The 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days kicked off July 17 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, boasting a new format and increased payout.
Announced in the early months of 2026, the 130th edition of Cheyenne Frontier Days now features an expanded rodeo schedule with an updated format with increased payout. For the first time in the rodeo’s history, there will be 10 consecutive days of professional rodeo with the addition of the first Friday rodeo, from July 17 – 26. The additional performance allows for more rodeo action while enhancing the overall experience for fans, contestants and volunteers.
Cheyenne Frontier Days will increase rodeo prize money from $770,000 to $960,000 reflecting a continued investment in maintaining its elite status as one of the richest payouts in professional rodeo. CFD is also introducing revisions to the tournament style format designed to support the rodeo’s long-term sustainability. The updated rodeo format eliminated qualifying slack rounds for timed-events the week before the official start of Cheyenne Frontier Days. Instead, CFD worked with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to select qualifying rodeos across the country for contestants to be among the elite that compete at the Daddy of ‘em All.
In the timed-events of tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing, contestants qualified through a combination of selected qualifying rodeos, world standings and circuit qualifications. Advancement to the semifinals will be determined by performance during the first six preliminary rounds, with top competitors moving on to one of three semifinal rounds. From there, finalists will advance to championship competition, where champions will ultimately be crowned during the finals on July 26, ensuring a competitive field and strong nationwide representation inside the Frontier Park arena.
2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days Barrel Racing Results
Performance One (July 17): 1, Anita Ellis, Blackfoot, Idaho, 17.87 seconds, $2,462. 2, Kim Squires, Carnegie, Okla., 18.20, $1,981. 3, Taryn Boxleitner, Loveland, Colo., 18.28, $1,321. 4, Laura Lambert, Wiggins, Colo., 18.40, $660. 5, Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash., 18.61. 6, Kylie Kanngieser, Attica, Kan., 18.77.
Performance Two (July 18): 1, Tayla Moeykens, Three Forks, Mont., 17.55 seconds, $2,462. 2, Morgan Addison, Wolfforth, Texas, 17.82, $1,981. 3, Kailey Mitton, Mt. Sterling, Utah, $1,321. 4, Tristan Parrish, Yakima, Wash., 17.95, $660. 5, Ronda Casey, Plymouth, Ind., 18.10. 6, Kaycee Killingsworth, Thrall, Texas, 18.11.
Performance Three (July 19): 1, Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla., 17.37 seconds, $2,462. 2, Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 17.38, $1,981. 3, Carlee Otero, Lipan, Texas, 17.43, $1,321. 4, (tie) Katelyn Scott, Odessa, Texas, and Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas, 17.69, $330 each. 6, Katie Halbert, Port Lavaca, Texas, 17.81.
Performance Four (July 20): In consideration of animal and human athletes, rodeo officials postponed the barrel race to Tuesday morning.
