The competition shifts once again as another competitor joins the 2026 Cinch Timed Event Championship.
The championship features five rounds where cowboys go head-to-head in their respective disciplines—heading, heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping. The cowboys with the best cumulative performances will take the overall victory.
Two contestants, Tyler Wade and Kolton Schmidt, have withdrawn due to injury. They are now joined by tie-down roper John Douch, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. That leaves one question—who will take Douch’s coveted spot?
The answer: Justin Shaffer.
While fans typically see Shaffer bulldogging steers rather than roping calves, he is no stranger to a rope. Hailing from Hallsville, Texas, Shaffer grew up ranching alongside his father and grandfather and competed in calf roping throughout his high school years. Since turning professional, steer wrestling has been his primary event—earning him qualifications to the National Finals Rodeo two years in a row—but he has continued to compete across the timed events.
When the opportunity arose to enter the Cinch Timed Event Championship, Shaffer didn’t hesitate. Competing—and winning—the Ironman of Rodeo has long been one of his goals, and now he’s one step closer to making that a reality.
Shaffer is also the owner of Banker, the 2025 Nutrena Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, who carried Tucker Allen to his first world championship.
With Shaffer stepping into the field, the 2026 Cinch Timed Event Championship just got even more competitive.