The iconic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo took a step toward supporting the future of the sport by adding a new event in 2026.
The inaugural Rookie Rally was held Jan. 22, 2026, at Dickies Arena, showcasing the top rookie talent in the PRCA and giving competitors a chance to advance to the prestigious FWSSR Pro Rodeo Tournament. The winners in each event earned advancement, securing a spot to compete for a share of the tournament’s $1.6 million payout.
One competitor stood out by making the most of the opportunity. Thayne Elshere of Sturgis, South Dakota, finished as the event’s top money earner after capturing the saddle bronc riding title with an 87.5-point ride aboard Penthouse Pro Rodeo’s Painted Habitat, earning $4,275. Elshere also placed second in bull riding with an 80-point ride on Rafter G Rodeo’s Darth Vader, adding another $3,700 to his total. Elshere is the son of National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc riding qualifier J.J. Elshere.
Daxtyn Feild of Roosevelt, Utah, claimed the bareback riding title with an 86.5-point ride aboard Penthouse Pro Rodeo’s The Patch, earning $4,000.
Colin Fox of Manvel, Texas, won steer wrestling with a 4.0-second run worth $4,092.
Lucy Richards of Hereford, Texas, swept the breakaway roping, winning the event with a 2.7-second run and $4,700.
Ace Reece of Aquilla, Texas, captured the tie-down roping title with an 8.7-second run, earning $4,092.
Jet Toberer of Lipan, Texas, and Cody Eguisquiza of Uvalde, Texas, won team roping with a 4.8-second run, earning $4,165 each.
Jaylan Neatherlin of Brock, Texas, claimed the barrel racing title with a winning time of 16.65 seconds, earning $4,000.
Braxton Whitesell of Walker, Louisiana, won bull riding with an 85-point ride aboard Rafter G Rodeo’s Jelly Roll following a reride option, earning $4,700.
With a spot in the FWSSR Pro Rodeo Tournament at stake, the Rookie Rally delivered a preview of rodeo’s next generation, setting the stage for newcomers to test themselves on one of the sport’s biggest stages.