05/04/2026
Top PRCA contestants make the spring trip to Ellensburg for Bares and Broncs
On May 15th and May 16th, some of the top contestants in the PRCA will compete in the Ellensburg Rodeo arena during the 18th annual Advantage Dirt Bares and Broncs. The arena is in the middle of some remodel, so the look might be a little different, but the rodeo action will be familiar to the rodeo contestants who show up to Ellensburg multiple times per year.
Headlining the contestant roster is world all-around #1, Stetson Wright, and world all-around #2, Wacey Schalla. Both Stetson and Wacey are scheduled to compete on Friday, May 15th; Stetson in the saddle bronc riding and Wacey in the ba****ck riding. Joining Stetson will be his brothers, Statler and Ryder, both saddle bronc riding world champs, and his uncle, Spencer, also a world champion bronc rider.
On Saturday, May 16th, Zeke Thurston, a four time PRCA champion saddle bronc rider and six time Canadian Pro Rodeo Champion will compete. He made a beautiful ride at last year’s Bares and Broncs, but received a no score. He will aiming for the top spot, which not only receives a percentage of the almost $50,000 in prize money, will get trophy spurs, a custom leather belt buckle with photo engraving, a guided fly fishing trip, and a pair of mini-chaps to the high point marking.
Joining Zeke are fellow Canadian bronc riders, Dawson and Logan Hay, and also, Kole Ashbacher and Ben Anderson. Last year’s Saddle Bronc winner at Bares and Broncs was James Perrin, from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada. He won the College Rodeo Championship in 2025 after he took home the Bares and Broncs title last year. Rodeo has truly gone international. Damian Brennan is an Australian who is currently ranked #6 in the World Standings. Fellow Australians Darcy Radel and Jake Finlay are making the push for the National Finals Rodeo and are climbing the ranks of professional rodeo.
The competition in Ellensburg will be electric. Don’t miss your chance to watch the performances. May 15th and May 16th. Get more information and purchase tickets through the Advantage Dirt Bares and Broncs website: www.baresandbroncs.com.
