PRCA Honors 2026 Bucking Stock of the Year Award Winners

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association announced its 2026 Pendleton Whisky Let ’Er Buck Bucking Stock of the Year Award winners on September 29, recognizing three exceptional animals that helped produce some of the season’s most memorable rides.

Calgary Stampede’s D-508 Disco Party, Summit Pro Rodeo’s R9 Heavy Feathers, and Universal Pro Rodeo’s 12 Smokey Joe earned the top honors in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding, respectively.

Disco Party, a 10-year-old mare, claimed Bareback Horse of the Year following another remarkable season. The Calgary Stampede standout has become one of the most recognizable horses in professional rodeo, consistently providing cowboys opportunities to record championship-winning scores.

Her impressive performances included carrying Tilden Hooper to 92 points in Fort Worth, Wacey Schalla to 91 points in San Antonio, and Rocker Steiner to 90.5 points at RODEOHOUSTON. Keenan Hayes also found success aboard Disco Party, recording 91 points in Puyallup, Washington.

The award adds another accomplishment to her growing résumé after helping Steiner secure his first PRCA World Championship at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo.

In saddle bronc riding, Heavy Feathers earned Horse of the Year after establishing himself as one of the most reliable draws on the rodeo circuit.

The Summit Pro Rodeo horse recorded eight qualified rides across 10 appearances, averaging a stock score of 44.75 points. Among his standout performances was a 92-point ride with Brody Cress at Cheyenne Frontier Days and a 90.5-point effort with Rusty Wright in Salt Lake City.

Meanwhile, Smokey Joe captured Bull of the Year honors after demonstrating tremendous athleticism and strength throughout the season.

The five-year-old bull proved difficult to ride, although two cowboys successfully reached the eight-second whistle with impressive results. Noah Lee recorded 93 points aboard Smokey Joe in San Angelo, Texas, while Hudson Bolton earned 92 points at the Darby Xtreme Bulls in Montana.

The three champions represent the exceptional breeding programs, stock contractors, and dedicated individuals responsible for developing professional rodeo’s elite animal athletes.

For rodeo fans and competitors alike, these awards recognize more than individual performances. They celebrate the consistency, athletic ability, and competitive spirit that make exceptional bucking stock an essential part of professional rodeo.

With the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo approaching in December, these award-winning animals have already demonstrated why they belong among the sport’s finest competitors. Their accomplishments also highlight the essential role roughstock plays in creating championship moments and shaping the future of professional rodeo.