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Legends of the West 2026

Rodeo News

The Legends of the West rodeo is BACK for its fifth year of thrilling professional rodeo action in historic Wickenburg, Arizona! Join us April 3 & 4, 2026, for a jam-packed weekend of Western fun, all in the heart of the Team Roping Capital of the World. Experience crowd-favorite events like bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more. Bring the whole family and enjoy great food, Western vendors, and the unbeatable atmosphere of a true Arizona rodeo!

Celebrating Western Heritage in Wickenburg

The beginning of Legends of the West stemmed from the desire to add a western-inspired event to assist in extending Wickenburg’s tourism season. The deal was sealed by a handshake at a Las Vegas Convention Center table during the 2021 NFR, and four months later, the inaugural Legends of the West Pro Rodeo was held at the Wickenburg community’s beloved Everett Bowman Rodeo grounds.

That same commitment of faith, integrity, and trust keeps a group of committed volunteers and the 5-generation strong Honeycutt rodeo producing this now much anticipated annual event. Legends is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and associated with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA).

“We adhere to the strict guidelines set by the sanctioning body and we are proud to continue to bring the sport of professional rodeo to the Wickenburg community,” the committee shares.

Legends of the West banner
Legends of the West

Legends’ success is due in part to the tremendous support of not just the national rodeo sponsors, but to Wickenburg’s generous and supportive local businesses and the Town of Wickenburg. Without the generous support of sponsors, it would not be possible to bring this $120,000 event to the Wickenburg community.

Event Schedule

  • Wednesday, April 1, 2026
    • 12 PM | Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Open Breakaway
  • Thursday, April 2, 2026
    • 10 AM | Team Roping Benefit & Auction for Jim “Doc” Lytle, DVM, Veterinary Scholarship Fund
  • Friday, April 3, 2026
    • 9 AM | Legends of the West Slack Rodeo
    • 6 PM to 8 PM | Legends of the West Pro Rodeo: Performance 1
    • Military & First Responders Appreciation Night
  • Saturday, April 4, 2026
    • 11 AM to 2 PM | Wickenburg West Fest at Stone Park (164 E. Apache Street)
    • 3 PM to 5 PM | Legends of the West Pro Rodeo: Performance 2
    • Tough Enough to Wear Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Night

Honoring a Legend

Each year, the Legends of the West Rodeo nominates a Legend to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions to the Wickenburg community and PRCA ProRodeo. The 5th Annual Legends of the West ProRodeo Legend is Jim “Doc” Lytle, a respected Arizona veterinarian, rancher, and community leader.

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Jim Lytle (1949–2025). After earning his veterinary degree from Colorado State University, he built a long and dedicated career in Wickenburg, serving families, ranchers, and livestock across the state. He was deeply involved in community service supporting 4H youth, serving on the hospital board, volunteering as a firefighter, and mentoring young veterinarians.

Jim Lytle

In 1994, he and his wife, Chris, partnered with Ben and Claudia Billingslea in the Forepaugh Cattle Company. For the next 25 years after selling his Bar S Animal Practice in 2000, he could be found either at the ranch, with family, or providing veterinary services to Arizona Ranches.

Dr. Lytle recognized the growing shortage of large‑animal veterinarians in rural Arizona. To help address this need, he began building a scholarship fund to support new veterinarians who commit to serving rural ranch communities. The Dr. Jim Lytle Rural Area Veterinary Scholarship, administered through the Bill Owen Cowboy Artistry Memorial Scholarship Fund (BOCA), will help reduce student loan debt for veterinarians working with cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and other livestock in rural areas. The fund continues to grow, with plans to offer annual scholarships in alignment with Dr. Lytle’s vision.

For more information on the scholarship and benefit event, visit the Legends of the West Facebook page.

Last Updated on 03/09/2026 by Carly Billington

About the Author:

Biography:

Carly Billington is a freelance professional skilled in writing, marketing, and photography. She received a rodeo scholarship from New Mexico State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Marketing and MBA. As a proud sixth generation Arizonan, she has a deep appreciation for the western lifestyle, and has been able to work with some of the industry’s top companies and publications. In her free time, she loves roping, barrel racing, and fly fishing.

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