The Texas Rodeo 2026

From elite pedigrees to proven grade horses, the heel horse lineup at the 2026 The American Rodeo is stacked with talent.

The American Rodeo Championship Finals

Team roping heeler Junior Nogueira is ready for another American title 😤

Nogueira and header Kaleb Driggers have won 3 Americans together.

Y’all ready to do it again? 👀
Partied hard with last night to close out our Semi-Finals and we’re headed straight into Showdown Round in just a few.

The 2026 The American Rodeo is underway with the semifinals featuring the 15 barrel racers who advanced from the regional events. Take a look back at the past champion barrel racers and their horses.
2014 – Lisa Lockhart and An Oakie With Cash
2015 – Lisa Lockhart and An Oakie With Cash
2016 – Sarah Rose McDonald and Fame Fling N Bling
2017 – Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday
2018 – Taci Bettis and Bogie Is A Smash
2019 – Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday
2020 – Stevi Hillman and Cuatro Fame
2021 – Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday
2022 – Shelley Morgan and HR Fameskissandtell
2023 – Lisa Lockhart and Promise Me Fame Guys
2024 – Brandon Cullins and MJ Segers Fast Lane
2025 - Kassie Mowry and Force The Goodbye
Hailey Kinsel and Brandon Cullins are the only barrel racers to win the $1 million contender checks at The American. Kinsel split the money with fellow contender champions Cody Demoss and Sage Kimzey in 2017. Cullins was the only contender to win an event in 2024, claiming the $1 Million.

What a tough Semi-Finals round!! Congrats to the top 5 heading into tomorrow’s Showdown Round!

The American Rodeo Championship Weekend - Semi Finals Day

Make sure you watch Caroline Grace and Matthew McNeal as they perform the National Anthem Friday and Saturday during Championship Weekend opening ceremonies! 🇺🇸