The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Foundation is raising the stakes for its inaugural Big Guns in Cowtown with the addition of the Kimes Ranch After Party featuring Josh Weathers LIVE, creating an unforgettable evening that celebrates the Western lifestyle while supporting the future of the sport.
Held during the 2026 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, Big Guns in Cowtown will bring together some of rodeo's biggest names and the industry's top reined cow horse professionals for a one-of-a-kind charity competition. Once the final run is complete, the excitement will continue as the Kimes Ranch After Party kicks off, where Texas country artist Josh Weathers will headline an exclusive live concert.
“Big Guns in Cowtown was created to bring together the people who love the Western way of life while making a lasting impact on the future of our industry,” said Chelsea Edsall, Chair of the NRCHA Foundation. “Adding the Kimes Ranch After Party featuring Josh Weathers makes this an even more memorable evening for our supporters. Every ticket purchased and every person who joins us helps the Foundation continue investing in youth programs, educational opportunities, and initiatives that preserve and grow the sport of reined cow horse for generations to come.”
The Foundation is excited to announce many of the rodeo athletes who have already committed to participate in this year's event. Featuring World Champions, National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, elite rodeo athletes, and many of the winningest NRCHA Professionals in the sport, Big Guns in Cowtown brings together an unprecedented collection of Western sports talent for one unforgettable night.
Each “Big Gun” or rodeo athlete will be paired with an NRCHA Professional as their coach when they go into the arena to experience one of the most thrilling and challenging aspects of reined cow horse competition, competing down the fence. Fans will have the opportunity to watch elite rodeo competitors step outside their comfort zone while learning from the very best in the sport.
The confirmed athletes who will be joining the event in October are:
- Joseph Harrison
- Paden Bray
- Hali Williams
- Wyatt Casper
- Clayton Sellars
- Clayton Hass
- Shad Mayfield
- Tuf Cooper
- Jackie Crawford
- Hailey Kinsel
- Fallon Taylor
- Sarah Angelone
- J.R. Vezain
- Tilden Hooper
- Jacob Lees
- Sage Newman
- Ben Andersen
- Haven Meged
- Shelby Meged
- Clayton Hass
- JD Struxness
When the action in the arena ends, the celebration continues with the Kimes Ranch After Party featuring Josh Weathers LIVE, giving attendees the opportunity to celebrate alongside competitors, coaches, sponsors, and fellow Western enthusiasts. Admission to the after party is included with the purchase of a Big Guns in Cowtown ticket, making it a can’t-miss experience during NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® week.
“At Kimes Ranch, we’re proud to celebrate the Western lifestyle in all its forms, and there’s nothing quite like bringing together the worlds of cow horse, rodeo, and live music in one unforgettable event,” said Amanda Kimes, co-founder of Kimes Ranch. “The Kimes Ranch After Party with Josh Weathers is about honoring our Western heritage, bringing our community together, and creating memories that extend well beyond the arena. Supporting the NRCHA Foundation is especially meaningful because it helps preserve the traditions, opportunities, and educational programs that ensure the future of the cow horse industry for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating with everyone.”
Proceeds from Big Guns in Cowtown directly benefit the NRCHA Foundation, whose mission is to support the reined cow horse community and honor the legacy of reined cow horse sport through the enactment of charitable and educational programs.
With additional Big Guns, NRCHA Professionals, and event details still to be announced, Big Guns in Cowtown is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated nights of the 2026 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early and experience an evening that combines world-class competition, live music, and the Western lifestyle, all while supporting the future of reined cow horse.
Tickets for Big Guns in Cowtown are available now at nrcha.com/big-guns.
