Texas Cowboy Reunion Wraps Up the 96th Year With $238,000 Paid Out

The 96th Texas Cowboy Reunion concluded another successful year after welcoming tremendous crowds, filling grandstands and hosting 993 runs and rides throughout the historic Fourth of July celebration. More than $237,700 was paid out during the rodeo, as top competitors from across the region battled for championships at one of the premier stops of the Cowboy Christmas run.

Sanctioned by the United Professional Rodeo Association and produced by TNT Rodeo Company, the rodeo featured nine UPRA-sanctioned events, with champions earning valuable money toward the 2026 season standings and a trip to the UPRA Finals.

In the roughstock events, Gavin Hauck led the way in bull riding, collecting $3,453.47 after claiming the championship. Ethon Cart captured the saddle bronc riding title and earned $1,063.95, while Joshua Jaskinia topped the ranch bronc riding field with $954.97. Zach Hibler rounded out the roughstock champions by winning the bareback riding and taking home $654.78.

The timed events proved equally competitive throughout the week. Kaleb Bessie secured the tie-down roping championship with earnings of $3,079.25. Blake Barnes and Hoot Williams dominated the team roping, each collecting $4,023.51 for the victory. Cody McCluskey earned the steer roping championship and a paycheck of $2,143.66 after finishing atop the leaderboard.

The women's events showcased outstanding performances as Madison McCaffety claimed the barrel racing championship, earning $2,824.50. Breakaway roping concluded with co-champions after Kelsie Reininger and Tylie Siemsen finished tied for the top spot. Reininger collected $4,634.91, while Siemsen earned $4,222.92 following the payout split.

The Texas Cowboy Reunion has long been recognized as one of Texas' oldest and most prestigious rodeos, combining rodeo competition with western heritage and family traditions. Each summer, the event attracts elite contestants looking to capitalize on the Cowboy Christmas run while competing for substantial payouts and valuable season points.

In addition to the UPRA rodeo, the week featured crowd favorites including Ranch Bronc Riding, Double Mugging, Wild Cow Milking, Matched Horse Races, Ranch Horse Competition, the Grand Parade, BBQ Cook-Off, Chuckwagon Cook-Off, Old Timers competitions and numerous community events that continue to make the Texas Cowboy Reunion a West Texas tradition.

As the dust settles on the 96th edition, another chapter has been added to the storied history of the Texas Cowboy Reunion. The champions leave Stamford with championship buckles, significant earnings and momentum as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2026 UPRA Finals, while fans and organizers now look ahead to the 97th Texas Cowboy Reunion next summer.