Mount Vernon Adds Another Chapter to the UPRA Season

The United Professional Rodeo Association season continued through Mount Vernon, Texas, where contestants across 10 events found their way to the pay window and added valuable earnings as the road toward the UPRA Finals moves forward.

Breakaway roper Audrey Thibodeaux collected the largest individual winner’s check of the rodeo, earning $2,487.21. With each remaining stop offering another opportunity to add to season earnings, a payday of that size can make Mount Vernon an important piece of a contestant’s year.

Team ropers Colton Ranley and Joe Mattern also made their trip count, earning $1,957.92 per man. In calf roping, Bobby Abernathy finished on top for $1,886.91, while TJ Cook claimed the steer wrestling victory and a $1,816.03check.

The timed events continued with Cody McCluskey winning the steer roping and earning $1,376.53. In barrel racing, Bella Skinner topped the field and collected $1,418.95.

Mount Vernon also provided plenty of opportunity on the roughstock end of the arena. Cayden Flanagan earned $1,877.38 with his bareback riding victory, giving him one of the largest checks among the rodeo’s champions.

Blake Starrett came out on top in saddle bronc riding, earning $1,268.19, while Austin Kelly captured the ranch bronc riding title for $1,136.39. Bull rider Fabio Eleuterio rounded out the winners with a $1,040.91 payday.

With stock provided by Champion Rodeo Company, Mount Vernon offered competitors another chance to turn a single run or ride into meaningful season earnings. The results also showed the range of opportunities available on the UPRA trail, with winners collecting checks in everything from steer roping to bareback riding.

At this point in the season, those opportunities carry increasing weight. Each rodeo represents another chance for contestants to strengthen their year, build momentum and put themselves in the best possible position as the Finals approach. A strong weekend can provide an immediate boost, while consistent checks from one stop to the next can become even more important over time.

Mount Vernon ultimately sent 11 contestants home with event-winning checks across its 10 disciplines. For Thibodeaux, Ranley, Mattern, Abernathy, Starrett, Kelly, Skinner, Eleuterio, McCluskey, Cook and Flanagan, the Texas stop became another successful chapter in their 2026 UPRA seasons.

As contestants leave Mount Vernon and turn their attention toward the next stop, the urgency of the season continues to build. Every remaining rodeo brings another opportunity to earn a check, gain ground and keep a Finals qualification within reach.

The road is getting shorter, but the opportunities are not over yet. With more money still waiting to be won, every trip into the arena matters as contestants continue their pursuit of a place at the UPRA Finals.