Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and Piper Rewrite the Calgary Stampede Record Book
At one of rodeo’s largest stages, Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and Piper delivered a run that captured attention and re-wrote the history book of Canada’s most iconic rodeo. But it was Hailey Kinsel and her iconic mare Sister who left with the title - proving that in Calgary, the fastest run doesn’t always tell the whole story, but it does write a good one.
Hayle Gibson-Stillwell delivered one of the defining performances of the 2026 Calgary Stampede on Sunday.
Gibson-Stillwell and her mare, Buncha Dinero (aka Piper) completed the barrel pattern in 16.56 seconds during te July 12 semifinals, producing the fastest run of the week and one of the quickest times ever seen in Calgary.
The run did more than move Gibson-Stillwell forward in the competition.
It quickened a standard that had already been challenged earlier in the week, illustrating the extraordinary level of horsepower and precision on desplay at this year’s Stampede. At this level, records are not falling becuase riders are taking reckless chances. They are falling because small improvements in a horse’s stride, footing, positioning, and responsiveness can separate an excellent run from a historic one.
However, despite posting the fast time, Gibson-Stillwell did not officially leave Calgary with the 2026 Calgary Stampede Barrel Racing Champion title.
That distinction still belongs to Hailey Kinsel, who ultimately secured the Stampede title. Calgary’s format, built around qualifying rounds, seminfinals, and a winner-takes-all final, means that times from earlier rounds don’t always carry the same weight as performances in the championship round. Kinsel’s consistency across te entire structure, combined with a clutch performance wen it mattered most, allowed her to claim the title even without the single fastest run of the week.
It is a reminder that Calgary is not simply about speed.
It is about timing, consistency, and delivering under the highest pressure moment of the rodeo.
The Stampede places competitors in front of a large international audience, significant prize money and one of the most recognizable crowds in western sports. Horses must manage the noise, travel ground conditions and repeated high-pressure runs while remaining physically and mentally sharp.
That makes Piper’s performance particularly significant, even without the official championship title record atached.
Successful barrel racing is often discussed as though the rider simply chooses the fastest horse. In reality, elite runs depend on a partnership built through conditioning, veterinary and farrier care, hauling strategy, confidence and thousands of decisions made before the horse enters the arena.
A 16.56 second result represents years of preparation compressed into less than 17 seconds on an international stage.
Adding another layer to the story, Piper and Kinsel’s legendary mare, Sister, share bloodlines. The connection highlights how breeding proframs continue to shape the upper tier of barrel racing, where elite genetics, careful development and experienced riders combine to produce horses capable of competing at the highest level.
That conversation around bloodlines naturall leads to some of the most respected names in the industry: Sherry Cervi & Mel Potter. Their breeding program has beome synonymous with producing elite barrel horses that consistently perform at the highest levels of the sport. Cervi, a multi-time world chhampion, and Potter have built their program on a deep understanding of what it takes to win - not just in terms of speed, but in durability, mindset, and consistency under pressure.
Thier horses are not accidental standouts. They are the result of intentional crosses, careful selection and years of experience competing at the very top. When you see horses like Piper and Sister sharing lineage and rising to the biggest stages, it reinforces what programs like Cervi and Potter’s have proven for years: great horses are built long before they ever enter the arena.
The performance also creates a strong promotioanl opportunity for women’s rodeo.
Barrel racing consistently produces some of rodeo’s most recognizable athletes and most shareable moments. A visibly fast run, whetehr or not it becomes the official arena record or championship title earner, gives broadcasters, events, and sponsors content that can travel well beyond established rodeo audiences.
The Calgary Stampede is formatted to reward complete performances and championship formats for major rodeos shape outcomes and how the next generation of elite horses, often connected by bloodlines, contine to push the limits of what is possible.
At one of rodeo’s largest stages, Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and Piper delivered a run that captured attention and re-wrote the history book of Canada’s most iconic rodeo. But it was Hailey Kinsel and her iconic mare Sister who left with the title - proving that in Calgary, the fastest run doesn’t always tell the whole story, but it does write a good one.
What Rodeo Job Titles Actually Mean ... And How Many Exist Across the Industry
How many COOs and General Managers actually exist in rodeo? Not many. Most rodeos are still volunteer-run, but the biggest events are starting to look more like full-scale businesses. Here’s a breakdown of what these titles mean and how common they really are across the country.
The Houston LIvestock Show & Rodeo creating a Chief Operating Officer/ General Manager role is a big signal, but it also raises a bigger question: What do these titles actually mean in rodeo, and how common are they across the country?
How Rodeo Leadership Is Structured
Unlike traditional corporations, professional rodeo is not one unified company. It is a mix of:
Nonprofit rodeo committees
Fair & livestock show organizations
City or county-run events
Private stock contractor businesses
Sanctioning bodies like the PRCA
Because of that, job titles vary widely depending on the size and structure of the rodeo leadership roles tyupically break down.
Executive director/ceo
This is the most common top leadership role in rodeo.
Oversees the entire organization
Reports to a board of directors
Responsible for long-term strategy, finances, and mission
Common in nonprofit rodeos and livestock shows
Examples: Houston Rodeo (CEO), San Antonio Rodeo (CEO), Fort Worth Stock Show (President/GM Hybrid)
Estimated across the U.S.: Roughly 150-250 rodeos and livestock shows have a full-time Executive Director or CEO-type role.
General Manager (GM)
This role focuses more on operations and execution.
Runs day-to-day event logistics
Oversees staff, vendors, and production
Often reports to the CEO or board
Common in mid-size to large rodeos
In some organizations, the GM is the top leader. In others, they are second-in-command.
Estimated across the U.S.: Approximately 75-100 rodeos have a formal General Manager role.
chief operating officer (CO)
This is still relatively rare in rodeo.
Oversees operations across multiple departments
Aligns logistics, production, and execution
Usually exists only in very large, complex organizations
Often paired with a CEO or President
Houston creating a COO role is notable because it reflects a more corporate-style structure.
Estimated across the U.S.: Likely fewer than 10-20 rodeos have a true COO position.
Combined coo / general manager roles
Some large rodeos combine these responsibilities into one position, like Houston just did.
Oversees both the strategy execution and daily operations
Acts as the bridge between leadership vision and event delivery
Requires experience in sponsorship, ticketing, operations, and production
Estimated across the U.S.: Probably fewer than 10 organizations operate with this combined structure.
Why Most Rodeos Do Not Have These Roles
Tha majority of rodeos in the U.S. are smaller, volunteer-driven events.
Many rely on committees instead of full-time executives
Leadership is often part-time or seasonal
Budgets do not support multiple C-level positions
Out of the 600+ PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and hundreds more independent events:
Only a small percentage operate like full-scale businesses
Even fewer have corporate-style leadership structures
What’s Houston’s Recent Move Really Signals
Houston is not the norm - it’s top tier.
Events like Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Denver, and Calgary operate more like major entertainment companies than traditional rodeos. They manage:
Multi-week events
Millions of attendees
Large sponsorship portfolios
Concert series
Year-round programming
At that scale, having a COO or GM is not optional - it is necessary.
The Big Picture
Across the entire professional rodeo lanscape in the United States:
Executive Director / CEO Roles: ~ 150-250
General Manager roles: ~ 75-150
COO roles: ~10-20
Combined COO/GM roles: fewer than 10
That means true corporate-style leadership exists in only a small fraction of rodeo organizations.
The Significance of These Numbers
Rodeo is evolving.
The biggest events are becoming complex business operations that require leadership with experience in:
Spnosorship and partnerships
Ticketing and revenue strategy
Event production
Guest experience
Operations management
Houston’s new role is not just about one hire, though. It signifies that the top end of rodeo is moving toward a more structured, professional business model, while the majority of rodeos still operate on tradition, volunteers, and community leadership.
Both models matter.
But understanding the difference is key to understanding where the industry is headed.
10 Rodeos For Your Summer 2023 Bucket List
These rodeos offer a great summer experience and a chance to see some of the top cowboys and cowgirls compete. Many of these events also offer additional activities such as concerts, parades, and other festivities that add to the overall experience. Again, it's always a good idea to research the event before attending to ensure that it meets your preferences and interests.
These rodeos offer a great summer experience and a chance to see some of the top cowboys and cowgirls compete. Many of these events also offer additional activities such as concerts, parades, and other festivities that add to the overall experience. Again, it's always a good idea to research the event before attending to ensure that it meets your preferences and interests.
Pendleton Round Up
pendleton, oregon
The Pendleton Round-Up is an annual rodeo event held in Pendleton, Oregon, USA. The event takes place over four days in mid-September and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, among others.
Founded in 1910, the Pendleton Round-Up is one of the oldest rodeos in the United States and has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the Pendleton Round-Up also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, and food and drink vendors.
Pendleton, Oregon is located in the heart of the Columbia River Plateau and is known for its western heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Pendleton Round-Up is a major cultural and tourism attraction in Pendleton and is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo is an annual rodeo event held in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is one of the largest and most well-known rodeos in the world, attracting top rodeo athletes and thousands of visitors each year. The event typically takes place over ten days in July and features a variety of rodeo events, including bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing.
In addition to the rodeo events, the Cheyenne Frontier Days also offers a wide range of other activities and entertainment, including concerts, carnival rides, parades, western-themed exhibitions, and food and drink vendors. The event has a rich history dating back to 1897, and it has become a beloved tradition for many rodeo fans and Western enthusiasts.
Calgary Stampede
Calgary, Alberta, canada
The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event takes place for ten days in July and features a wide range of activities and attractions, including professional rodeo competitions, live music and entertainment, carnival rides and games, agricultural exhibitions, and a variety of food and drink vendors.
The Stampede is considered one of the largest rodeos in the world, attracting top rodeo athletes from around the globe who compete for a share of a significant prize money purse. The rodeo events include bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing, among others.
Beyond the rodeo events, the Calgary Stampede is also known for its unique western-style experiences, including the daily parade of floats, marching bands, and various performers dressed in cowboy attire. The event is a significant cultural and tourism attraction in Calgary and has become a beloved tradition for many Canadians and visitors from around the world.
Sisters Rodeo
Sisters, oregon
The Sisters Rodeo is an annual rodeo event held in Sisters, Oregon, USA. The event takes place over four days in June and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, barrel racing, steer roping, and team roping, among others.
Founded in 1940, the Sisters Rodeo has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the Sisters Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, a kids rodeo, and food and drink vendors.
The Sisters Rodeo prides itself on being a family-friendly event that celebrates the unique heritage and culture of the American West. It is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Greeley Stampede
Greeley, Colorado
Greeley, Colorado is a city located in Weld County in northern Colorado, USA. It is known for its rich agricultural history, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.
One of Greeley's biggest events is the annual Greeley Stampede, a ten-day festival that takes place in late June and early July. The Greeley Stampede features a range of activities and entertainment, including professional rodeo competitions, live music, carnival rides and games, food and drink vendors, and western-themed exhibitions.
In addition to the Greeley Stampede, the city of Greeley offers a range of other attractions and amenities, including several parks and nature areas, a thriving downtown district, and a variety of museums and cultural institutions. Greeley is also home to the University of Northern Colorado, a public research university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Cody Stampede Rodeo
Cody, Wyoming
The Cody Stampede is an annual rodeo event held in Cody, Wyoming, USA. The event takes place over four days in early July and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, among others.
Founded in 1919, the Cody Stampede has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the Cody Stampede also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, and food and drink vendors.
Cody, Wyoming is known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," and the Cody Stampede is one of the city's biggest events. It is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. In addition to the rodeo, Cody offers a range of other attractions and amenities, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum, the Yellowstone Regional Airport, and access to nearby outdoor recreation areas such as Yellowstone National Park and the Shoshone National Forest.
Snake River Stampede
Nampa, Idaho
The Snake River Stampede is an annual rodeo event held in Nampa, Idaho, USA. The event takes place over five days in mid-July and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, among others.
Founded in 1913, the Snake River Stampede is one of the oldest rodeos in the United States and has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the Snake River Stampede also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, and food and drink vendors.
Nampa, Idaho is located in the heart of the Treasure Valley and is known for its rich agricultural history and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Snake River Stampede is a major cultural and tourism attraction in Nampa and is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
California Rodeo Salinas
Salinas, california
The California Rodeo Salinas is an annual rodeo event held in Salinas, California, USA. The event takes place over four days in mid-July and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and barrel racing, among others.
Founded in 1911, the California Rodeo Salinas is one of the largest rodeos in California and has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the California Rodeo Salinas also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, and food and drink vendors.
Salinas, California is located in the heart of the fertile Salinas Valley and is known for its agricultural heritage and scenic beauty. The California Rodeo Salinas is a major cultural and tourism attraction in Salinas and is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Sheridan WYO Rodeo
Sheridan, wyoming
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is an annual rodeo event held in Sheridan, Wyoming, USA. The event takes place over four days in mid-July and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, among others.
Founded in 1931, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos in Wyoming and has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, and food and drink vendors.
Sheridan, Wyoming is located in the heart of the scenic Bighorn Mountains and is known for its western heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is a major cultural and tourism attraction in Sheridan and is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Ellensburg Rodeo
Ellensburg, washington
The Ellensburg Rodeo is an annual rodeo event held in Ellensburg, Washington, USA. The event takes place over four days in early September and features a range of professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, among others.
Founded in 1923, the Ellensburg Rodeo is one of the oldest and most historic rodeos in the United States and has a long history of showcasing top rodeo talent and preserving the western way of life. In addition to the rodeo events, the Ellensburg Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, a parade, a western-themed art show, and food and drink vendors.
Ellensburg, Washington is located in the heart of the Kittitas Valley and is known for its western heritage and scenic beauty. The Ellensburg Rodeo is a major cultural and tourism attraction in Ellensburg and is known for its small-town charm and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Calgary Stampede is ON for 2021!
April 5, 2021 (Alberta, Canada) - The National Post announced last week that not only is the Calgary Stampede back on for 2021, but that a private member’s bill passed unanimously in the Canadian legislature to make rodeo the province’s official sport.
Ivy Conrado-Saebens makes a barrel racing run on her mare, JLo, at the 2019 Calgary Stampede. In Alberta, one of the early, major blows of the COVID-19 pandemic was the cancellation of the Calgary Stampede in 2020. PHOTO BY AZIN GHAFFARI/POSTMEDIA/FILE
April 5, 2021 (Alberta, Canada) - The National Post announced last week that not only is the Calgary Stampede back on for 2021, but that a private member’s bill passed unanimously in the Canadian legislature to make rodeo the province’s official sport. With large agricultural routes, rodeo is thought to have arrived in Calgary via a spillover of the American West.
The Calgary Stampede is one of the five largest rodeos in the world and the province of Alberta was hit hard when they had to cancel in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As they move towards the 2021 event, perhaps modified as many other rodeos are forcing to do, it’s a relief to see rodeo return to the rural communities who rely on them economically.