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Photo Courtesy of The Hondo Rodeo Fest
Rodeo

Who’s Who at the 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest!

Rodeo is more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle built on discipline, drive, and deep commitment. It demands late nights, early mornings, long drives, and endless practice. The road isn’t easy, but for those who walk it, the rewards go far beyond belt buckles and recognition. It’s the satisfaction of progress, the camaraderie found on the rodeo trail, and the joy and courage to do something truly meaningful. Built on tradition and constantly forging its own path, rodeo for many is a way of life and who better displays this commitment than today’s brightest rodeo stars at the one and only, Hondo Rodeo Fest!

Making its way back to Phoenix, Arizona this November 7th – 9th, the Hondo Rodeo Fest is unlike any rodeo event the valley has seen before. Boasting over 60,000 rodeo and country music fans in attendance and a remarkable $1.1 million combined prize pool in its inaugural year alone, the Hondo Rodeo Fest is gearing up for a record-breaking 2025 performance. 

Combining star power with horse power, the Hondo Rodeo Fest is a perfect amalgamation of live concert thrills with roaring rodeo entertainment. With some of the biggest names in the industry making their way to Phoenix this year, this event is not to be missed! While music stars take the stage, we want to shine a light on rodeo’s biggest stars attending the Hondo Rodeo Fest.

Breakaway rider at Hondo Rodeo Fest
Photo Courtesy of the Hondo Rodeo Fest

Reigning Champions Return for Year Two

A stand-out feature of the highly anticipated Hondo Rodeo Fest is its exclusive, invitation-only format, guaranteeing the absolute best rodeo action possible. With the best of the best gearing up to kick up some dirt, let’s dive in and see who is returning to defend their Hondo Rodeo Championship titles.

Bronc rider behind bucking chute at Hondo Rodeo Fest
Photo Courtesy of the Hondo Rodeo Fest

Reigning champions Martha Angelone, Zeke Thurston, Ryder Wright, Shane Hanchey, John Crimber, and Lisa Lockhart will return to defend their titles. But in true rodeo fashion, anything can happen! Only time will tell who will ride away with the grand prize.

Jacob Lees | Bareback

Returning to Chase Field to defend his championship title is PRCA Bareback Rider Jacob Lees. No stranger to the rodeo trail, Lees is a 2x National Finals Rodeo Qualifier and the 2024 INFR World Champion. Hailing from Caldwell, Idaho this cowboy is heading south to sunny Phoenix, Arizona to defend his 2024 Hondo Rodeo Fest win. 

Dakota Eldridge | Steer Wrestling

Riding in from Elko, Nevada is 11 time NFR qualifier and 2 time NFR average winner Dakota Eldridge. Returning to the Hondo Rodeo Fest in November to defend his championship title, Eldridge is ready to take the steer by the horns for a hopeful victory in 2025!

Ryder Wright & Zeke Thurston | Saddle Bronc

3x PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Ryder Wright and 4x PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronch Rider Zeke Thurston are both making their way back to the desert this November to face off in a true test of skill and luck in the saddle bronc event. With both athletes excelling in their sport, only time will tell who will come out on top.

Martha Angelone | Breakaway 

WPRA World Champion, up and coming breakaway star Martha Angelone is rearing to get back to Phoenix to defend her 2024 Hondo Rodeo Fest win. 

Shane Hanchey | Tie Down

2013 World Champion Shane Hanchey is back in 2025 for the official Hondo Rodeo Fest! When he’s not hosting the Shane Hanchey Invitational or competing, this Louisiana cowboy can be found at his official restaurant, Bo’s Boil N’ Geaux! Let’s see what the 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest has in store for Hanchey! 

Lisa Lockhart | Barrel Racing

4x Canadian Finals Rodeo Champion and 3x NFR Average winner, Lisa Lockhart is a household name in the barrel racing world! This year she is returning to the Hondo Rodeo Fest to defend her 2024 barrel racing win.

John Crimber | Bull Riding

Currently ranking number 3 in the PBR standings, Crimber is back and better than ever this 2025 to defend his Hondo Rodeo Fest win.

Get Your Tickets Today!

November will be here faster than an 8-second bull ride, so don’t wait, secure your Hondo Rodeo Fest tickets today! Each single-day ticket grants entry to that evening’s rodeo performance and concert, bringing you the best of both worlds. Want to elevate your experience at the 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest? Add a FLOOR PASS to your ticket and get exclusive access to the arena floor, where you can catch your favorite artists up close and fully immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere.

Thank You Sponsors!

Keep Cool at the The Hondo with Coors Banquet & Coors Light!

Coors Banquet has been around for more than 150 years. They haven’t compromised their craft. You get what you give, and they’ve only given the best that they can brew. Banquet is brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water, so when you’re enjoying a Banquet, you’re drinking history. Coors Banquet has been an amazing and loyal sponsor of professional rodeo since 1980. Their support runs deep for the inspiration and passion of rodeo cowboys. Coors Banquet has been the official beer of the PRCA since 1987 and is the sponsor for the Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo. Coors Banquet launched its “Man in the Can” program in 1984. The program recognizes top barrelmen in ProRodeo for the uniqueness, determination, and passion that they display in the rodeo arenas all throughout the United States. Coors Banquet is dedicated to its fans with a grass-roots sponsorship of local rodeos as well as ingenious marketing. Next time you’re thirsty for a cold one, Make It a Banquet.

Coors Light is more than just a beer, it’s a crisp, cold icon. Brewed with pure Rocky Mountain water and high-country Moravian barley, it’s known for its clean, refreshing taste and easy-drinking style. With its signature “Silver Bullet” can that turns blue when perfectly chilled, Coors Light has become a go-to for those who want a light lager that’s all about chill vibes and smooth sips. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ, a ballgame, or just winding down, Coors Light is brewed to refresh, every time.

Crescent Crown Distributing

Crescent Crown Distributing isn’t just moving beverages, they’re powering good times across Arizona and Louisiana. As one of the largest distributors in the country, they deliver a dynamic lineup of top-tier brands, from household names like Coors Light and Corona to craft favorites and fan-fueled energy drinks. But it’s more than just logistics, it’s about keeping shelves stocked, taps flowing, and customers smiling. With cutting-edge warehouses, dedicated teams, and a passion for what they do, Crescent Crown brings the party to wherever it’s needed, one case at a time.

Visit Cheyenne

Cheyenne is more than just its Wild West reputation, it’s a city brimming with charm, culture, and adventure. A thriving culinary scene keeps friends and families well-fed as they explore shop-lined streets, while art and history bring the city to life through museums and stunning botanical gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike can enjoy countless recreational opportunities, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wyoming’s landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to refined experiences or the rugged beauty of the great outdoors, Cheyenne offers something for everyone. Start planning your next visit today!

Visit Cheyenne

Last Updated on 07/24/2025 by Taryn Cantrell

About the Author:

Biography:

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native with a lifelong connection to the rodeo arena. From her roots in barrel racing to her role as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and her involvement with the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn celebrates her western heritage with enthusiasm and authenticity. Taryn holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University, allowing her to merge her passion for music with her love of cowboy culture. As a singer and bassist, Taryn performs with bands across Phoenix and beyond including Great American Regret, Honey Marie Knight, and Sareena Dominguez. Taryn is passionate about blending her diverse interests to offer an authentic and engaging perspective on journalism. Her goal is to connect readers to the events, concerts, and celebrations that matter most, bringing them closer to the experiences she treasures. Whether you’re attending your very first rodeo or adding another to your collection of memories, Taryn is here to guide you every step of the way!

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