Battle Born Broncs Brings Big Rides Back to Fallon

The 5th annual Battle Born Broncs returned to Fallon on April 18, bringing three days of nonstop PRCA‑sanctioned bronc riding to the Rafter 3C Arena alongside the Fallon Junior and High School Rodeos.

Legendary horses, top cowboys, and future rodeo stars took center stage as the event celebrated Western heritage during the 250th year of America’s birth. The City of Fallon and Battle Born Handmade Boots owner Darcie Spero welcomed athletes and fans for four days of action, described as the ultimate rodeo experience. Former Fallon native Laura Gonzales, now living in Idaho, opened the Xtreme Broncs night with the national anthem.

The elite PRCA event drew the world’s top bareback and saddle bronc riders to compete for $50,000 in prize money. Winners also received two bronze trophies and additional awards valued at $10,000. All earnings counted toward the PRCA World Standings, making the event a major stop on the road to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.

In saddle bronc riding:

1. Rusty Wright, 90.5 points on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Cypress Toddy, $8,037;
2. (tie) Ben Andersen, Dawson Hay, Sage Newman, and Stetson Dell Wright, 88.5, $3,885 each;
3. Leon Fountain, 87.5, $1,340;
4. (tie) Tanner Butner and Spencer Wright, 86.5, $938 each.

In bareback riding:

1. Myles Carlson, 87 points on Burch Rodeo’s Lyin Hostage, $8,009;
2. Tanner Aus, 86.5, $6,140;
3. Clayton Biglow, 86, $4,538;
4. Bradlee Miller, 84.5, $2,937;
5. (tie) Bronc Marriott and Donny Proffit, 83.5, $1,602 each;
6. (tie) Sage Allen, Sam Petersen, and Mason Stuller, 83, $623 each. Total payout: $53,486. 

The rides electrified the crowd and raised the bar inside the arena.

Stock contractors were Burch Rodeo, Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics, and Corey & Lange Rodeo. Rodeo Secretary: Eva Chadwick. Officials: Brad McGilchrist, Bobby Davis, and Monty Van Komen. Timer: Eva Chadwick. Announcers: Scott Grover and Steve Kenyon. Specialty act: Clinton Selvester. Flankmen: Matt Burch, Gene King, and Wade Sankey. Chute boss: Ike Sankey. Pickup men: Jerad McFarlane, Jared Gill, and Jeremy Clark. Music director: Katherine Selvester. Photographer: Hailey Rae.

The event also continued its commitment to the future of rodeo by hosting the Battle Born Jr. Rough Stock Challenge and the PRCA Youth Camp on April 16–17. Young athletes trained and competed in the same arena they hope to return to as Battle Born Broncs contestants. World Champion Bull Rider and Hall of Fame member Cody Custer returned as an instructor, joined by Rusty Wright, Mitch Pollock, Leon Fountain, Wyatt Denny, Colten Fritzlan, and Hank Whitaker.

The Battle Born Junior Rough Stock Challenge brought the “toughest kids on dirt” to compete for their spot at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding.

Great Basin Orthopedics supported the athletes with sports medicine care, arriving two hours before each performance to help riders stretch and minimize injuries.

“Battle Born Broncs was built to showcase the very best of Western sport and Western lifestyle in one place,” Spero said. “From world-class athletes and horses to the next generation coming up through our youth events, this weekend represents everything we believe in — heritage, grit, and creating an elevated experience people can’t find anywhere else.”

Beyond the arena, Battle Born Broncs offered a curated Western experience blending sport, style, and community. Exclusive merchandise and artisan craftsmanship filled the Western Market, drawing rodeo fans and lifestyle enthusiasts. Mayor Ken Tedford, the City of Fallon, sponsors, and fans congratulated the athletes on their wins.