The San Diego Rodeo wrapped up its third annual year at Petco Park.
The San Diego rodeo is one of the most unique events of the year, where the best of the best get invited to compete in the San Diego Padres Stadium, Petco Park.
The event this year featured three total performances. Rounds 1 and 2 were held with 12 competitors or teams in each event. The top eight money earners advanced to the finals Sunday, which immediately went into a clean-slate shootout round of four. There, champions were ultimately decided.
The California cowboys and cowgirls definitely made good use of that home plate advantage.
Bareback Riding
Bareback riding belonged to California’s own R.C. Landingham, who delivered an 89.75-point ride to win the title and $20,000. The five-time NFR qualifier edged out Dean Thompson who was 89 points for $15,000. Jacob Lees placed third with an 86.75 for $10,000, while fellow Californian Clayton Biglow finished fourth with an 85.75, earning $5,000.
Tie-Down Roping
Texas cowboys swept the tie-down roping, led by John Douch, who clocked a 6.91 to earn the championship and $20,000. The win came just shortly after Douch was sidelined from the Cinch Timed Event Championship due to a hamstring injury.
However, Douch was showing little sign of limitation in San Diego, and came out the champion. 2025 Rookie of the Year, Tyler Calhoun followed in second with a 7.08, Joel Harris placed third, and Kyle Lucas rounded out the top four.
Breakaway Roping
The breakaway roping shootout featured three clean runs out of the four. Hali Williams once again proving nearly untouchable. Williams made her run, a fast 1.81 to secure the title.
California cowgirl Rylee George finished second with a 1.86, while Rickie Fanning placed third at 2.03. Maddy Jacobs took a no-time in the shootout and finished fourth.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Four-time NFR qualifier Kade Bruno claimed the saddle bronc riding title with an 89.25-point ride in the Shootout to earn the $20,000. Reigning world champion Statler Wright finished second with 88.25 points. Kolby Wanchuck and Zac Dallas completed the top four.
Steer Wrestling
Steer wrestling honors went to Will Lummus, who stopped the clock in 4.41 seconds. California cowboy Grant Peterson followed in second with a 4.77. World champion Tucker Allen, also from California, placed third, while Jesse Brown finished fourth.
Team Roping
In team roping, Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhle captured the title with a 5.8-second run. Dustin Egusquiza and J.C. Flake placed second. World champions Andrew Ward and Jake Long finished third, while Derrick Begay and Colter Todd rounded out the top four.
Barrel Racing
California closed strong in barrel racing as Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and Fancy topped the Shootout with a 15.499-second run. This is fresh off her first NFR trip, and a California circuit title. Megan McLeod-Sprague was close behind in second, followed by Hailey Kinsel in third and Emily Beisel in fourth.
Bull Riding
No one was better than JR Stratford in the bull riding with an 89.75 point ride to take the win. Wacey Schallas 88.75 was second. Bryce Jensen came in third with 84.50 points. These three were the only ones to qualify for that shootout round.
As the San Diego Rodeo continues to grow, its format and atmosphere have quickly made it one of the most distinctive stops for these rodeo athletes.