Rich in California rodeo history and tradition, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo concluded its 82nd annual PRCA event, celebrating Western heritage while showcasing elite rodeo competition. With the lucrative summer run approaching, athletes have turned their focus westward, preparing for a stretch of high-paying rodeos that could shape the remainder of the season.
Nestled in California’s renowned wine country, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo featured top competitors from the California Circuit and beyond. In addition to the action inside the arena, the event highlighted its longstanding partnership with the Golden Circle of Champions, a charity dedicated to supporting children battling pediatric cancer.
Leading the way in bareback riding was aggregate champion Weston Timberman, who scored 85.5 points on Rosser Rodeo’s Right On Q to earn $4,301. The 21-year-old Montana cowboy narrowly missed qualifying for his second National Finals Rodeo last season and has his sights set on securing a berth in 2026. Timberman currently sits No. 13 in the PRCA world standings heading into the summer run.
California cowboy Hayden Webb found success at one of the state’s premier rodeos. Webb posted an aggregate time of 10.5 seconds on two head to earn one of the biggest victories of his season.
In the team roping, California native Cody Snow teamed up with Lane Mitchell to stop the clock in 5.4 seconds. The pair earned $3,961 each for the win.
Tie-down roper Chant DeForest topped a competitive field with a 9.0-second run, collecting $2,996.
Fresh off her $100,000 victory at The American Rodeo Championship Weekend, barrel racer Hayle Gibson-Stillwell continued her momentum in her home state. She clocked a winning time of 16.87 seconds to earn $3,627, narrowly edging California Circuit standout Kathy Petska, who finished second.
Closing out the 82nd edition of the rodeo was bull rider Kilcrease Kilcrease, who scored 87 points on Rosser Rodeo’s Mainstreet to claim the title and a $5,299 payday. He was followed closely by Eyer Morrison, a leading contender for Resistol Rookie of the Year honors, who scored 86 points to earn $4,154.
With several key California Circuit rodeos already complete, competitors will remain on the West Coast before turning their attention to the famed Cowboy Christmas run. For many, the busy summer schedule will play a pivotal role in keeping their National Finals Rodeo aspirations alive.
