2026 ProRodeo Nutrena Horses Of The Year Announced

In the world of professional rodeo, horsepower can make the difference between a winning run and a missed payday. The 2026 Nutrena Horses of the Year presented by AQHA awards recognize the equine athletes making an impact in their respective disciplines, and those who help their riders excel at the highest level.

Steer Wrestling

1. Telle Em PYC "Banker" ridden by Justin Shaffer, Tucker Allen, Jesse Brown, Holden Myers and Clay Tom Hurt, and owned by Justin Shaffer

2. Finding Meno "Crush" ridden by Ty Erickson, and owned by TC Equine LLC

3. Shake Em Bueno "Shelby" ridden by Tristan Martin and Will Lummus, and owned by Brent and Sally Arnolds

Team Roping Header

T1. Dashing Company "Ernie" ridden by Brenten Hall, and owned by Guy and Shanna Howell

T1. Jess A Moose "Zeus" ridden by Lightning Aguilera, and owned by Jim Donnan

T3. Speedy Dinero "Tomahawk" ridden by Derrick Begay, and owned by Colter and Carly Jo Todd

T3. Missn Cowboy Sioux "Marshall" ridden by Tanner Tomlinson, and owned by Tanner Tomlinson

As a result of the first-place tie in the team roping header category a runoff has been launched.

Team Roping Heeler

1. Hezaluckysonofagun "Copper" ridden by Jake Long, and owned by Jake and Tasha Long

2. Lynx Dancin Rooster "Scooter" ridden by Jonathan Torres, and owned by Jared Fillmore

3. Oz Ona Hot Streak "Oz" ridden by Lane Mitchell, and owned by Nate Osentowski

Tie-Down Roping

1. Stylish Bugsy "Bugsy" ridden by Shane Hanchey, and owned by Shane Hanchey

2. For Goodness Shakes "Lil Punch" ridden by Haven Meged, and owned by Shelby Meged

3. CDS Spots Move "Titus" ridden by Trevor Hale, and owned by Trevor Hale

Pick Up Man

1. Precision War Doc "Redman" Ridden by Tyler Kraft, and owned by Vanessa Kraft

2. Driftin Chrome "Drifter" ridden by Shawn Calhoun, and owned by Shawn Calhoun

3. Sundayredwood Breeze "Badger" ridden by Matt Twitchell, and owned by Clegg Livestock Company Inc.

Steer Roping

1. Unbreykable "Big Country" ridden by Kelton McMillen, and owned by Kelton McMillen

2. Son ofa Glo "Junior" ridden by Slade Wood, and owned by Slade Wood

3. Tank You "Lopez" ridden by Tony Reina, and owned by Tony and Kelly Reina

Barrel Racing

1. Buncha Dinero "Piper," ridden & owned by Hayle Gibson Stillwell

2. KG Just Money "Showie," ridden & owned by Kathy Grimes

3. DM Sissy Hayday "Sister," ridden & owned by Hailey Kinsel

This year’s top barrel horses shared a similarity: all three were sired by Dinero, further highlighting the stallion’s influence on the sport.

Breakaway Roping

1. Oke Colours "Copper," ridden & owned by Rylee George

2. Lets Boogie Wildcard "Eva," ridden & owned by Madison Outhier

3. Im Countin Checques "Checkers," ridden & owned by Josie Conner

Congratulations to this year's winners! It is an incredible accomplishment for your horse to be recognized by your peers, and we look forward to seeing many of these equine athletes compete in Las Vegas.