembered, along with new memories created in honor of him each year.

July 3, 2025

Walking Frito Salad

Sometimes, as mothers and wives, it can be easy to lose sight of our true role in our families and communities while we focus on the tasks at hand—raising babies, homemaking, feeding cows, raking fields, training horses, keeping books and all the things that can come with life. We can forget that in taking care of business, we are the backbone of our families and businesses.

Christine Jenks is no different. She is the support system for her husband and children. The KC Cattle Company owner chases around three lovely children – two sons, Kutter,16, and Kannon, 9, and a daughter, Callie, 14. She helps her husband, Kameron, manage their crops and cows. The couple is also very active in their community of Basin City, Washington, and the small surrounding agricultural towns. In 2020, amid the pandemic, Kameron and other community members decided to celebrate the freedoms that the Evergreen State’s government was taking away in the best way they knew how – a rodeo! In the last 5 years, the Basin City Freedom Rodeo has continued to grow at a fast pace with a new arena setup and its sanctioning from the WPRA and PRCA, to name a few. Who has been right behind Kameron every step of the way? Christine!

You see, a lot of the time, we follow our husbands and children in their goals and dreams, wearing the titles of secretary, chauffeur, chef, maid, treasurer and many more. In doing so, we join those communities in an untraditional way. So, to all of the women who feel like imposters because they don’t fit into the ideal picture of someone in that community, know that you are seen and welcomed! You are so much more than you realize!

The Lord’s Word affirms this: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). Your care of your children is a good thing; your support to your husband is a good thing; your service in the community is a good thing. Sister, you are a GOOD THANG!

Walking Frito Salad

from Christine Jenks

Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Remember those small bags of plain or chili cheese Fritos from a box of assorted chips that no child (or adult) ever eats? Christine came up with a deliciously genius way – inspired by Paula Deen’s corn salad – to finally get them out of your pantry.

Ingredients:

30 ounces of canned whole kernel corn
¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium red onion
1/2 of a green pepper
1 cup of mayo
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

Dice the onion and pepper.
Drain the corn.
Mix the corn, onion, pepper, cheese and mayo in a serving bowl until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prior to serving, crush the Fritos in the bag.
Add 1 cup of the corn salad to each small bag of chips
Serve immediately while the chips are crunchy.

Editor’s Note: I received this recipe as part of a wedding gift from Christine. It is so yummy any time of the year – summer BBQs, fall feasts, you name it. Every time I make it, I get so many compliments. This recipe can easily be switched into a large batch. After steps 1-3, crush a medium or large bag of chili cheese Fritos in the bag. Then, if you want to preserve the longevity of the Fritos a little bit more, you can just put them on top of the salad and serve. To add more spice, you can use the Trader Joe’s Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers with a Mexican-Style Street Corn Flavored Seasoning instead of chili cheese Fritos.

July 1, 2025