California-bound and West Coast dreamin’.
Under sunny skies and along the West Coast, athletes from across the country have begun the next unofficial chapter of their 2026 PRCA seasons — the California run.
The Golden State features a diverse slate of premier PRCA rodeos, stretching from the Red Bluff Round-Up in the north to the Desert Rodeo in the south. Each stop provides a major stage for competitors to perform.
Offering strong payouts and high-profile competition, the California run helps set the tone for the summer stretch, just less than two months before the Cowboy Christmas chaos. It also follows the Texas Swing and plays a key role in determining the PRCA California Circuit standings.
The run opened with the Red Bluff Round-Up, which paid a total of $366,782 and drew athletes from across the West and beyond.
Headlining the field was California native Brushton Minton. Competing on home turf, Minton claimed the all-around title with $10,920 earned. The two-time NFR qualifier will look to build on the positive momentum in both the calf roping and team roping as the run continues.
In the steer wrestling, Chase Crane of Oklahoma secured the title with a four-head time of 21.8 seconds, earning $4,237.
Team ropers Jr. Dees and Landen Glenn topped the field with a total time of 29.8 seconds on four head, collecting $5,147 each.
In the bareback riding, Weston Patterson scored 89 points on Mary Lou, a Yule Rodeo horse, to win $8,545. After qualifying for his first NFR in 2025, Patterson looks to carry that momentum into another strong season.
Fourteen-time NFR qualifier Hunter Herrin demonstrated veteran knowledge and consistency in the tie-down roping, finishing with a 41.2-second aggregate on four head to earn $4,858.
Barrel racer Kathy Petska striuck gold in the Golden State and shined in her home circuit, winning the average with a two-head time of 34.73 seconds.
Capping the event, 10-time world champion Stetson Wright continued his dominance in the bull riding. His 90-point ride aboard Clyde, a Powder River Rodeo bull, earned him $8,488 and the title.
With the Red Bluff Round-Up complete, competitors will remain in California for upcoming stops, including the Clovis Rodeo and the Desert Rodeo, both concluding this weekend.
Fans and athletes alike can follow the California run and more on the Cowboy+ App and via broadcasts on The Cowboy Channel.
