Busby Family Dominating Elizabeth Stampede

The Elizabeth Stampede, June 8-9, takes place just south of Colo.'s capital city. With almost $85,000 in added money, the Stampede attracts full-time rodeo athletes and circuit cowboys and cowgirls.

Busby Quarter Horses extends their talent to both the men's and women's areas of the arena on the rodeo trail. Elizabeth was no exception. Garrett Busby clenched the all-around title, and Andrea Busby tied for third place in the barrel racing.

Bareback rider Cooper Cooke barely missed the NFR in 2023. He won the Wilderness Circuit Finals to start the 2024 season on the right foot. He currently sits third in the world standings. Cooke starts the summer strong with a win in Elizabeth, Colo. and Eagle, Idaho.

The circuit cowboys came out on top in the steer wrestling and team roping. Payden McIntyre from Douglas, Wyo. won the steer wrestling, and Cody Lane (Torrington, Wyo.) and Dusty Taylor (Craig, Colo.) won the team roping.

Cole Elshere is ranked at number 12 in the world standings of the saddle bronc riding currently. Elshere left the Casey Tibbs Match of Champions Xtreme Broncs with both a second place finish in the first round and the finals. This momentum helped him come out on top at the Elizabeth Stampede.

Riley Pruitt's work in the tie-down roping is not only for charity. Pruitt put nearly a two-second gap between him and second place. He continues to inch closer to the million-dollar mark in PRCA career earnings.

Last year's inclement weather caused the committee to cancel the barrel racing. Fortunately, the rain held off for 2024. Taylor Latham on Pure Vanilla and Sports Illustrated writer