Following an exhilarating weekend featuring concerts, rodeo events, and thrilling moments, the San Diego Rodeo concluded its third annual event on Sunday, January 18, at Petco Park. In the ballpark, nine champions were honored, including two from California. RC Landingham of Hat Creek and Hayle Gibson Stillwell of Redcrest secured the San Diego Rodeo title for the Golden State.
Over the course of the weekend, two rounds were conducted to identify the top money earners who advanced to the eight-man round on Sunday. After competing in the eight-man event, the top four contestants who earned the most money qualified for the finals later that afternoon.
The finals provided a fresh start, with competitors going head-to-head, where the fastest times and highest scores determined the winners of the San Diego Rodeo.
Bareback Riding
RC Landingham triumphed after fierce competition in the first three rounds, securing a spot in the finals with a $5,000 win. His outstanding ride on C5 Rodeo’s Pretty Woman earned him a top score of 89.75.
Tie-Down Roping
John Douch, after finishing third in Round 1, gained momentum and won the subsequent three rounds. He capped off his weekend in California with a 6.91-second tie-down of his calf during the finals.
Breakaway Roping
With a 2.03 and a 1.86 already on the leaderboard, Hali Williams needed to act quickly to claim the $20,000 prize. Williams successfully made two swings before throwing her rope for a 1.81-second run, taking the top spot and bringing home the San Diego Rodeo buckle to Texas.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Kade Bruno demonstrated remarkable consistency, making it to the finals with a total of $5,750 in winnings over the weekend. In the finals, Bruno rode Macza Pro Rodeo’s Steely Dan, achieving an impressive score of 89.25 points to secure the victory.
Steer Wrestling
Will Lummus reached the finals with his Round 1 earnings. In the finals, Lummus successfully threw his steer in 4.41 seconds, making history as the first back-to-back steer wrestling champion at the San Diego Rodeo.
Team Roping
After analyzing the competition, Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler executed a swift 5.8 run, claiming the title of Team Roping Champions for the 2026 San Diego Rodeo.
Barrel Racing
In the barrel racing competition, Hayle Gibson Stillwell and RDC DancingToTheLead, affectionately known as Fancy, excelled at the top, setting the standard with a time of 15.499. Ultimately, no one could match Gibson Stillwell’s speed, earning her first San Diego Rodeo title.
Bull Riding
Throughout the weekend, Jeremy Maisonneuve performed exceptionally well, but it was JR Straford who seized the opportunity in the finals, riding C5 Rodeo’s Shaboozie to an impressive score of 89.75.
