
Slack Elimination Reworks CFD Rodeo, Riders Say
Riders at Cheyenne Frontier Days report the rodeo feels different after CFD scrapped Slack, with mixed views on how the change has altered the event’s atmosphere and competition.
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Riders at Cheyenne Frontier Days report the rodeo feels different after CFD scrapped Slack, with mixed views on how the change has altered the event’s atmosphere and competition.

A skydiver at the Folsom Pro Rodeo survived a crash landing when his American flag snagged on a tree, causing him to crash into a small tent. He was unharmed and, per organizers, will skydive again that night.

Rick Young, a Hall of Fame rodeo clown known as the Ragin’ Cajun and later the Agin’ Cajun, entertained crowds for more than 50 years at Missouri’s Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, surviving broken ribs, a broken leg and a broken jaw—plus memorable moments like a bull treating his outfit as hay—before retiring at 85.

At the Houston Rodeo, Tina Knowles’s Mama Tina’s Gumbo drew crowds, but a patron reported chills, fever, nausea and vomiting blood, prompting a temporary health-department closure; inspectors flagged off-site cooking, non-food-grade buckets, missing temperature logs, and thawed seafood, with the stall later cleared to reopen.

Oaklynn Rae Domer, 3, daughter of 10-time WPRA world champion Kelsie Domer, died Feb. 19, 2026, after a horse incident at a rodeo; Kelsie survived. The WPRA confirmed the tragedy and fans wore pink in remembrance as the family requests privacy while they grieve.

AI is moving into rodeo with real-time computer vision from Palantir, Nvidia, and TWG AI, deployed by Teton Ridge to track rider and animal movements (kicks, spins, speed) and translate performances into actionable metrics for scores, training, and fan engagement. The goal is to supplement judging with data rather than replace it, marking a cultural shift as a tradition-bound sport embraces analytics and potentially broadens sponsorship and broadcast opportunities while sparking debate about preserving cowboy lore.

Bella Hadid has split from her equestrian boyfriend Adan Banuelos after a two-year on/off romance described as tumultuous. The breakup comes amid their shared business ties—owning several million-dollar horses and a Texas home—and they reportedly began dating in fall 2023 after meeting at a Fort Worth horse show.

Levi Wright, the 3-year-old son of rodeo star Spencer Wright, has shown signs of recovery by lifting his head and opening his eyes after being unconscious for several days following a river accident. Despite an MRI showing concerning results, his family remains hopeful and continues to seek medical expertise.

Beyoncé's recent success in the country music genre with her song "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" has sparked discussions about her influence and impact on the traditionally white male-dominated industry. Embracing a cowboy persona, Beyoncé's journey from her Texas roots to her current full-circle cowboy moment is highlighted, showcasing her longstanding connection to country culture and fashion. Her latest project, COWBOY CARTER, pays homage to Black Western iconoclasts and aims to push country music in new directions, challenging traditional norms and stereotypes.

A council member in San Diego is proposing a citywide ban on rodeos following the recent hosting of the first rodeo at Petco Park since the 1980s, citing concerns about animal cruelty. This decision comes after protests and unsuccessful lobbying to cancel the event last fall. While local rodeo advocates view the proposed ban as an attack on cultural traditions, the San Diego Humane Society has endorsed the move, emphasizing that entertainment should not compromise animal well-being. The proposed ban is set to be introduced at an upcoming meeting of the city council's Land Use and Housing Committee, with a hearing on a related lawsuit scheduled for February 15.
Walt Garrison, former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys, passed away at the age of 79. Known for his versatility as a fullback, Garrison also had a passion for rodeo and excelled in steer wrestling. Despite the risks involved, he continued to participate in rodeos during his football career, until a knee injury sustained in 1975 ended his NFL tenure. Garrison's love for rodeo remained strong, and he even found success in the sport, earning a reputation as a skilled steer wrestler. Throughout his life, he remained a cowboy at heart, cherishing both his football and rodeo experiences.
Newly released video shows Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas cursing at police and threatening to report them to the governor after being handcuffed during an argument outside a rodeo where he had approached a teenager having seizures. The video, provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, shows officers bringing Jackson to the ground and handcuffing him before helping him up. Jackson, a former White House physician, argued with a state trooper and shouted obscenities, claiming he was trying to help in a crisis. The incident occurred in White Deer, Texas, and Jackson later responded to the video's release, criticizing the authorities and defending his actions.

Body-camera footage released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shows Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson being tackled to the ground and briefly handcuffed by police officers during a chaotic medical situation at a rodeo last month. Jackson berated the sheriff's deputies with profanity and threatened to report them to the governor's office. The video shows Jackson arguing with a group of people surrounding a 15-year-old girl who was having seizures. Jackson was later released and confronted law enforcement officers at the scene. The incident has sparked controversy, with Jackson claiming the authorities showed incompetence and disregard for the girl in distress.

Body camera footage released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shows Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson being tackled and handcuffed by sheriff's deputies after a confrontation with a state trooper at a rodeo in West Texas. The incident occurred when Jackson, a former White House physician, tried to assist a teenager who had a seizure but became irate when asked to step back. Jackson's aides accused officers of mishandling the situation, while the video shows Jackson using profanity and making threats towards the trooper. Jackson defended his actions, stating that he would always help someone in need and criticizing the authorities' response.
Residents of a rural South Texas county are coming together in an avid search for a missing rodeo goat named Willy, who escaped from a pen in the county's rodeo arena. The search has enthralled the community, with residents using horses, ATVs, and even considering a helicopter to locate the missing animal. Local businesses have donated prizes worth over $5,000 as a reward for finding the goat, and the search has also brought in donations to improve the nonprofit's arena and facilities.