The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is set to kick off on January 15 in Denver, Colo. This is easily the biggest rodeo that 2026 season has to offer thus far and while the top 28 in the world already had a guaranteed spot in the rodeo, as well as 12 others from predetermined qualifications, there were 40 who could battle their way in through the qualifier.
The Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, just south of Denver, hosted a tough two-go round competition, allowing all card and permit holders the opportunity to compete at the National Western.
The top 10 in each round would all advance on, and the final 20 would be taken out of the average. This was a tough showcase, but it was NFR qualifier Kathy Grimes who stole the show as she not only won the second round and the average but also placed second in the first round bringing home nearly $6,000…