When Are You Leaving for Arizona?
The National Finals Rodeo never fails to remind me why we do what we do, why we celebrate this remarkable community, this incredible sport, and the people who pour their hearts into it. This past December in Las Vegas was electric, filled with the kind of moments that make you grateful to be part of something so much bigger than yourself.
Chris Neal deserves tremendous recognition for the outstanding junior and ladies’ events he produced. Watching these young athletes compete at events like Rope for the Crown reminds us that the future of rodeo is bright and in capable hands. The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway in Arizona brought an excitement and energy that had everyone talking. And then came Fort Worth. When the National Finals Breakaway Roping landed at Cowtown Coliseum, every single seat sold out within one week of the announcement. Fifteen thousand fans packed those historic stands to watch the top 15 women in the world compete for a world championship title. This is something our entire community should be incredibly proud of.
If you haven’t already heard it a dozen times, you will soon. When are you leaving for Arizona? From November through March, Arizona is the place to be with events happening seven days a week. We’re right in the heart of it now, with highlights including the Western Horseman Sunshine Classic at Roper Nation, the Art of the Cowgirl at Rancho Rio, the WSTR Title Fights at Rancho Rio with some serious money on the line, and the NTR National Finals wrapping things up in March. Check the calendar in the back for dates and details.
One of the greatest privileges of this season was getting to spend time with our cover feature, world champion team roper César de la Cruz. Traveling to Arizona to photograph César and his family opened a window into what makes this sport truly special. Meeting his wife Arena, a former college national champion and professional breakaway roper, reminded me that some of the strongest partnerships in rodeo are built on mutual respect and shared experience. When they started their family, Arena stepped back from competition to dedicate herself fully to raising their three boys, Camilo, Gio, and Zorro.
César’s accomplishments speak for themselves. A nine-time NFR qualifier who has earned over one million dollars in his career, he won Cheyenne Frontier Days twice, topped the PRCA regular season standings as the number one heeler, and claimed victories at California Rodeo Salinas, Pendleton, Prescott, and the Justin Boots Championships. But what struck me most was watching him work with his boys, teaching them not just how to rope but how to show up every day and put in the work.
For years, César lived on the road, chasing championships while Arena managed everything at home. The realization that he was missing his boys growing up hit him hard. He sold his highest level heel horse and came home. He scaled back his rodeo schedule and started being present for the people who mattered most.
Now all three boys are excelling in the arena. Camilo is competing in his first year of high school rodeo and has already won state championships. Gio partnered with his brother to win the state team roping title. Zorro is coming up through the ranks with the same fire his father had at that age. They’re learning what their parents have shown them: excellence isn’t just about winning, it’s about being present and building something that lasts.
In our feature story, you’ll read about César’s journey from a kid in Tucson who found his way out through roping, to a world champion who competed at the highest level, to a father choosing presence over prestige. You’ll understand why he says, “When people talk about me 20 years from now, I hope they say I was a great roper, a good role model, and a good dad.”
César, thank you for opening your home and your life to us. Thank you to Arena for her grace and hospitality. We’re honored to have you on our cover.
As we turn the page to 2026, I’m grateful for this community and the stories we get to tell. To every athlete, every producer, every fan who makes this sport what it is: thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
This is more than a job for us. It’s a calling. We love this sport, this culture, and this community with everything we have.
Here’s to an amazing 2026. God bless, and let’s see what beautiful moments lie ahead.
