Let ’er Buck! Each year, Pendleton Whisky and the PRCA recognize the top roughstock animals of the year, honoring their athleticism and ability to complement the cowboys who ride them. Standing out among a field of exceptional roughstock requires the perfect balance of animal athleticism and the cowboys capable of showcasing that talent.
The 2026 Pendleton Whisky’s Let ’er Buck Bucking Stock of the Year Awards were announced Sept. 29, recognizing the top three animals in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.
Bareback Riding Horse of the Year
- D-508 Disco Party — Calgary Stampede
- F12 Game Trail — Summit Pro Rodeo
- 2708 Boot Barn’s Night Crawler — Pickett Pro Rodeo
Saddle Bronc Riding Horse of the Year
- R9 Heavy Feathers — Summit Pro Rodeo
- Q230 Shady Jacket — J Bar J
- -91 Mary Lou — Yule Rodeo Ltd.
Bull of the Year
- 12 Smokey Joe — Universal Pro Rodeos
- 105H Rick’s Honky Tonk — Diamond G Rodeo
- 013 Richard Slam — Pete Carr Pro Rodeo
Many fans are quick to remember Disco Party’s top rides and consistent high scores, including the final ride that helped secure Rocker Steiner’s 2025 PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship. Over the past two seasons, Disco Party has produced some of the biggest bareback rides, becoming the kind of draw capable of turning eight seconds into a championship-caliber performance. Now, she has the hardware to match that reputation.
Disco Party was also voted the 2026 PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year, adding another honor to a career defined by consistency on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
On the saddle bronc riding side, Heavy Feathers stole the show, recording eight qualified rides in 10 trips this season with an average stock score of 44.75 points and an average total score of 86.88 points. While setting up several athletes for success throughout the season, Heavy Feathers also played a role in helping many athletes build momentum toward their 2026 NFR campaigns.
In the bull riding, the top honor went to Smokey Joe, recognized for his ability to consistently deliver high-scoring opportunities when athletes reach the eight-second whistle.
With each of these awards voted on by the athletes themselves, the honors represent recognition from those who know these equine and bovine athletes best.
