The 90th Annual XIT Rodeo & Reunion is here, and Where Rodeo Meets the Road is bringing you a special preview before the action begins in Dalhart, Texas.Join Ken and Ellie Clift, 2025 Miss Rodeo XIT, as they take you inside one of Texas' most historic rodeos, celebrating nine decades of western heritage and championship rodeo.The duo previews the next three days of competition, highlights the top storylines, and discusses many of the biggest names expected to compete, including Kaleb Driggers, Junior Nogueira, John Douch, Kade Sonnier, Kash Loyd, and many more as they continue their chase toward the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.Whether you're attending the XIT Rodeo or following the PRCA season from home, this episode gets you ready for one of the premier rodeos of the summer.🤠 90th Annual XIT Rodeo & Reunion🏆 Top contestants to watch🐂 PRCA world standings🌵 Dalhart, Texas rodeo tradition🎙️ Interview with Miss Rodeo XIT 2025 Ellie Clift🔥 Storylines heading into the weekendKeywords: XIT Rodeo 2026, Dalhart Rodeo, XIT Reunion, PRCA Rodeo, Kaleb Driggers, Junior Nogueira, John Douch, Kade Sonnier, Kash Loyd, Miss Rodeo XIT, Texas Rodeo, Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Wrangler NFR.Topics Covered

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae sit down with one of the hottest competitors in professional rodeo—WPRA barrel racer Michelle Alley.After an incredible 2026 season, including a huge Cowboy Christmas and a victory at the prestigious Ponoka Stampede, Michelle has climbed into the Top 10 of the WPRA World Standings and is firmly in the hunt for her first World Championship and a return trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.Michelle shares her journey from growing up around horses to becoming one of the most consistent barrel racers on the professional circuit. We discuss training elite barrel horses, choosing rodeos, balancing life on the road, handling pressure during the summer run, and what it takes to compete against the best in the world.Whether you're a barrel racing fan, horse enthusiast, or simply love hearing the stories behind rodeo's biggest names, this is an episode you won't want to miss.🐴 Michelle Alley's 2026 season🏆 Cowboy Christmas success🇨🇦 Ponoka Stampede victory🤠 WPRA World Standings🐎 Training championship barrel horses🔥 The road to the Wrangler NFR💬 Life behind the scenes in professional rodeoKeywords: Michelle Alley, WPRA, barrel racing, barrel racer, rodeo podcast, professional rodeo, Ponoka Stampede, Cowboy Christmas, Wrangler NFR, world standings, horse training, rodeo life, Where Rodeo Meets the Road.Topics Covered

The 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo delivered championship performances, dramatic tiebreakers, breakout victories, and major movement in the ProRodeo world standings.On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae recap the biggest moments from the Daddy of ’em All, including Jayco Roper’s 93-point bareback ride, Ryder Wright’s first Cheyenne saddle bronc championship, Luke Mackey’s bull riding victory, and the next generation of rodeo stars making their mark.The show also covers the championship runs of Cheyanne McCartney, Tayla Moeykens, Cole Pugh, Britt Bedke, Slade Wood, Tyler Tryan and Nicky Northcott, along with the debate surrounding Cheyenne’s limited-field format and what the results mean for the race to the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.Plus, we follow one of the biggest comeback stories in ProRodeo as Shad Mayfield continues climbing the tie-down roping world standings. After returning at the Reno Rodeo, Mayfield has built momentum through major checks and victories, moving to No. 25 in the world with $65,239.71 and keeping his late-season NFR hopes alive.2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days championsRyder Wright’s first Cheyenne victoryJayco Roper’s career-best 93-point rideCheyanne McCartney’s breakaway roping winTayla Moeykens and Yeti win the barrel racingTyler Tryan and Nicky Northcott defeat the world championsLuke Mackey wins Cheyenne bull ridingCole Pugh’s breakout steer wrestling championshipCheyenne’s new limited-field formatShad Mayfield’s comeback and NFR standings climbThe latest PRCA and WPRA world standingsKeywords: Cheyenne Frontier Days 2026, Cheyenne rodeo results, Ryder Topics Covered

Stetson Wright is sidelined after suffering a separated shoulder at the Calgary Stampede and undergoing surgery for knee injuries, including a torn meniscus and PCL. We break down when and where he was injured, what his recovery timeline may look like, and how the setback could affect the remainder of his 2026 season.We also provide the latest update on reigning PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion Rocker Steiner following successful neck surgery for two herniated cervical discs.Plus, we examine the controversy surrounding the new 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days format, including the elimination of traditional slack, reduced timed-event entries, and the debate over whether the “Daddy of ’em All” is moving away from the open-entry traditions that helped build its legacy.Topics include: Stetson Wright injury update, Shad Mayfield's return, Calgary Stampede, PRCA rodeo injuries, Cheyenne Frontier Days controversy, elimination of slack, timed-event limits, barrel racing and the future of professional rodeo.

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken sits down one-on-one with James Trawick, CEO and co-founder of The Hondo Rodeo Fest, for an in-depth conversation about building one of the most innovative events in western sports.James shares his journey from western media and storytelling to creating an invitation-only rodeo that blends elite competition, live music, and an unforgettable fan experience. We discuss the origins of Hondo Rodeo Fest, the philosophy behind selecting just 76 of the world's top rodeo athletes, the challenges of launching events in new markets, and his vision for the future of professional rodeo.This episode goes beyond the arena to explore branding, entrepreneurship, fan engagement, and what it takes to grow the sport while honoring its rich traditions.If you're passionate about rodeo, western sports, event production, or the future of the industry, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Keywords: James Trawick, Hondo Rodeo Fest, rodeo podcast, western sports, rodeo business, Tough Draw, rodeo entrepreneur, professional rodeo, fan engagement, rodeo marketing, rodeo events, Where Rodeo Meets the Road.

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae recap the biggest stories from June as the rodeo season heads into one of its busiest stretches of the year.We review the latest PRCA and WPRA world standings, discuss the action from the Reno Rodeo, preview the upcoming Calgary Stampede, and talk about the return of Shad Mayfield just in time for Cowboy Christmas.The conversation also reflects on the retirement of Richie Champion, breaks down what Cowboy Christmas means for contestants chasing the National Finals Rodeo, and looks ahead to the athletes and storylines to watch throughout the summer run.If you want to stay up to date on the latest rodeo news, world standings, and the road to the NFR, this episode has everything you need before the summer run kicks into high gear.

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae welcome Hayle Gibson-Stillwell, fresh off her huge victory at The American Rodeo and currently sitting among the top contenders in the WPRA World Standings. Hayle shares the story behind her American Rodeo win, the horses that have helped fuel her success, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of professional barrel racing. We discuss life on the rodeo road, managing expectations after a major victory, the chase for the NFR, and her goals for the remainder of the 2026 season.From one of rodeo's biggest wins to the race for a world championship, this episode offers an inside look at the mindset, preparation, and determination required to compete among the best in the WPRA.

Tonight on Where Rodeo Meets the Road, we open a brand-new lane under The Arena Press: The High School Rodeo Road.This new youth rodeo series will follow the next generation of rodeo athletes, beginning with Texas High School Rodeo Region 3 and continuing through State Finals, Nationals, and the 2026–2027 high school rodeo season.Joining the show is Hadley, a high school junior and competitor who will help bring an authentic voice from inside the arena. Together, we’ll spotlight the stories behind the back numbers — the contestants, horses, parents, miles, pressure, wins, heartbreaks, and everything it takes to chase the short go.

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae sit down with rising breakaway roping talent Madison Outhier as she prepares to compete at The American Rodeo.Madison talks about the road to one of rodeo’s biggest events, the pressure of competing on a major stage, and the mindset it takes to stay sharp in one of the fastest-growing events in western sports. We dive into her horses, preparation, and what she’s focused on heading into The American.If you follow breakaway roping, women’s rodeo, and the next generation of rodeo stars, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🤠🎙️

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae break down the first four rounds of the 2026 PBR World Finals, including John Crimber holding the number one spot and 7-time PRCA World Champion Sage Kimzey proving he’s still one of the best in the game sitting in third.The conversation shifts west as the crew previews some of the biggest upcoming California rodeos and what fans can expect as the spring and summer run heats up. They wrap up the show discussing The American Rodeo coming up May 23rd and 24th and why it continues to be one of the biggest events in rodeo.From bull riding to California rodeo season, this episode covers some of the biggest storylines happening in the western sports world right now. 🤠🎙️