Pete Carr Pro Rodeo has featured great athletes for nearly two decades. The Texas-based firm – which produces the annual Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo – has had dozens of animals selected to the National Finals Rodeo, including horses like Dirty Jacket, a two-time PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year. Dirty Jacket was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2023. (Photo by Robby Freeman)
Big Spring rodeo boosts payout
The Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo is increasing its payout for the 2026 season, adding more than $33,000 to the prize purse to attract top-tier professional talent.
The investment brings the total local contribution to $78,400, with $8,000 added to eight different disciplines and a $14,400 boost specifically for bull riding. C
The financial boost is paired with a strategic calendar shift to June 4 through June 6 at the Surge Energy Rodeo Bowl. By moving the event to the first weekend in June, organizers aim to provide a more comfortable environment for fans and a more logical travel route for contestants working the West Texas circuit.
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Professional bareback rider Jacob Lees noted that because rodeo is a primary source of income for many athletes, the combination of higher payouts and better scheduling makes Big Spring a priority stop for those looking to cover expenses and provide for their families.
“We want to do everything we can to make the experience better for the fans, the sponsors and the contestants,” said Cash Berry, the committee’s chairman. “Without the fans and the sponsors, we don’t have a competition for the cowboys. Without the cowboys, we don’t have a rodeo to put on for the fans. Everything has to come together to make it work.”
