By Ted Harbin

Photo Courtesy of Nicole Stevens

The bottom line for rodeo contestants always comes down to the bottom line.

The dollars must make sense, which is why the newest edition of The Hondo Rodeo was perfect. With a payout of more than $1 million through the three-day rodeo, Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was a fitting host to the sport’s elite.

It’s an entity all its own. While still glittered with ProRodeo gold buckles, none of the cash collected in the Crescent City will count toward the world standings. Nonetheless, the checks will still be deposited and put to good use.

Oh, and they’re big checks, too. Of the nine champions crowned, four earned more than $40,000. Makenzie Mayes of Scroggins, Texas, almost swept barrel racing. She won the first two rounds and was the runner-up in the third. She earned $51,500 in the rounds and aggregate, then pocketed the $50,000 bonus.

Mayes is 22nd in the WPRA world standings. Her New Orleans windfall won’t go toward a first qualification to the National Finals Rodeo, but it can come in handy as she races through the next five months of the regular season. She’ll be able to afford some benefits that can be a spark when she needs it most.

The other winners inside the home of the New Orleans Saints and the annual Sugar Bowl had some big moments. Reigning bulldogging world champion Tucker Allen placed in all three rounds and earned $41,000; Bradlee Miller followed suit to win bareback riding’s crown and $43,000; and saddle bronc rider Sage Newman capitalized on wins in Rounds 2 and 3 to win the average and $44,000.

Other winners were team ropers Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp, who placed in all three rounds and earned $38,500 apiece; reigning three-time tie-down roping champ Riley Webb, who pocketed $37,250; breakaway roper Cheyanne McCartney, who placed in every round and earned $37,500; and bull rider Luke Mackey, who collected $36,000 by winning the opening round and placing on the last day.

The Hondo began in November 2024 at Chase Field in Phoenix and continued again last fall. From that inaugural stretch a year and a half ago, it’s been a hit. Tens of thousands of fans have flocked to major league arenas to enjoy the festivities, which are extensive. The production of such an event is a massive undertaking, and a partnership handles all that, from the daylong festival to the evening rodeos to the concerts to close out each night.

The biggest rewards, though, go to the cowboys and cowgirls, which is good for rodeo.