2026 Chowchilla Stampede

69th Annual Chowchilla Western Stampede 

March 6–8, 2026  |  Chowchilla Fairgrounds  |  Chowchilla, California 

Few events on the Western roping calendar carry the weight of the Chowchilla Western Stampede. Now in its 69th year, this Madera County institution traces its roots all the way back to March 28, 1958, when a group of young cowboys decided the best way to move 150 steers and 60 calves from the west side of Dairyland into town wasn’t by trailer — it was straight down Robertson Boulevard. The stunt created a sensation, cost the fair manager $20 for a trampled strawberry garden, and launched what would become one of the most beloved team roping traditions in California history. 

Today, the Chowchilla Western Stampede is recognized as one of only two authentic cattle drives remaining in the nation, the other being in Fort Worth, Texas. Crowds still line Robertson Boulevard every spring to watch ranchers and cowboys guide the herd through the heart of town, kicking off a weekend of hard roping at the Chowchilla Fairgrounds. In 2026, the event drew hundreds of competitors from across the western United States, with entries topping 260 teams in some ropings. The competition was fierce, the cattle were tough, and when the dust settled, the results spoke for themselves. 

7.5 Handicap Roping  |  Friday, March 6 

220+ teams. Round winner: Max Loya & Anival Guerrero — $400 each. 

Average Payoffs: 

1st  Rory Pierce & Gavin Cardoza  —  $1,700 each 

2nd  Wyatt Hammerstrom & George Dellis  —  $1,450 each 

3rd  Dominic Jr. Patino & Charlie Hagens  —  $1,150 each 

4th  Chad Richards & Seth Mielke  —  $900 each 

5th  Logan Sullivan & Collin Snyder  —  $650 each 

6th  Max Loya & Anival Guerrero  —  $400 each 

7th  Caden Farquer & Sara Naillon  —  $260 each 

10.5 — 8 Steer Roping  |  Saturday, March 7 

44 teams. $3,000 added money. Gross payout: $17,460. 

1st 4 Steer — Short Round: 

Short 1  Cody Cowden & Cord Forzano  —  $870 each 

Short 2  Lane Lowry & Layton Oswald  —  $580 each 

2nd 4 Steer — Short Round: 

Short 1  Andy Holcomb & Logan Anseth  —  $870 each 

Short 2  Tanner Kent & Monty Jo Petska  —  $580 each 

8 Steer Long Average: 

1st  Les Oswald & Layton Oswald  —  $2,375 each 

2nd  Andy Holcomb & Logan Anseth  —  $1,425 each 

3rd  Lane Lowry & Layton Oswald  —  $950 each 

#7 Handicap — 8 Steer Roping  |  Saturday, March 7 

67 teams. $3,000 added money. Gross payout: $25,080. 

1st 4 Steer — Short Round: 

Short 1  Carson Williams & Ted Williams  —  $1,100 each 

Short 2  Poyo Mora & Bobby Roberts  —  $660 each 

Short 3  Dustie Christensen & Shawn Aguilar  —  $440 each 

2nd 4 Steer — Short Round: 

Short 1  Rich Bakke & Scott Harvey  —  $1,100 each 

Short 2  Jamie Anthony & Justin Stacei  —  $660 each 

Short 3  Caden Farquer & Cotton Farquer  —  $440 each 

8 Steer Long Average: 

1st  Lane Sherbo & Gavin Eaton  —  $2,600 each 

2nd  Max Loya & Ryan Fowler  —  $1,950 each 

3rd  David Rosenthal & Tyson Perez  —  $1,300 each 

4th  Nick Paboojian & Tyson Perez  —  $650 each 

4.5 Handicap Roping  |  Sunday, March 8 

198 teams. Total pot for average payoff: $12,020. A little proof that the winner’s circle isn’t just for the boys — Kami Jorian showed up and handled business. 

Average Payoffs: 

1st  Kami Jorian & Collin Snyder  —  $1,600 each 

2nd  Nicholas Forzano & Trevor Sherbo  —  $1,350 each 

3rd  Lane Sherbo & Ty Lawrence Sherbo  —  $1,100 each 

4th  Adrian Iniguez & Shawn Aguilar  —  $860 each 

5th  Taylor Shaw & Shannon Riggs  —  $600 each 

6th  Clay Shropshire & Justin Bruecker  —  $400 each 

7th  Logan Naillon & Sara Naillon  —  $240 each 

5.5 Handicap Roping  |  Sunday, March 8 

262 teams. Total pot for average payoff: $15,680. 

Average Payoffs: 

1st  Rich Bakke & Buck Baca  —  $1,800 each 

2nd  Wyatt Hammerstrom & Chase Dugo  —  $1,580 each 

3rd  Tyson Porter & Jerry Ruiz  —  $1,300 each 

4th  Sean McRoberts & Shannon Riggs  —  $1,100 each 

5th  Ashley Hagens & Shannon Riggs  —  $850 each 

6th  Shank Forzano & Ryan Fowler  —  $620 each 

7th  Josh Verburg & John Gragnani  —  $380 each 

8th  Colton Goodman & Shawn Aguilar  —  $150 each 

#6 Handicap Roping  |  Sunday, March 8 

Great cattle, great runs, and plenty of action all day. 

Average Payoffs: 

1st  Daren Lowry & Chase Dugo  —  $1,350 each 

2nd  Bronc Rowland & George Dellis  —  $1,150 each 

3rd  Tyler Forsberg & Tanner Smith  —  $950 each 

4th  Logan Erickson & Chase Dugo  —  $720 each 

5th  Jake Harvey & Garrett Mathias  —  $520 each 

6th  Breanna Blaswich & Garrett Mathias  —  $300 each 

7th  Madison McDonald & Collin Snyder  —  $200 each 

Dummy Roping — Next Generation  |  Sunday, March 8 

The Chowchilla Western Stampede has always been about more than the money. It’s about keeping the Western way of life alive and putting a rope in the hands of the next generation. The Cozzitorto Family put on the dummy roping, and the kids delivered. 

5 & Under  Rowly Naillon &  

Ages 6–9  EJ Machado &  

Congratulations to all the winners and money earners at the 69th Annual Chowchilla Western Stampede. See you in 2027.