The dust flew and the competition was fierce as the Pahrump Valley Jr. High/High School Rodeo Club hosted its rodeo event February 6-8, 2026, bringing together talented young athletes from across the region for two days of competition. Contestants competed across a variety of rodeo disciplines, working toward overall average standings determined by the combined times or scores from both days of competition. With strong performances, supportive crowds, and excellent weather, the event showcased both the skill and dedication of the area’s youth rodeo athletes.
According to Rodeo Club Director Buddy Krebs, the event was a success from start to finish. “It went great and smooth. Huge thanks to our sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without their support,” Krebs said, recognizing Pahrump Tourism, Star Nursery, Shadow Mountain Feed, Pahrump Valley Auto Plaza, Pahrump Nugget, Sheriff Joe McGill, Ron Murphy Construction, Jackson and Son Drilling, Rotary Club, and Russ and Dana for their contributions. “I’d also like to thank all of our volunteers, the Town of Pahrump, and the Pahrump Arena Advisory Committee for their help and support as well.”
In the high school division, competitors took part in several timed and judged events, testing their speed, accuracy, and horsemanship. Barrel racing featured several strong runs over the two days, with Ashlin Banning posting times of 18.108 seconds in the first go and 23.838 in the second go for a combined average of 41.946. Prezleigh Porter followed with runs of 23.168 and 21.852, finishing with a 45.020 average. Weslynn Porter recorded times of 26.227 and 20.940, ending with a 47.167 average. Tiffany Roberts completed her second run with a time of 24.132 after receiving a no-time in the first go.
Breakaway roping saw Prezleigh Porter successfully record a 9.230 second time in the second go, while Ashlin Banning recorded no-times in both rounds. In goat tying, Weslynn Porter posted a time of 25.040 seconds during the first go.
Pole bending competition featured several determined runs throughout the weekend. Prezleigh Porter turned in a 29.930 in the first go and a 25.951 in the second, finishing with a 55.881 average. Tiffany Roberts completed both rounds with times of 39.080 and 34.879 for a 73.959 average. Ashlin Banning rebounded with a 27.599 run in the second go after a no-time in the first, while Weslynn Porter recorded a 32.978 time in the opening round.
The shooting sports events also provided exciting moments. Arianna Apolinar delivered an impressive showing in rifle shoot, posting 196 points, while Andy Best recorded 75 points. Apolinar also competed in trap shooting, finishing with 13 points.
On the roping and wrestling side, Jace Jepson delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend. In steer wrestling, Jepson captured first place on day two with a 7.330-second run, securing the top overall average in the event. Jepson also dominated team roping as the heeler, partnering to record times of 7.660 and 7.970, earning first place in both rounds and securing first in the overall average with a combined 15.630. In tie-down roping, Jepson posted a 10.320-second run in the first go, earning first place that day and finishing fourth overall in the average after a no-time in the second round.
Saddle bronc riding competitor Pono Vincent showed determination throughout the weekend, though he was unable to post a qualifying score in either round.
The junior high division featured young competitors stepping into the rodeo arena and gaining valuable experience. In bull riding, Landon Bunner, Bentley Shannon, and Milo Albers all demonstrated toughness and perseverance despite not recording qualifying scores during the event.
Chute dogging saw Milo Albers secure a 25.130-second run in the first go, earning third place that day and finishing sixth overall in the average standings. Champ Colon, Kash Peugh, and Bentley Shannon also competed in the event, showing grit and determination despite no-times during their runs.
Rodeo Club Director Lloyd Peugh praised both the contestants and the community for contributing to the event’s success. “This weekend we had great weather, a lot of contestants, the competition was strong and there was a lot of great sportsmanship,” Peugh said. “It went smooth and the turnout of support was appreciated.”
Throughout the weekend, the rodeo arena served as a place where young athletes demonstrated not only their athletic ability, but also the values that define rodeo culture—hard work, resilience, respect for livestock, and strong sportsmanship. With steady performances across multiple disciplines and strong community backing, the Pahrump Valley Jr. High/High School Rodeo Club once again highlighted the importance of preserving western heritage while fostering growth and opportunity for local youth competitors.
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