Idaho’s Wildest Rodeo celebrates 80th anniversary with high scores.
Hughston, Small, Smith and Phelps Lead High-Scoring Performances at Mackay PRCA Rodeo
MACKAY, Idaho (June 27, 2026) — Fans at the Mackay PRCA Rodeo were treated to several standout rides as competitors posted scores of 80 points or higher during the June 26-27 Big Bucks ProRodeo. This year celebrated the 80th anniversary of Idaho’s Wildest Rodeo.
In bareback riding, Blayn Hughston dominated the field with an impressive 87-point ride aboard Big Bucks ProRodeo’s Kahlula. The winning performance earned Hughston $1,824 during the Saturday matinee. Hughston is from McBain, Michigan.
The saddle bronc riding featured three rides of 80 points or better. Bailey Small from McArthur, California captured the championship with 83 points on Big Bucks Rodeo’s Dakota Diamond, collecting $2,019. Miles City, Montana resident Lonnie Dunn followed with 82.5 points for $1,548, while Riggin Smith from Holbrook, Idaho finished third at 80.5 points and earned $1,144.
In bull riding, Wyatt Phelps from Pinedale, Wyoming was the only rider to make the whistle. His 80.5-point ride aboard Big Bucks Rodeo’s Scare Crow was worth $7,392, including ground money, and secured the event title.
Event Winners
- All-Around Cowboy: Ruger Smith, $607 (tie-down roping and steer wrestling) is from Holbrook, Idaho.
- Bareback Riding: Blayn Hughston, 87 points, $1,824
- Steer Wrestling: Hazen Smith, 5.0 seconds, $927. He is from Malad City.
- Team Roping: Colter Buttars/Jayden Goodey, 5.2 seconds, $1,336 each. Buttars is from Lewiston, Utah and Goodey from Bear River City, Utah.
- Saddle Bronc Riding: Bailey Small, 83 points, $2,019
- Tie-Down Roping: Justin Brinkerhoff, 10.7 seconds, $1,131 from Corinee, Utah.
- Barrel Racing: Harley Shurtliff, 18.47 seconds, $653. She is from Downey, Idaho.
- Bull Riding: Wyatt Phelps, 80.5 points, $7,392
The Mackay PRCA Rodeo showcased strong rough stock performances and competitive timed-event action, highlighted by Hughston’s 87-point bareback ride and Phelps’ winning bull ride as the only qualified ride of the event.
Utah based stock contractor Big Bucks ProRodeo is producing the event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Top‑tier entertainment makes for a weekend packed with adrenaline, tradition, and family fun. The ProRodeo contract personnel promise to thrill audiences of all ages:
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Photos courtesy of Joy Crouch and media credit given to PRCA/Joy Crouch.
About Big Bucks ProRodeo: It began in 2024 but its history goes back to 1940. Big Bucks carries two legendary bucking horse bloodlines, bred to buck from two different families in two different rodeo circuits. Cody Flitton partnered with Jody Burnside, to purchase the Mosbrucker Rodeo Company. The Burnside family, with four generations of PRCA competitors, have competed in bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and calf roping.
Flitton’s great grandfather, D.A. Swanny Kerby wrangled wild horses from the slick rocks of Moab, Utah. Swanny had a dream of putting on wild west shows. He became part of the PRCA in 1940 with his bred to buck horses and bulls. The Kerby’s livestock selection dates back to the first National Finals Rodeo in 1959. Flitton was born and raised into the Kerby rodeo company.